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The Funeral Rule, enforced by the FTC, makes it possible for you to choose only those goods and services you want or need and to pay only for those you select, whether you are making arrangements when a death occurs or in advance. The Rule allows you to compare prices among funeral homes, and makes it possible for you to select the funeral arrangements you want at the home you use. (The Rule does not apply to third-party sellers, such as casket and monument dealers, or to cemeteries that lack an on-site funeral home.)
For more information, visit FTC Facts for Consumers Page, our General Price List FAQ, and the additional resources found on the pages that follow.
I hope you know that you left a comment on the site, that you didn't write to us directly and provide an email address that we could write back to you with.
The family can transport the casket, but they'll have to get a funeral director's signature on the death cert. in Michigan. I can give you all the details, but it would be much easier in an email exchange with you. Please write to me directly at josh@funerals.org.
Josh Slocum
I rememeber my Grandmother spening over $10,000 dollars to bury her hysband years ago, because they talked to her alone and told her all kind of lies. She was a poor person of age. I have preached many funerals where I have seen families spend 5 and 6 times what was needed because the funeral home told them it was the only way to protect their love one from bad thing in the grave.
I know of funeral homes in Oakdale, louisiana and other towns around that will not use the cheaper wood or box funerals. I know of some that would refuse and transfer the body to another funeral home because they could not make the amont of money they wanted.
Something needs to be done in Louisiana to stop poor people from being taken advantage of in these ways. It breaks my heart to preach a funeral where I see how the family is treated so badly. I know they must make money, but not what they make today. They sell 6 or 8 thousand dollar funerals thet cost them less then $1200.00, this is terrible. If you can have any effect on Louisiana funeral homes please use every bit of your authority to do so.
Also, the owner of Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many, LA makes a practice of telling customers that a casket made of copper or bronze (obviously more expensive) will preserve human remains longer than will steel or wood caskets. His one word explanation ("AIR") defies logic and all ethical concerns.
Until these firms are forced to stick to the letter and intent of the law, consumers will continue to be ripped off by unsound practices.
There is no such federal law preventing you from getting a refund unless you move out of state. If you want to email me directly with the details (including your location, etc.), send it to josh@funerals.org and I'll try to help you work it out.
Thanks.
FD USA