From:    Betty Brown <a-team@stratos.net>

To:          HQ.DCMAIL3(FUNERAL)

Date:     Thu, May 13, 1999  3:01 PM

Subject:     16 CFR part 453

What I would like to see in the funeral rule:

1) Funeral providers have on the GPL more information (like: "You have the right to purchase ALL of the Product at any other retail store, like a casket store, or even homemake your own. The list of stores in this area are:" (wouldn't that take the wind out of the cheaters!) We gladly accept all delivery with no handling fees or discrimination in any way.

2) Emblaming is only a short method of preserving the remains for a viewing. It also includes (and a full description for the knowledge of the family, what exactly happens, with what chemicals, items)

3) A viewing can be had with  or without the embalming required in this estab./and the cooler along with our make-up staff will make the deceased presentable, and perhaps save quite a few hundred dollars.

4) The viewing does not have to have the use of any container (casket) if that is what the family wishes. We are here to SERVE you.

5) The funeral home has no commision kick backs from any cemetery (and have that industry into the funeral rule jurisdiction also)for any referrals or sales by them to the family we  serve.

6) I would like to see the funeral home not be allowed to double charge a family that has to transport the deceased from ont area to another, buy adding a Basic Service fee at both ends. This is outragious!!! IT drives the cost up sky high!

• then I would also like the FTC to stop funeral suppliers from shutting out casket stores purchasing the product they sell. "You need a four yr. coll/batch degree = funeral director license  in order to buy our concrete boxes (grave liners) or caskets."

We all know why, to stop the free trade, and that IS THE ONLY REASON, driving the fees to the highest they can get!!..

• And no, do not include the requirement of a retail casket store to also provide funeral services

• who's being protected if that happens?? (The closed market as is yet today)Yes, put the casket stores under the same requirements to have the casket price list given out, to act with high ideals at all times.

Make it manatory that all transactions are recorded (like a bank) for at any time, it may be reviewed by an inspector of the FTC.

Of all families being "sold" the service and product and arrangements that they make at a funeral home. (Or better yet, tell it on the GPL-"You may video the transactions for the arrangements to be more assured of your comfort in this area." _Wouldn't that be a great relief, sales tool for them to use??)

This all has been in the dark for too too long. Let the public see all the ins and outs of this industry. Why do they want to hide it all and still say, "TRUST is the reason you can do business here"

• And the last needed change is the board in each state. Until the public gets an unbiased board, not much will change.

My name is Betty Brown, Ceo of A Team Masters Casket Store, 262 Shelton Blvd., Eastlake, Oh 44095, phone: 440-942-8769