To: HQ.DCMAIL3(FUNERAL)

Date: Tue, Jun 22, 1999 12:22 PM

Subject: Funeral Rule Review

To whom it may concern;

I am a funeral director who complies with the funeral rule that the FTC has on it books. If you would like to really do something to protect the consumer enact a rule on MSRP. By using manufacturers suggested retail pricing of the merchandise we offer for sale the chain and unfair pricing of caskets,vaults etc.(one of the biggest profit centers for funeral homes) would give the consumer a better edge on the cost they have to pay. Many funeral directors use various ways to price a casket and vault and they vary from reasonable to outrageous. A fair profit on merchandise is all we can expect. The consumer on the other hand is at the mercy of the seller as to the price they pay... Level the Field....When a chain buys a funeral home, the first thing that is raised is the price of the funeral merchandise. The consumer not knowing the firm they have placed their trust in is now in the hands of big business, is at their mercy. I have always felt if this difference could be lessened the consumer wins.

Corporate owned funeral home should be required to let the consumer know who is the owner of the facility is. Not everybody wants to do business with the big boys. there is no savings to the consumer if they (corporate funeral homes) get the biggest discounts in history from their suppliers. They keep raising the casket & vault prices and putting the difference in their pockets.

I must qualify the fact I am an Independent funeral director who has not only profit in mind but also fairness of pricing... Please consider MSRP as part of the changes you will enact as part of the Funeral Rule

thank you...