What does a casket handling fee refer to?

A casket handling fee refers specifically to the charge that funeral homes may impose on consumers who choose to purchase a casket from a different retailer or source rather than directly from the funeral home itself. This fee is intended to cover the costs associated with receiving, storing, and preparing the casket for use in the funeral service.

Funeral homes often offer caskets as part of their services, which typically includes the cost of the casket in their overall service pricing. However, when a consumer opts to provide their own casket, the funeral home may incur additional labor and logistical expenses in handling that casket, which justifies the implementation of a handling fee.

Understanding the context of casket handling fees helps consumers be aware of potential extra costs and the rationale behind them when making funeral arrangements. It highlights the importance of transparency in pricing and service offerings in the funeral industry.