When a loved one dies, grieving family members often are confronted with dozens of decisions about the funeral, all of which must be made quickly and often under great emotional duress. The amount of money to be spent is frequently among the first issues that must be considered. After all, funerals rank among the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make. A traditional funeral, including a casket and vault, costs about $6,000, although "extras" like flowers, obituary notices, acknowledgment cards or limousines can add thousands of dollars to the bottom line. Many funerals run well over $10,000.
Often, even those who are comfortable negotiating the price of major purchases, are reluctant to compare costs or negotiate details and prices when confronted with funeral expenses because they will be perceived as being cheap. Others are willing to overspend on a funeral or burial because they think it is a reflection of their feelings for the deceased.
To help relieve families of some of the decision-making burden, an increasing number of people are planning their own funerals, designating their funeral preferences, and are sometimes even paying for them in advance. In many cases, funeral preparations are made as an extension of will and estate planning. This trend suggests that many consumers want to compare prices and services so that ultimately, the funeral reflects a wise and well-informed purchasing decision, as well as a meaningful one.
Planning
Pre-planning allows you to comparison shop without time constraints, spares your survivors the stress of making decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions, and creates an opportunity for family discussion.
When beginning the planning process, you may choose to make arrangements directly with a funeral establishment or through a funeral planning or memorial society non-profit organizations that provide information about funerals and disposition but dont offer funeral services. Note that some funeral homes may include the word society in their names, but they are not non-profit organizations.
Another important consideration is where the remains will be buried, entombed or scattered. Many times, in the short window between the death and burial of a loved one who has not preplanned, family members find themselves rushing to buy a cemetery plot or grave. Because time is short, often the choice is made without careful thought or even a personal visit to the site. Purchasing a cemetery plot or choosing a final resting place in advance prevents the need for last-minute decision making.
As the planning progresses and becomes finalized, be sure to have all the details in writing. Give copies to family members and your attorney, and keep a copy in a handy place. Dont designate your preferences in your will, because often, a will is not found or read until after the funeral. Avoid putting the only copy of the documents in a safe deposit box, your family may have to make arrangements on a weekend or holiday before the box can be opened.
Planning in advance doesnt always mean payment in advance. However, as time passes, prices may increase and businesses may close or change ownership. But in areas with increased competition, prices may go down over time. Its a good idea to review and revise your decisions every few years, based on current economic and family situations. Here are some suggestions to take into consideration when you begin the planning process:
Working with a Funeral Home
Review the Trade Commissions Funeral Rule
prior to shopping. It outlines your rights as a shopper.
 Know your local laws: rules regarding funerals and burials vary from state to state so it's smart to know which goods or services the law requires you to purchase and which are optional.
Print a copy of the General Price List and visit at least two funeral homes to compare costs.
Negotiate wisely. This is a service business, and like many service businesses, costs may start high and can be negotiated to a lower amount.
 If youve visited other funeral providers, tell them that youre shopping to compare prices. Then ask for, and review, an itemized list of expenses that includes transfer of the body, the hearse, the limo, etc. plus the cost of the service (their time). Only after the price has been presented and services agreed to, should you start negotiating by telling them that you have chosen your own casket, or urn, or other products. Those costs can then be removed from the contract before signing.
Dont feel obligated to purchase a package if it includes goods and services you dont want or need.
Be wary if asked to buy a Death Insurance Financial Contract. A legitimate insurance company may indeed be underwriting the insurance policy, but it may be paying referral fees to the funeral sales person. Also, the funeral home/cemetery typically names themselves as the beneficiary of the policy not the survivors. So the face value of the policy usually ends up covering the exact cost of the funeral and cemetery. And while there are federal regulations covering the funeral industry, there are none covering the cemetery industry. So ask if there are referral fees being paid, and/or who the beneficiary will be.
If your survivors will be the ones working with the funeral home, suggest that they not tell the funeral home or the cemetery company that there are insurance proceeds or at least they should not mention a dollar amount. Less reputable companies will figure out a way to spend the entire amount of money that is forthcoming.
Whether preplanning or having survivors in charge, be sure to have all details finalized, and contract signed, before the body is transferred to the funeral home. Less reputable companies can inflate prices because at that point, the bill will have to be paid no matter what the cost.
Money Saving Tips
Avoid emotional overspending. Its not necessary to have the fanciest casket, or the most elaborate funeral to properly honor a loved one.
Apply the same smart shopping techniques you use for other major purchases. You can cut costs by limiting the viewing to one day or one hour before the funeral, and by dressing your loved one in a favorite outfit instead of costly burial clothing.
Eliminate charges for embalming and other body preparations by forgoing a viewing. You save both the expense of these procedures as well as the cost of the service that would be provided. If your state requires embalming, the funeral home must disclose that information to you in writing.
Many states do not require that a funeral home conduct your service. Religious groups or even family is able to do this.
Choosing a Casket
While you have every right to purchase a casket through your funeral provider, you now have the option to purchase a casket online. Because it can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home, you or your family can spend as much time as needed to make the perfect selection. Also, because the casket and the funeral home services tend to be the most expensive items associated with a funeral, purchasing a casket online can be very budget friendly.
There are three steps involved with this process: choosing the right casket, comparing prices and purchasing the casket, and having it delivered. Here at Express Casket, we offer a range of models, including 18-Gauge Steel, 20-Gauge Steel, Hardwood and Veneers. They are high-quality products, and we deliver them quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. We make
payment easy, and our products are available
across the country. If you have questions, our operators are available 24 hours a day, at 888-448-4001.
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