Introduction
Be cautious of strategies and tactics often employed by Funeral Directors with the goal of increasing your expenses. Here are some terms they love to use…
Professional Services
This is perhaps the most common one. It is a term that sounds appealing but essentially means little. It is the go-to term that not only raises costs but also implies that payment guarantees professional service. This suggests that professionalism comes at an additional cost. To be fair, we certainly desire professionalism – but that should be assured regardless.
Optional Extras
Few things excite funeral directors more than offering these “optional extras.” Naturally, they come with a price tag. Like buying a car with optional extras, it is a technique that entices customers with a low initial price and then suggests additional features to enhance the experience.
So there may be a “low-cost” option, but with a few optional extras, it will make all the difference (in price).
Upgrades
Similar to optional extras, this tactic works particularly well with coffin selections. “You could have this plain coffin or UPGRADE to something a bit nicer, don’t you think?” Anything could be upgraded – the paper used for service sheets, the flowers, the hearse, the urn, or the headstone. There’s nothing quite like the sensation of feeling you might miss out on something.
Proper Farewell
This implies that not using a funeral service is not a proper way to say goodbye to a loved one. This is akin to stating that the only proper way to travel is by bus. A bus may not suit everyone or may not reach certain destinations. Some may prefer more freedom, or the smell of diesel may be off-putting. A proper farewell is one that is right for the family.
Proper Grieving
Similar to the previous point, there is an implied notion that the only way to properly grieve is through a funeral home. This is not true. While a funeral may serve as a great send-off and provide some comfort in saying goodbye, it is certainly not the only or “most proper” way. Grief varies for everyone and can be a complex journey. Proper grieving is not solely the domain of funeral homes.
Honoring the Person
By adhering to certain traditions, you are perceived as truly honoring a person. Translation: if you follow my suggestions, you can believe it honors the deceased. Times and societal norms change, and today there is no singular way to honor someone. Honor is much more than superficial expectations placed on individuals.
Having the Coffin Present
Traditionally, the coffin has always been present at services, but increasingly, people are opting for cremation first and a gathering later. Funeral directors often encourage the coffin to be present, as they are typically responsible for its transportation. Without a coffin, there is often little reason for a funeral director’s presence (and expense). They might argue it’s like having the guest of honor missing. Really?
Respect and Dignity
Once again, there is the assumption that implies this is something funeral homes excel at. The formal environment and operations portrayed by funeral homes may suggest higher standards. Unfortunately, there have been enough stories to demonstrate that what is said doesn’t always align with actions.
Conclusion
The funeral industry is a business. Many funeral homes are part of multinational corporations. Thus, it is fair to say there will be tactics and strategies aimed at best generating profit.
One of the most troubling aspects of this is that this is at a time when families are incredibly vulnerable. Moreover, arranging a funeral is not something people are usually well acquainted with. Therefore, there is significant potential for exploitation – disguised as being proper and professional.