Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a funeral home accept the casket I provide?
A: Yes, all funeral homes will accept the casket you provide, whether you buy it from the funeral home or from another source, in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule. The Funeral Rule Consumer Guide may be viewed on-line at
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro19.shtm
Q:
What is the Funeral Rule and what does it say?
A: The Funeral Rule, first effective in 1984, was the Federal Trade Commission's response to allegations of abuse in the funeral industry.
In simple terms it states:
- Consumers have the right to choose the funeral goods and services they want (with some exceptions).
- The funeral provider must state this right in writing on the general price list.
- If state or local law requires consumers to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.
- The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket purchased elsewhere.
- A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.
Q: What do I need to know about funeral pricing practices and what is allowed by law?
A: There are three price lists required by the FTC: the General Price List (GPL), the Casket Price List (CPL), and the Outer Burial Container (OBC) price list. It is important to know that ALL PRICES must be established and cannot change arbitrarily to facilitate profit maximization. The FTC Funeral Rule REQUIRES that the client be presented with these price lists upon request and they must be OFFERED before any merchandise or service is discussed or shown. It is also important to know that alternative price lists are only allowed for children and infants, government agencies, and religious groups or memorial societies. For the complete consumer guide, refer to: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro19.shtm
Q: If I buy a Stuart & Presley casket, will it get to my funeral home in time for the funeral?
A: Yes. We offer free delivery* to MI's eastern U.P. including Newberry, Sault Ste. Marie, and St. Ignace. Outside of this radius, we ship by common carrier to meet the needs of our clients.
Q: Are Stuart & Presley caskets compatible with standard burial containers?
A: Yes. Our caskets are sized to fit in a standard vault. However, we also offer oversized(custom order only) caskets which would not fit a standard vault. All of our standard sizes are: 17” H x 27” W x 81” L.
Q: Are Stuart & Presley caskets durable?
A: Yes. Our caskets utilize through bolts on the solid brass handles to prevent pullout and dovetailed corners to prevent any corner separation. A screwed and glued 1” x 2” ledger strip and 5/8” plywood bottom assure that the lower casket does not fail. The tops are fastened with separable hinges, stays and catches which are standard to the casket industry.
Q: How can I simplify the burial process without sacrificing dignity?
A: Besides choosing a simple, inexpensive casket, there are many other options which personalize and simplify a funeral. Perhaps the idea of a home funeral appeals to you, or a "green" funeral, or a simple graveside service. There are funeral directors who will help you with these choices. The key is to think and plan ahead by educating yourself. Here are some good places to start:
- Green Burial Council--national organization which works to protect our country's natural resources by encouraging and certifying "green" products and practices in the funeral industry. This site lists "green" and supportive funeral directors and product manufacturers. www.greenburialcouncil.org
- Funeral Consumers Alliance--national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting a consumer's right to choose a dignified, affordable funeral. www.funerals.org
- Funeral Consumers Information Society--local affliation of the Funeral Consumers Alliance based in Detroit, MI to support and encourage choices for dignified and affordable funerals. www.funeralinformationsociety.org
- Simple Funerals--a funeral business in metro Detroit, MI which specializes in inexpensive, personalized funerals. www.simple-funerals.com
Q:What is the Green Burial Council?
A: "Since 2005, the Green Burial Council has been working to make burial sustainable for the planet, meaningful for the families, and economically viable for the provider. And in that short period of time, we've emerged as the "gold standard" among consumers, land trusts, park service agencies as well the cemetery/funeral profession." ~ Green Burial Council
Certification by the Green Burial Council assures consumers that products are indeed earth-friendly and not harmful to our environment.
* Limited time offer only.
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