Which of the following is typically NOT considered a cash advance item in funeral services?

In funeral service, cash advance items refer to expenses that the funeral home incurs on behalf of the family, which are then passed on to the family, usually as a separate charge. These items are typically items that the funeral home does not control or are provided by third parties.

A casket is generally not categorized as a cash advance item because it is a direct sale made by the funeral home and is usually included in the total price of the funeral services. The funeral home typically sets the price for the casket, and it is part of their merchandise offerings.

In contrast, items like flowers, transportation fees, and clergy fees are generally considered cash advance items. Flowers are arranged and purchased from a florist, transportation fees are often paid to a third party, and clergy fees may be paid to the officiant and are not directly controlled by the funeral home. Each of these expenses involves costs incurred by the funeral home that are later billed to the family, which justifies their classification as cash advance items.

Understanding these distinctions is important for funeral service professionals in providing accurate pricing and transparency to families.