Drip Pricing in the Funeral Industry: Understanding the True Cost of Saying Goodbye
When it comes to planning a funeral, the last thing on your mind should be hidden costs and unexpected expenses. Unfortunately, the funeral industry has a long history of using drip pricing tactics, leaving many families with a final bill that far exceeds their initial expectations. In this blog post, we'll explore what drip pricing is, how it affects the total cost of a funeral, and the questions you should ask your funeral provider to ensure you get the full picture.
What is Drip Pricing?
Drip pricing is a tactic used by some businesses to advertise a low base price for a product or service, only to reveal additional fees and charges as the customer progresses through the purchasing process. In the funeral industry, this can manifest in several ways:
- Advertising a low-cost cremation package, but not including essential services like transportation, cremation container, or death certificates in the base price.
- Offering a seemingly affordable casket, but failing to mention that the price doesn't include the cost of the burial plot, grave liner, or opening and closing fees.
- Promoting a budget-friendly memorial service, but adding on charges for items like prayer cards, guest books, or even refreshments.
The result is that the price you see initially is rarely the total cost you'll end up paying. For families already dealing with the emotional and financial strain of losing a loved one, these unexpected expenses can be devastating.
How Often Does Drip Pricing Occur in the Funeral Industry?
Unfortunately, drip pricing is all too common in the funeral industry. A 2017 report by the Consumer Federation of America found that only 25% of funeral homes fully disclosed their prices online, making it difficult for consumers to compare costs and make informed decisions. Additionally, a 2015 study by the Federal Trade Commission revealed that nearly 25% of funeral homes failed to disclose itemized prices for goods and services, as required by the Funeral Rule.
This lack of transparency can lead to families paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than they anticipated for a funeral. In an industry where the average cost of a traditional burial can exceed $7,000, and a basic cremation can cost over $2,000, these hidden fees can quickly add up.
Questions to Ask Your Funeral Provider
To ensure you get the full picture and avoid falling victim to drip pricing, it's essential to ask your funeral provider the right questions. Here are a few key points to address:
- Is the price you're quoting me the total cost, or are there additional fees I should be aware of?
- Can you provide me with an itemized list of all the goods and services included in the package?
- Are there any required items or services that aren't included in the base price?
- What is your policy on refunds or cancellations if I change my mind or need to modify the arrangements?
- Are there any discounts or promotions available that could help reduce the overall cost?
By asking these questions upfront, you can better understand the true cost of the funeral and make informed decisions that align with your budget and preferences.
The Future of Drip Pricing in Canada
In recent years, there has been a growing push to combat drip pricing in various industries, including the funeral sector. In Canada, the government has taken steps to address this issue, with new regulations set to take effect in the near future.
As of June 2022, the Competition Bureau of Canada will begin enforcing new rules that prohibit drip pricing and require businesses to disclose the total price of a product or service upfront, including any additional fees or charges. This means that funeral providers will no longer be able to advertise a low base price, only to reveal hidden costs later in the process.
While this is a step in the right direction, it's important for consumers to remain vigilant and continue asking questions to ensure they're getting the full picture. By educating yourself on the costs associated with a funeral and working with a transparent provider like Eirene Cremations, you can honor your loved one's memory without the added stress of unexpected expenses.
At Eirene Cremations, we believe in providing our clients with clear, upfront pricing and personalized service. Our online platform allows you to arrange a cremation from the comfort of your own home, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. We understand that losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate the complexities of the funeral industry, which is why we strive to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.
In conclusion, drip pricing has long been a problem in the funeral industry, leaving many families with unexpected costs during an already challenging time. By understanding what drip pricing is, asking the right questions, and staying informed about new regulations, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from this deceptive tactic. Remember, the price you see should always be the price you pay, and working with a transparent provider like Eirene Cremations can help ensure that you're able to honor your loved one's memory without the added stress of hidden fees.
