As a retail merchant of funeral merchandise without the ability to offer funeral service I don't feel we fit the definition of a funeral provider. As to the ability of a funeral director to charge a fee for the handling of a casket purchased elsewhere this would effectively eliminate the competition that was created by the funeral rule. If the funeral home lowered their casket prices to meet the competition they would get the sale. The only reason the consumer purchases from a merchandise retailer is that they save money. The funeral rule as presently written allows the consumer a choice that would not exist otherwise. Competition is the American way. Eliminate the competition and the prices will soar. Let us continue to allow the consumer the power of choice.

Barry Rubin
The Casket Store
217 W. Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA 19401