Consumer Checklist

Consumer's Checklist
This helpful list can help you gather and prepare important documents and information you will need: 

• Get the prices of the goods and services. A copy of the general price list must be provided. You can get it in person or ask for the prices on the phone.
   
• Get the separate price lists for caskets, vaults, and cremation urns. These lists must also be provided.
   
• Get a written statement of the goods and services you select. This is important for comparison shopping and holding the funeral home accountable.
   
• If you choose to take care of some services yourself, check to see if there are charges for these services in the fees. Ask the funeral director to explain the services included in the funeral home's fees and insist the fee be reduced if you make any of the arrangements yourself.
   
• It is not always clear what goods or services are guaranteed, or how excess funds will be handled. Be sure that any contract you sign clearly specifies the responsibilities of the funeral home.
   
• Ask the funeral director to describe the investment risk and rate of return of every option. Funds placed in escrow for prepaid funeral contracts should be managed as carefully as any other investment you make.
   
• Contact the escrow agents directly to ask about their management policies.