You might talk to friends and co-workers about the deal you got on your new car, but it's unlikely you've had a similar discussion about buying a casket. And very few of us will do any price shopping. Even if we don't wait until the last minute, it's creepy browsing at your local funeral home. Retail prices can vary widely. Other items have similar profit margins.
Service charges vary widely.
These charges are typically for use of the funeral home, ushers, etc. As you might expect, sound shopping practices apply here, too. Do your shopping before you have a need. You'll always pay more when you must have it now. And shopping doesn't need to be as morbid as you might expect.