When compared to other major life cycle events, like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. Contrary to popular belief, funeral homes are largely family-owned with a modest profit margin. Funeral service is regulated by the FTC and Wyoming State Board of Embalming. In most cases, the consumer should discuss problems with the funeral director first. If the dispute cannot be solved by talking with the funeral director, the consumer may wish to contact the Funeral Service Consumer Assistance Program.
Funeral directors look upon their profession as a service, but it is also a business.
Like any business, funeral homes must make a profit to exist. As long as the profit is reasonable and the services rendered are necessary, complete, and satisfactory to the family, profit is legitimate. Talking about the mark up on caskets is really not the point. Other than the family, there are veteran, union, and other organizational benefits to pay for funerals, including, in certain instances, a lump sum death payment from Social Security. In Wyoming, allowances are available from the Department Of Family Services in certain cases.