The General Price List — commonly abbreviated as GPL — is the single most important document a family can request from a funeral home. Required by the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, every funeral provider in the United States must make this itemized pricing document available to any consumer who asks, either in person, by mail, or over the phone. Yet despite being a legal right, fewer than 20% of families actually request or compare GPLs before choosing a funeral home. Understanding how to read this document can save your family thousands of dollars and prevent predatory upselling during the most vulnerable moments of your life.
What Is the FTC Funeral Rule?
The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) is a federal regulation that has been in effect since 1984. It was enacted specifically to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair practices in the funeral industry. The rule has several key provisions:
- Mandatory Price Disclosure: Funeral homes must provide an itemized General Price List to anyone who inquires about services, arrangements, or prices — even over the phone.
- Itemized Selection: Families have the right to select only the services they want. Funeral homes cannot require the purchase of a package if the consumer prefers to choose items individually.
- Outside Casket Acceptance: Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased from third parties (such as online retailers like Costco or Amazon) without charging a handling fee.
- No Required Embalming: Except in very limited circumstances defined by state law, embalming is never legally required. The funeral home must get explicit permission before embalming.
- Alternative Container Disclosure: For cremation, the funeral home must inform families that an alternative container (such as cardboard) can be used instead of an expensive casket.
Violations of the Funeral Rule can result in fines of up to $50,120 per violation. If you believe a funeral home has violated any of these provisions, file a complaint with the FTC.
Anatomy of a General Price List
While every funeral home's GPL looks slightly different, the FTC requires them to include specific categories. Here is a typical structure with real-world price ranges:
| Line Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Services of Funeral Director & Staff | $2,200–$3,800 | This is a non-declinable fee charged by virtually all funeral homes. It covers administrative overhead, planning, and coordination. |
| Embalming | $750–$1,400 | Only required if a public viewing is planned or if specific state law mandates it. Always ask before this is performed. |
| Other Preparation (Cosmetics, Hairdressing) | $200–$500 | Separate from embalming. Covers restoration and cosmetology. |
| Use of Facilities for Viewing | $400–$900 | Per day. Multi-day viewings will multiply this cost. |
| Use of Facilities for Funeral Ceremony | $500–$1,000 | Covers the chapel, setup, staff, and equipment for the service. |
| Hearse (Local Transfer) | $350–$600 | Transportation from funeral home to cemetery. |
| Service Car / Limousine | $200–$500 | Optional. For family transportation to/from the ceremony. |
| Caskets | $1,000–$10,000+ | The single largest variable. Ask to see the full range, including the least expensive options. |
| Direct Cremation (Package) | $1,500–$4,000 | All-inclusive package for cremation without viewing or ceremony. |
When comparing GPLs, always add up the total cost for the specific type of service you want. A funeral home with a low 'basic services' fee might charge significantly more for the facilities or casket.
Common GPL Red Flags
Not all General Price Lists are created honestly. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Package-Only Pricing: If a funeral home only offers pre-bundled packages and refuses to itemize individual costs, they are violating the FTC Funeral Rule.
- Missing Alternative Container Option: For cremation services, the GPL must list the option of using an inexpensive alternative container. If this option is missing or buried in fine print, be cautious.
- 'Minimum' Casket Requirement for Cremation: Some funeral homes imply that an expensive casket is required for cremation. This is false. A cardboard or fiberboard container is legally acceptable in all 50 states.
- Vague 'Cash Advance' Items: Cash advance items (death certificates, obituaries, flowers, clergy) should be listed with estimated costs. If they are listed without dollar amounts, ask for specific estimates in writing.
- No GPL Available Online: While not legally required to post GPLs online, funeral homes that refuse to share their pricing until you visit in person are often using high-pressure sales tactics.
How to Use Our Directory to Compare Providers
Our directory lists funeral homes by state and city, making it easy to identify multiple providers in your area. Here is our recommended comparison workflow:
- Identify 3–5 funeral homes near you using our directory. Note whether they are family-owned or corporately managed, as this can influence pricing and service culture.
- Call each funeral home and request their GPL by email or mail. They are legally required to provide it.
- Create a comparison spreadsheet listing the key line items side by side. Focus on the total cost for the specific type of service you want (full-service burial, cremation with memorial, direct cremation).
- Ask about additional fees not listed on the GPL, including weekend surcharges, after-hours removal fees, and any transfer fees if the death occurred far from the funeral home.
- Visit in person only after you have narrowed your options to 1–2 providers based on price. This prevents emotional decision-making in a high-pressure sales environment.
Remember: the funeral home that charges the most is not necessarily the best, and the cheapest option is not always the worst. Focus on the combination of price, reputation, and the comfort level you feel with the staff.