Not all the same
Every industry, including this one, has many options. There are many things to keep in mind when choosing a mortuary for your family. Unfortunately, many families choose solely (or at least mostly) on cost. To keep this in perspective, it is important to keep this thought in mind, “no one regrets using a particular mortuary ten years later because of the money they spent, but many families regret choosing a particular mortuary upon the service they received.”
Cost is still an issue
Families can only afford so much when it comes to planning a funeral / memorial. The cost is often determined by location, part of town, newness of facilities, experience of staff, amount of staff, kind of services offered and even quality of the grounds.
It’s about the people
The most important aspect to keep in mind, however, are the people who will be serving you at your greatest time of need. Here are ten questions you can ask yourself after interviewing the mortuary representative.
- Did the hear me?
- Did they do most of the talking?
- Did they talk about money quickly in the conversation?
- Did they look us in the eyes?
- Did they take notes about what we wanted?
- Did they “feel” trustworthy?
- Did they offer ideas in a kind but clear way?
- Did they appear to be “feeling” our pain?
- Did they engage everyone in the room?
- Did they seem to be in a hurry?
Listen to your gut
Most families have a good or not so good feeling in your gut about people – listen to your gut. You may be detecting something that your mind hasn’t seen yet.
Advise in asking questions
- Take notes for yourself
- Ask all questions even if they seem to be silly
- Do research online before you go in to the office
- Do research on the company before you go in to see them
- Ask your friends in social media who THEY used and why they liked them (or didn’t)
- Predetermine who the primary spokesman will be for the family before you walk in. Everyone can talk, but one person should be the primary rep for the family
- Think about the decision for a day (at least). It’s a lot of money – don’t jump too fast.
- Don’t feel like you have to do everything by the book – how much money you spend does not equate to how much you loved your family member
- Ask for ways to save money. They do not want to loose your business. They know the business way more that we do
- Take your minister or attorney with you as you meet with the mortuary as an objective voice and set of ears.
Celebrate & Remember Funeral Pastor 