According to Washington regulations, what occurs if the selected merchandise and services exceed the prearranged sales price at the time of need?

In Washington regulations regarding funeral services, if the selected merchandise and services exceed the prearranged sales price at the time of need, the purchaser is required to pay the difference in cost. This reflects the nature of prearranged funeral contracts, which are structured to set a baseline price; however, they often include stipulations that any additional choices made at the time of need—whether due to an upgrade in services or costs that have risen since the original agreement—will be the responsibility of the purchaser.

This approach ensures that the funeral establishment can still meet the actual costs associated with providing the services while maintaining transparency with the families involved. It clearly delineates that while a prearranged sales price provides a guideline for cost, any additional choices made by the family result in additional expenses. This understanding is crucial for consumers planning ahead and helps them prepare financially for potential changes in their funeral service needs.