GPL (General Price List)
The itemized price list every funeral home in the US is legally required to give you on request — in person, by phone, or by email.
The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule requires every funeral home to maintain a current General Price List and to give it to anyone who asks. It must include the price of each service and product the home offers, individually — not just packages.
Funeral homes are required to quote prices over the phone if asked. They are required to provide the GPL in writing to anyone who walks in and discusses arrangements, before discussing prices verbally. Many homes resist this. Insisting on the written GPL is your right.
Comparing GPLs from three to five homes in the same city is the single most effective way to avoid being overcharged. Prices for identical services often vary by 200–400% between neighboring funeral homes.
If a funeral home will not provide its GPL in writing, will not quote direct cremation by phone, or pressures you to discuss arrangements before you see the prices — these are violations of federal law. Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- FTC Funeral Rule— The federal regulation governing what funeral homes can and cannot do. In effect since 1984. Enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
- Non-declinable basic services fee— The one fee a funeral home is allowed to charge every family regardless of what services they pick. Covers overhead — facility, staff time, paperwork.
- Cash advance items— Charges the funeral home pays to a third party on the family's behalf and passes through — death certificates, clergy honoraria, obituary placement, flowers.
This definition is general consumer information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Industry practices and regulations change occasionally; verify before relying on anything here for a specific decision.
Stuck or just need to hear a human voice?
Call (555) 555-55559am–9pm ET, every day.
Prefer email? support@honestfuneral.co