How to Choose a Cremation Provider: Key Questions, Red Flags & Your Rights

Choosing a cremation provider is about more than price; it’s about trust. You’re placing a loved one into someone else’s care, and you deserve clear, honest answers.

Here are some of the most important questions to ask:

• Do you own and operate your own crematory?
  
  

• Who performs the removal and cremation?
  
  

• Is your pricing fully published and transparent?
  
  

• What’s included in your base price?
  
  

• How do you track and identify remains throughout the process?
  
  

• How long will the process take, and where will my loved one be cared for?

⚠️ Be cautious if a provider can’t clearly answer these questions or refuses to share pricing without a sales meeting. You have the legal right to transparent, itemized pricing under the FTC Funeral Rule.

At Magnolia Cremations, we believe families should feel empowered, not pressured. We proudly:

• Own our own crematory
  
  

• Publish all pricing online
  
  

• Never outsource your loved one’s care
  
  

• Use dual-ID tracking for peace of mind

Choosing a cremation provider is a deeply personal decision, and not all providers are created equal. Here are some common red flags to watch for:

🚩 Red Flags to Avoid:

• They won’t tell you where the cremation takes place.
  (Some providers outsource to third-party crematories without disclosing it.)
  
  

• They avoid sharing pricing upfront.
  (You have the legal right to a General Price List under the FTC Funeral Rule.)
  
  

• They pressure you into upgrades or bundled packages.
  (Grief is not a sales opportunity.)
  
  

• They don’t have consistent online reviews or any physical location.
  
  

• They can’t clearly explain how your loved one is tracked during cremation.

At Magnolia Cremations, we believe trust starts with transparency:

• We own our crematory
  
  

• We never outsource
  
  

• We publish all pricing online
  
  

• And we treat every family like our own

When arranging a cremation, whether in advance or at the time of need, you have specific rights protected by the FTC Funeral Rule, a federal law designed to ensure transparency and protect families from pressure, confusion, or hidden fees.

Here’s a summary of your rights under the Funeral Rule:

Your Legal Rights Include:

• You only pay for what you choose.
  You’re not required to purchase bundled packages or services you don’t want.
  
  

• You can request prices over the phone.
  Funeral homes must provide pricing without requiring your name or personal info.
  
  

• You have the right to a written, itemized price list.
  This General Price List (GPL) must be provided to you and is yours to keep.
  
  

• You can bring your own urn or casket.
  Providers cannot refuse outside merchandise or charge handling fees.
  
  

• You don’t have to purchase embalming or a casket for cremation.
  Refrigeration is a legal alternative, and alternative cremation containers must be offered.
  
  

• You’ll receive a written statement before you pay.
  This document must show exactly what you’re buying and what it costs.

At Magnolia Cremations, we go beyond these legal standards:

✅ All pricing is clearly listed online

✅ We never pressure you into services you don’t need

✅ We offer transparent pricing and 100% in-house care

✅ And we’re always here to answer your questions, day or night

When you're placing a loved one in someone else’s care, trust matters. Here's how to check if a cremation provider is truly reputable:

6 Ways to Verify a Cremation Provider:

1. Check Their Google Reviews
   Look for a high rating (4.5 stars or more) with consistent, recent feedback. Read reviews for transparency, compassion, and professionalism.
   
   

2. Confirm Licensure & Certifications
   Ask for their funeral director license and crematory license. Reputable providers should be fully licensed and insured in their state.
   
   

3. Ask If They Own Their Crematory
   Many providers outsource cremation to third-party facilities. A trustworthy provider will explain exactly where and how your loved one will be cared for.
   
   

4. Review Their Pricing Online
   Honest providers will clearly post their General Price List (GPL) online. If you can’t find it or are asked to come in just to see prices, that’s a red flag.
   
   

5. Tour Their Facility (or Request a Virtual Tour)
   A reputable provider will welcome you in and offer to show their crematory or answer questions transparently.
   
   

6. Check Their Chain of Custody Process
   Ask how your loved one is identified and tracked from the moment of pickup through cremation and return of ashes.

At Magnolia Cremations, we’re proud to meet and exceed every one of these standards:

✅ Licensed in Indiana & Kentucky

✅ Family-owned, private on-site crematory

✅ 4.85-star Google rating with 150+ reviews

✅ No outsourcing, ever

✅ Transparent pricing starting at just $895

✅ Dual-ID tracking & barcode scan system for peace of mind