WHY JOIN A FUNERAL CONSUMER SOCIETY?

Just as there are facts of life, there are facts of death. Here are some of the facts that we must deal with.

• From over a million deaths in the USA, the funeral industry generates profits of over seven BILLION dollars (Wall St. Jnl.).
• Large holding companies are purchasing mortuaries, cemeteries and crematoria therefore eliminating competition and restricting consumer choices.
• According to the National Funeral Directors Ass'n., the cost of funeral services and merchandise has risen three times faster than the cost of living.
• According to the Federal Trade Commission, funeral purchases are now the third highest cost incurred by individuals and families, close behind the purchase of homes and automobiles. (The average funeral cost is in excess of $6,500).
• The F.T.C. reports that less than 30% of the funeral industry complies with the laws that were introduced over fifteen years ago.
• Consumer's Union lists funeral purchases as one of the top abuses of the elderly.
• In the marketplace for funeral services and merchandise, there is a conflict between grief and greed, between emotions and economics. Only a well-informed consumer is prepared to deal with this conflict.

We are committed to serving the public at large, not only our membership. There is no REQUIRED fee to join; however a voluntary contribution is requested when you join. Currently we are asking for a $25.00 donation per family or a $50.00 donation for a organization or business. Supporters of the Society are invited to contribute annually to the work of the Society, which is funded entirely by contributions from our supporters. We welcome those who need assistance and are unable to contribute.

(There are those supporters who have chosen to join the 1% Club and donate $65.00 annually-symbolically it represents 1% of the average funeral cost.)

Enrollment provides:

• Results of periodic price surveys of local funeral homes, cemeteries, or crematoria
• Access to sample forms to help you organize and communicate end-of-life decisions to your loved ones regarding body and organ donations, living wills and health care, etc.
• Newsletter subscription with information about local and national trends in funeral-related costs, options, and regulations.

Enrollments above $25.00 will receive a free planning kit (Before I Go You Should Know) in a plastic pouch which is sold separately for $10.00.

If you would like to become a supporter of the FCA of GKC please print out a form, fill it out, and mail directly to:

Funeral Consumers Alliance of Greater Kansas City
4501 Walnut St.
Kansas City, MO 64111

Click here to view and print out a form.