Over the years (it’s been 30), I‘ve seen many funeral companies come and go. Everyone seems to think there is a big quid in funerals, but news flash: there isn’t. When done correctly; it costs a lot of money.
To give you an example, our new hearse comes with a price tag of $220,000!
How Much Does Running a Funeral Home Cost?
To maintain the staff and equipment needed to run an honest funeral home (who doesn’t take short cuts) is an expensive business.
When I started the business, I had to put the family home up as collateral and even that wasn’t enough. Then I became equal partners with my best mate, Paul. We struggled for the first two years making a modest profit until we decided to take a punt and advertise on 3AW. That cost us our modest profit, but was instrumental in getting us to where we are today.
Since those humble beginnings, now 30 years later, we have our own Kingston Funerals Chapel, mortuary facilities and fleet of vehicles.
The Importance of Commitment
What I wanted to talk about in this blog was commitment. Commitment to the deceased, to families, to the service, to one’s self, to the industry and to being honest.
In my 30 years in funeral directing I haven’t seen as much change as I have in the last 12 months. These days, anyone can develop a fantastic website with only the motherboard behind them. These funeral Directors are smooth, they learn the funeral talk but don’t do their funeral apprenticeship.
In some cases, they have great websites, a briefcase and a large garage behind the family home. Yes, they can quote ridiculously cheap prices because they have no funeral infrastructure and, to be honest, that’s how funeral directors started out in the 1860s, but this is now 2020.
I may sound as though its sour grapes, but you wouldn’t want your mum, dad or dearly beloved to be treated unprofessionally or disrespectfully.
Funerals are intimidating events to organise and I encourage you to shop around to find a professional and honest funeral provider.
The Key Questions to Ask When Researching a Funeral Provider:
- Where is your mortuary?
- Do you have premises?
- Can we visit your premises & have a viewing?
- Do you have offices?
- Do you employ a qualified mortician?
- How long have you been operating for?
- Who lays out my loved one?
Questioning the funeral director is not rude or disrespectful, it ensures that your loved one is being looked after by a company with high standards and a professional set up. Funerals are big expenditure items, so shop around. It’s important to be comfortable with your decision and, in the words of the great Charlie Sutton (a Bulldog great) “do your homework and shop early!”
Want to Learn More?
If you want to learn more about the Browne Brothers Funeral services, speak to our friendly staff. Please call us on 03 8779 2570 or fill out our online form. We are available 24/7 to assist you in any way you need.
What Happens During the Cremation Process?
