: Publishing price comparisons. Is it allowed? I'm currently in the process of writing a small localised book on arranging funerals yourself (D.I.Y funerals). During the process of collating information,

Vote Up Vote Down

Buying guides, including reviews and prices, are not uncommon, with the quintessential example (at least in the US) being Consumer Reports, a monthly product-review magazine (with web site). Local laws may vary, of course.

Since this is a "small localised list", perhaps there is a matter of etiquette involved. If you live in a smaller town where people tend to know and interact with each other (in contrast to a large city where you might not even known your neighbors' names), then the owners of the businesses you're reviewing might be surprised if the first they hear of it is when your shopping guide comes out. Purely as a matter of courtesy you might consider telling them in advance -- or even giving them the opportunity to review the information you have about them for correctness.

A practical concern (already raised in comments) is the frequency at which this information changes. You wouldn't publish a book listing produce prices at local grocers; they'd be out of date before the ink is dry. On the other hand, it's pretty safe to publish an annual listing of college tuitions. Where on this spectrum do the prices you'll be listing fall?

If you publish prices it's a good idea to date them. I would suggest also putting them on a web site and publishing a URL in your guide so that people can look there for updates. I trust that you will be including contact information for the funeral homes and other vendors you're listing, so that your readers can also call or email them for current prices.

(0)