Australians are failing to shop around for funerals and it could be costing them thousands of dollars.
Peter Erceg, Owner and Founder of eziFunerals says, “For too long people have used the services of the first funeral director they contact, but it’s time shop around if they have a fear of being ripped off,” he says.
The shock of receiving a huge funeral bill, after saying goodbye to a loved one, can create a terrible amount of unnecessary emotional and financial stress, especially at a time of immense grief. “Too many times, we have seen families pay too much for funerals. “People don’t know that there are a wide variety of costs and options available to them,” he said.
What can you do to avoid funeral bill shock?
Understanding your funeral rights and making informed funeral choices is the best thing you can do to avoid funeral bill shock. That’s where eziFunerals can help!
Instead of relying on a salesperson to step you through the funeral arrangements, eziFunerals simplifies and streamlines the funeral process by empowering consumers to plan and document their funeral needs and get itemised quotes, thus sparing families from having to make difficult, costly decisions while they are grieving. That aside, here are some practical measures you should follow 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 either at need or in advance. But even when pre-arrangement isn’t possible, you can reduce expenses by learning more about the factors that make up funeral costs.
‘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.
‘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.’
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!’
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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.
