Paying for a funeral is one of the biggest purchases we will ever make, yet most of us don’t shop around on service and price. Why is that?
We wouldn’t consider buying a car or paying for a wedding without learning everything we can about the product or service. But when it comes to funerals, important decisions are often made, at a time when rational thinking is clouded, and we end up paying way too much for funerals on things we don’t need or want. That’s where eziFunerals can help!
eziFunerals is a free consumer advocacy and funeral planning platform that supports individuals and families cope with end of life decisions, death and funerals. The following information is provided to help you save thousands of dollars and avoid unnecessary fees and charges.
Avoid overspending for funerals
The best way to avoid overspending is to plan your own funeral and make arrangements in advance of any need. But even when pre-arrangement isn’t possible, you can reduce expenses by learning more about the factors that make up funeral costs.
eziFunerals allows you to create a comprehensive funeral plan online from the privacy of your own home or on any mobile device. You will be able to record details you will need for official records, identify how you would like your loved one to be put to rest, and clearly express which inclusions you would like in the funeral, the type of memorial service (if any) and the location of cremation or burial.
‘Shopping around can save you thousands of dollars.’
Get more than one funeral quote
Consumer surveys show that most people don’t shop around and get multiple quotes from funeral directors – they pick the funeral director closest to them, or the one their family has always used. Neither of these criteria tells you whether you’re getting good value. The cost of a funeral can vary significantly depending on which funeral director you use and the type of services you choose.
eziFunerals online collaboration platform allows you to submit your personalised funeral plan to multiple funeral homes in your state. This way you can get accurate quotes before speaking to a funeral director and signing a contract.
‘Different funeral directors can charge different amounts for the same service. So it pays to do your homework!’
Know who owns the funeral home who you are dealing with
When customers do decide to shop around, they are not aware that several funeral operators may be associated with the one parent company (InvoCare). Customers are often soliciting quotes from branches of the same company without their knowledge.
Invocare and Propel Funeral Partners are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and own most of the major funeral brands advertised in your area. They work for shareholder profits and not for you and your family. It pays to know who you are dealing with!
‘After a death, it may be emotionally difficult for you to ‘shop around’ for funeral services, but it makes sense that you know the company you are dealing with and apply the same techniques used with any other major purchase.’
Get itemised quotes and avoid ‘funeral packages’
Most funeral directors don’t provide an itemised invoice for the cost of a funeral. This makes it hard for you to compare quotes and avoid being overcharged for things you never asked for, don’t want or need. Although many funeral directors offer various “packages” of commonly selected goods and services that make up a funeral, you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want or need.
‘By creating a FREE and comprehensive funeral via the eziFunerals platform, you can request itemised costs for each component of your funeral.’
Funeral Director quotes are easily comparable with a transparent, line-by-line comparison of variables such as:
- The type and style of funeral service
- Preparation of the body and viewing arrangements
- Burial or cremation
- The specific cemetery or crematorium
- Type of coffin or casket
- Minister or Celebrant
This way you can compare ‘apples with apples’ and won’t get ripped off by tricky funeral packages.
‘eziFunerals helps you get quotes and compare funeral homes on service and price. Create your own funeral plan today and invite Independent funeral homes to quote on your personal funeral plan. ’
Be clear how much you are prepared to pay
eziFunerals can help you stay within budget and select a funeral director that best meets your needs and circumstances. When you get a number of funeral directors competing for your funeral you’ll want to make sure you select a funeral director who’ll give you value for money and who you are comfortable with.
‘If a funeral director can’t provide value for money and the right price, shop elsewhere!’
Make the right choice the easy choice
eziFunerals only work with Independent funeral directors. “We have partnered with some of the best family owned and trusted independent funeral directors who provide consumers with transparent information and the best possible standard of service at the most realistic cost.”
Our members operate Australia wide including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra. We work together to ensure that you and your family receive transparent information and the best possible standard of service at the most realistic cost. You’re in total control and will get peace of mind knowing they are supported by Independent funeral homes that are here to help you every step of the way.
So make the right choice and get value for money by choosing an Australian, family owned and independent funeral home to conduct the funeral. For more information or to make contact with a trusted Independent funeral director, call eziFunerals on 1300236402 or visit www.ezifunerals.com.au.
About eziFunerals
eziFunerals supports individuals and families cope with end of life decisions, death and funerals. We are an independent, Australian-owned and operated company, and are not a subsidiary of any other corporation. We are not part of any other funeral company. Founded by consumers frustrated by how difficult it was to get independent information, eziFunerals supports consumers plan a funeral, compare prices and select the right funeral director anywhere, anytime.
