Becoming an NCRA member

National Casket Retailers Assoc.

The NCRA site is meant to inform and update the public on the funeral industry. By joining as a

, you will be part of a group that intends and IS a powerful force in exposing unethical and non compliance actions of some morticians, that fail to follow the intent of the Federal Trade Commission.

Join the National Casket Retailers Association and fight unfair trade practicesSee our BY LAWS and CODE OF ETHICS which renewal and new members agree to uphold.

1. The National Casket Retailers Association was founded in 1997 to lawfully oppose anti-competitive activity by the funeral industry. Membership fee is $95.00 along with the application and 2 items outlined. If you are not accepted, your check will be refunded.

2. The National Casket Retailers Association does not and will not assist or offer advice to those who wish to open a casket store.You must contact your state, to find out the requirements. Also, some have emailed in to ask about starting up and suppliers. Note: the NCRA does not give out our list of suppliers. Each member has worked hard to establish that working arrangement. Member to member or friend things are shared. Our group is a non profit origination formed to assist the public, be informative and monitor any changes. All members are alerted to any industry changes, challenges and other information.

This in turn, helps the retailer to a more level playing field. Members may use the NCRA logo on their site, letterheads, etc.

3. The annual dues (paid each September) are $95.00 per year, per location for each casket store. Business indentification should be resubmitted if there is any change in ownership and IS required with a new application ,if so.

4. Membership includes a subscription to the casket retailer newsletter, as published. The newsletter keeps you up to date on changing trends in the casket retail business and laws which may effect your business. Along with emails for those stores that are online. If you are not on the web, please leave your fax number for this purpose.

5. The officers of the National Casket Retailers Association receive no compensation.

6. The National Casket Retailers Association is a non-profit organization and all funds collected are used to fight anti-competitive activity and educate consumers.

7. Only discount casket retailers are eligible for membership, having an interest in the objectives of the organization. Others may contribute to our legal fund.
8. All paid NCRA member's benefit also, is your store & location listed on the store Directory page on this site. (#1 search engine spot at Altavista for casket retailers) While non members will be charged $150.00 per year for the listing.
9. Your membership offers you the opportunity to volunteer to the causes of the NCRA in many ways. .
Added and Updated page for benefits and Oct. 28th, 2000 annual meeting minutes.

There are a few states that have laws on the books, preventing a third party retail casket store. Only funeral directors can sell funeral related items. DO YOU Wonder how that ever came to be? It has been a closed market, and many laws have been passed to keep it that way. Those states that do not allow casket stores, or requiring some type of licensure to sell caskets are: Alabama, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Oklahoma, S. Carolina, Virginia, and Vermont. Successful federal court challenges in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia have resulted in licensing laws being struck down in those states. Some of those state laws are being challenged and may be changed. Consumers are, however, learning that they can purchase outside of some of those states, and have that product delivered just about anywhere.
The FTC fights AGAINST restricted trade, monopolies, other unconventional or forced sales markets. The funeral trade has accecpted that now people wish to shop and not be dictated to. Welcome!

If you need additional information, please Email us.

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