What constitutes 'delivery of merchandise' as it relates to preneed funeral arrangements?

• A. Submitting a bill of lading
• B. Delivery of a warehouse receipt
• C. Any form of constructive delivery
• D. Actual personal delivery to a purchaser

Answer: (D)

Delivery of merchandise means the purchaser actually takes possession of the goods. In preneed funeral arrangements, the transfer of ownership and risk occurs when the merchandise is physically handed to the purchaser or to a person the purchaser designates to receive it. Documents such as a bill of lading or a warehouse receipt are records related to shipping or storage and do not place the goods in the purchaser’s hands. Constructive delivery, where possession is implied through actions like giving access or keys, does not satisfy the requirement in this context because the goods haven’t been physically delivered to the purchaser. Therefore, actual personal delivery to the purchaser is the proper form of delivery.