What information must be provided to potential purchasers before entering a contract?

The requirement to provide itemized charges for services, facilities, caskets, and cash advance items is rooted in the desire for transparency and informed decision-making in the funeral industry. This level of detail allows potential purchasers to understand precisely what they are paying for and enables them to compare prices and services effectively across different funeral homes. The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule mandates that consumers receive an itemized price list when they inquire about funeral services, which empowers them to make choices that best suit their budget and preferences.

General pricing information, while helpful, is not sufficient on its own because it does not break down each component of the services offered. Just presenting total charges fails to provide clarity on what those charges specifically entail. Promotional offers, while potentially attractive, do not address the need for consumers to know the basic costs and services that they are selecting, which is the crux of consumer protection in the funeral sector. The provision of itemized charges ensures that purchasers can navigate their options with full understanding and confidence.