Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Exam

What is the meaning of soliciting in the context of funeral services?

1. Making invited contact to discuss services

2. The act of making uninvited contact for sales purposes

3. Generating advertisement campaigns for public awareness

4. Engaging in community outreach programs

The correct answer is: The act of making uninvited contact for sales purposes

In the context of funeral services, soliciting refers specifically to the act of making uninvited contact for sales purposes. This can involve approaching individuals or families during a time of grief or distress, often with the intention of promoting funeral services or products. This practice is closely monitored and regulated in the funeral industry due to ethical considerations and the sensitivities involved in dealing with bereaved individuals. Soliciting is distinct from making invited contact, which would be a situation where individuals are approached for discussion after they have expressed interest in services. Unlike advertisement campaigns that aim to create public awareness in a general sense, soliciting specifically targets individuals without prior consent or indication of interest. Engaging in community outreach programs, while beneficial, does not fall under the definition of soliciting either, as these initiatives are usually planned and welcomed by the community rather than being intrusive sales tactics. Understanding the definition of soliciting is essential for compliance with both legal and ethical standards in the funeral service industry.