General Price List Requirements: Practical Steps and Documents

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of life’s most profound challenges. Amidst the grief, families are often thrust into a high-stakes financial environment where they must make rapid decisions involving thousands of dollars. This is why understanding General Price List requirements is so critical. The General Price List (GPL) is essentially your "Shield of Transparency." Mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through the Funeral Rule, this document ensures that you have the information necessary to make informed choices without being pressured into unnecessary expenses.

During 2025, the landscape of funeral planning is shifting toward digital transparency and more flexible payment options. However, the core legal protections remain your strongest asset. In this guide, we will break down exactly what a GPL should look like, how to use it to compare costs, and what your rights are when walking into any funeral home in the United States.

The "Big Three" Documents Every Family Needs

When you begin the process of planning a service, the funeral director is legally required to provide you with specific documentation. While the GPL is the primary document, it often references two other specialized lists.

1. The General Price List (GPL)

The GPL is the most important document. It must contain the costs of all the goods and services the funeral home offers. According to federal price list requirements, this must be given to you for your own retention—meaning you get to keep it.

2. The Casket Price List (CPL)

If the GPL does not list the prices of all available caskets, the director must show you a separate Casket Price List before you look at any actual caskets. This prevents the "showroom trap," where only the most expensive models are displayed first.

3. The Outer Burial Container Price List (OBCPL)

Similar to the Casket Price List, if you are considering a grave liner or vault, you must be shown the OBCPL before viewing the containers. This list describes the different options available to protect the casket and prevent the ground from settling.

The 6 Mandatory Disclosures

For a funeral home to be in compliance with funeral GPL regulations, their price list must contain six specific disclosures. These must be written in the exact language prescribed by the FTC. If you don't see these, it is a major red flag.

1. The Right of Selection: A statement telling you that you have the right to choose only the items you want, except for the non-declinable basic services fee.
2. Embalming: A disclosure explaining that embalming is not required by law except in certain special cases.
3. Alternative Containers: A statement that if you want a direct cremation, you can use an "alternative container" (like unfinished wood or cardboard) rather than a casket.
4. Basic Services Fee: An explanation of the fee that covers the funeral director’s overhead and professional services.
5. Casket Price List: A note stating that a full casket price list is available.
6. Outer Burial Container Price List: A note stating that a full burial container price list is available.

How to Shop for a Funeral in 2026

In 2025 and 2026, the way we shop for funerals is evolving. While the law has traditionally focused on in-person interactions, digital accessibility is becoming the new standard.

Requesting Digital PDFs

A growing trend in 2025 is for savvy consumers to request a PDF of the GPL via email or text before they ever set foot in a funeral home. This allows you to compare prices in the comfort of your own home, away from the emotional weight of the funeral parlor. While not yet federally mandated, California’s AB 924 and similar state laws are pushing for this transparency.

Using Phone Inquiries

You do not have to give your name, address, or phone number to get pricing information over the telephone. Funeral homes must provide accurate pricing if you ask. In 2024, a "phone sweep" by the FTC found that over a quarter of homes failed this basic requirement.

Real-World Examples of GPL Usage

Example 1: The Third-Party Casket

The Miller family decided to buy a casket from an online retailer for $1,200 because the funeral home's equivalent model was $3,500. Under the Funeral Rule, the funeral home must accept this casket and cannot charge a "casket handling fee." This saved the family $2,300 instantly.

Example 2: The Itemized Memorial

A family wanted a traditional viewing but did not want a limousine or a formal funeral procession. By using the funeral GPL, they were able to decline those specific line items, saving approximately $800 compared to the "Standard Burial Package" the home initially suggested. To learn more about these costs, see our guide on Average Funeral Cost USA.

Example 3: Comparing Direct Cremation

Sarah called three different funeral homes in her zip code. By asking for the direct cremation price (which includes the basic services fee, transport, and the cremation process), she found a range of $1,200 to $2,900. By choosing the most affordable option, she saved $1,700 for her father’s estate. For more details on this option, visit Direct Cremation USA.

Recent Trends and 2025-2026 Updates

The funeral industry is currently undergoing significant legislative and technological changes:

• The Funeral Coverage Act: This proposed legislation aims to allow families to use Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to cover funeral expenses. This would make the GPL even more important as families track tax-free expenditures.
• Online Pricing Priority: The FTC released a staff report in late 2024 signaling that online transparency is a top enforcement priority for 2025. Many homes are now voluntarily posting their GPLs online to build trust.
• Livestreaming Costs: In 2025, livestreaming is no longer an "extra"—it's an expectation for 64% of families. Look for this as a standard itemized line item on modern GPLs.
• Lowering EDR Fees: Some states are working to lower Electronic Death Registration (EDR) fees, which should reflect as lower "cash advance" items on your final statement.

Bottom line: Consumers who use the GPL to shop and compare prices save an average of 25% on total funeral costs.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

"Bundled Packages are Always Cheaper"

While a "Value Package" might look attractive, it often includes items you don't need, like a guest book or folders that you could print yourself for a fraction of the cost. A funeral home can offer packages, but they must also provide the itemized price for every component in that package on the same list.

"Hand-Written Prices are Okay"

The FTC is very strict: price lists must be "printed or typewritten." Hand-scribbled price changes are a major red flag and often indicate that the home is not keeping up with federal compliance.

"Protective Caskets Preserve the Body"

Some caskets are marketed as "gasketed" or "protective." While these may keep out water and soil, they do not prevent decomposition. The FTC prohibits any claim that a specific casket or vault will preserve human remains forever. Such claims are a direct violation of the Funeral Rule. For a broader look at legal protections, read FTC Funeral Rule Explained.

Conclusion: Knowledge is Power

The General Price List is more than just a menu of services; it is a legal document designed to protect you during a period of extreme vulnerability. By understanding General Price List requirements, you move from a position of emotional compliance to one of informed decision-making. For those planning in advance or handling the affairs of a loved one, always insist on seeing the itemized costs.

Remember, a reputable funeral home will lead with transparency. They will offer the GPL, CPL, and OBCPL without being asked. If you encounter resistance, hand-written prices, or "mandatory packages," consider taking your business elsewhere. You have the right to a dignified service that fits your budget and respects your choices. For those looking for more specific state-by-state data, our guide on Burial Cost USA by State provides deeper insights into regional pricing variations.