by Sara Williams, President of FCANC and the national organization Funeral Consumers Alliance
After months of phone calls, emails, and an occasional in-person visit, all of the 750+ funeral homes in North Carolina have been contacted about their General Price Lists (commonly referred to as “GPLs”) and our 2023 Price Survey is now accessible online.
WHAT??? You didn’t realize these prices weren’t already posted for potential customers to be able to easily do comparison shopping like they might with other goods and services? Well, they are not.
And this is why your all-volunteer Board of Directors has made every effort (usually multiple) to get these prices posted in one place for you. It’s easily some of the most gratifying and important work we do.
We are hopeful that later this year, the Federal Trade Commission will finally update their Funeral Rule of 1984, making it mandatory for all funeral homes to be transparent and post these prices online. And your FCANC Board of Directors will not have to undertake this arduous task again!
You will notice immediately that the prices–even for the same service within the same county—vary enormously. Don’t see any prices listed? Well, that’s because the funeral home chose not to cooperate with our efforts. This is why you as a consumer should think carefully about what you want, know your rights ahead of time, and compare prices before making one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your lifetime.
Thank you for your continued support of Funeral Consumers Alliance North Carolina!