Arranging a funeral while grieving makes people vulnerable. And unfortunately, not every funeral provider treats that vulnerability with the respect it deserves.
This page is here so you know your rights — clearly and simply. Not because we think you'll need to fight for them, but because knowing where you stand helps you make better decisions with confidence.
We welcome informed families. In fact, we'd rather you compared us to every other funeral home in Perth and chose us because we earned it — not because you didn't know you had options.
Your rights as a consumer
You can choose any funeral director
Hospitals, nursing homes, and aged care facilities may suggest a funeral director. Some have arrangements with specific providers. But these are suggestions — not requirements. You have the absolute right to choose whoever you want. Always.
You're entitled to an itemised quote
Under Australian Consumer Law, funeral directors must provide you with a detailed, written quote that shows each cost separately. This includes professional fees, coffin, transport, cremation or burial fees, documentation, and any optional extras. If a funeral home gives you a single "package price" without a breakdown, ask for the detail. It's your right.
You can compare quotes
There is nothing wrong with getting quotes from multiple funeral directors. You're making a significant purchase during a difficult time — comparing options is smart, not disrespectful. Any funeral home that makes you feel guilty for comparing isn't putting your interests first.
You can supply your own coffin
Under the ACCC's guidelines, funeral directors must accept a coffin you've purchased elsewhere. They cannot refuse your choice or charge a handling fee for using a coffin you've supplied.
You can decline optional services
Flowers, newspaper notices, catering, memorial stationery, embalming, viewing room hire — these are all optional. No funeral director should pressure you into services you don't want or imply they're compulsory when they're not.
You don't have to decide immediately
After a death, there's a natural sense of urgency. But in most cases, you have several days to make arrangements. Your loved one is cared for at the hospital or funeral home. Take the time to think, talk to family, and choose a provider you trust.
Warning signs to watch for
No written quote provided. Every funeral home should give you an itemised quote in writing before you commit. Verbal estimates are not enough.
"Package" pricing with no breakdown. If you can't see what each element costs separately, you can't know if you're paying a fair price.
Pressure to decide quickly. Phrases like "we need to know today" or "this price is only available now" are red flags. A good funeral director gives you time.
Upselling during grief. Suggestions like "your loved one deserves a premium coffin" or "most families choose the upgraded option" are sales tactics, not care.
Lack of transparency about who owns the business. Some well-known funeral brands are owned by large corporations. If it matters to you whether you're dealing with a local family business or a multinational, ask directly.
Reluctance to let you compare. Any funeral director who discourages you from getting other quotes doesn't want you to see what else is available.
How Greenfields handles this
We publish our pricing online — cremation costs, burial costs, and prepaid plans — because we believe families shouldn't have to ask permission to see prices.
Every quote we provide is fully itemised — whether it's for an at-need funeral or a prepaid funeral plan. We show professional fees, transfer costs, coffin, cremation or burial fees, documentation, and optional extras — each on its own line. The price you see is the price you pay, including GST.
We don't upsell. If our simplest funeral plan meets your needs, we'll tell you that. We'd rather you spent $4,260 on a direct cremation and left feeling looked after than spent $9,950 on services you didn't need.
We're a family-owned WA business. No corporate parent, no interstate shareholders, no marketing budgets designed to obscure who you're really dealing with. You can visit us at Port Kennedy or Bunbury, meet the people who'll care for your family, and decide for yourself.
Regulatory bodies and consumer resources
ACCC — Funeral Services: accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-funeral-services — your rights when buying funeral services in Australia.
WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety: Regulates funeral directors in WA. Consumer protection complaints can be lodged through Consumer Protection WA.
Consumer Protection WA: commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection — lodge complaints or seek advice about funeral services.
Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA): Industry body that sets codes of practice. Not all funeral directors are members.
Frequently asked questions
Can I arrange a funeral without a funeral director?
Technically, yes. In WA, families can manage the process themselves. However, this involves significant paperwork, transport logistics, and coordination with crematoriums or cemeteries. Most families find the professional support worthwhile, especially during grief.
Who has the legal right to arrange a funeral?
In WA, the legal right to arrange a funeral generally rests with the next of kin — typically the spouse, then adult children, then other relatives. If there's disagreement within a family, the matter can be referred to a court, though this is rare.
Can a funeral home refuse to give me an itemised quote?
No. Under Australian Consumer Law, you're entitled to a detailed written quote. If a funeral home won't provide one, that's a significant red flag — and you should look elsewhere.
How do I know if a funeral home is legitimately local?
Ask three questions: Where are your premises? Can I visit? Who will actually conduct the funeral? If they can't give you a physical address, or if the person you speak to is in a different state from the person who conducts the service, you're dealing with a broker or national chain, not a local funeral home.
Want to compare? We welcome it.
Our pricing is published online. Our door is open. Come see for yourself.
View Our Pricing or call 1300 69 79 89 to ask anything