What must a funeral director provide to a purchaser before selling services or merchandise?

A funeral director is required to provide an itemized price list to a purchaser before engaging in the sale of services or merchandise. This requirement is rooted in the standards set forth by the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, which aims to ensure transparency and protect consumers in the funeral services industry.

By providing an itemized price list, the funeral director gives the purchaser a clear understanding of all available options and their associated costs. This practice enables individuals and families to make informed decisions during a difficult time, thereby fostering trust and clarity in the funeral planning process. The itemized price list must include both the prices of services and the prices of merchandise, making it a vital tool for comparability and budgeting.

The other options, while potentially useful in specific contexts, do not fulfill the legal requirements of providing a buyer with necessary information prior to a transaction. The focus on an itemized price list ensures that consumers have access to crucial information right from the start, which is an important aspect of ethical practice in the funeral profession.