General Price List Requirements: Practical Steps and Documents

Losing someone is hard enough without being pushed into rushed decisions worth thousands of dollars. That is why the General Price List (GPL) matters. Required of funeral providers by the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, the GPL gives you the itemized information you need to make informed choices without being pressured into things you do not want.

Funeral planning has moved toward more digital pricing and flexible payment options, but your core legal protections under the Funeral Rule remain your strongest tool. This guide explains what a GPL must include, how to use it to compare costs, and what your rights are at 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

The Funeral Rule was written around in-person interactions, but you can do much of your comparison before you ever visit a funeral home.

Requesting the GPL by Email or in Person

Many funeral homes will provide a copy of their GPL by email or hand it to you on a visit. Getting it in writing lets you compare prices at home, away from the pressure of the showroom. Federal law requires the funeral home to give you a printed GPL to keep when you discuss arrangements in person; some states have moved toward online posting as well, though requirements vary by state.

Using Phone Inquiries

You do not have to give your name, address, or phone number to get pricing information over the telephone. Under the Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give accurate pricing if you ask by phone. Consumer surveys over the years have repeatedly found that some homes fail to comply, so it is worth calling several and comparing.

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 GPL, they were able to decline those specific line items, saving roughly $800 compared to the "standard burial package" the home initially suggested. To learn more about these costs, see our guide on the average funeral cost breakdown.

Example 3: Comparing Direct Cremation

A family called three funeral homes in the same area. By asking for the direct cremation price (which includes the basic services fee, transport, and the cremation itself), they found a range of $1,200 to $2,900 — and choosing the lower option left more for the estate. For more details on this option, see what direct cremation is.

Recent Trends and Updates

A few developments are worth knowing about:

• Online Pricing Transparency: The FTC has reviewed potential updates to the Funeral Rule and treats online price transparency as an area of interest. Many funeral homes voluntarily post their General Price Lists online to build trust, even though the Rule does not currently require it. Check the FTC's site for the current state of any rule changes.
• HSA Proposals: Periodically, lawmakers float proposals to let families use Health Savings Account (HSA) funds for end-of-life expenses. None has become federal law, so families should not assume HSA funds can be used for funeral costs without confirming current IRS rules.
• Livestreaming Costs: Livestreaming is no longer an "extra"—it's an expectation for many 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 across funeral homes can often reduce their total costs meaningfully, since identical services are frequently priced very differently from one provider to the next.

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. For a broader look at legal protections, see our guide to state funeral laws in the USA and the FTC Funeral Rule directly.

Final Thoughts

The General Price List is more than a menu of services; it is a consumer-protection document. Understanding what it must contain moves you from accepting whatever you are offered to making informed choices, whether you are pre-planning or handling a loved one's arrangements. Always ask to see the itemized costs in writing.

A reputable funeral home will offer the GPL, the Casket Price List, and the Outer Burial Container Price List without being asked. If you encounter resistance, hand-written prices, or "mandatory packages," you can take your business elsewhere. For state-by-state pricing, see our guide on burial cost in the USA by state.

This article explains general consumer rights under the FTC Funeral Rule and is not legal advice. State requirements vary; for the authoritative rule text and any updates, consult the FTC.