Independent funeral directors are privately-owned businesses run by small teams, rather than those managed by large corporate chains. They’re usually family-run businesses that pride themselves on their quality of customer service, and many have been in business for generations.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between an independent funeral director and a large national chain, especially if you’re not familiar with the funeral industry.
Yet, who owns the funeral home can entirely change the experience of arranging a funeral, from what you can expect to pay right up to the quality of the funeral itself.
How are independent funeral directors different to corporate brands?
You might not know it, but most of the well known funeral brands in Australia are owned by two big funeral chains called InvoCare and Propel Funeral Partners. This means that there’s a good chance that most of the funeral brands you’ve heard of are owned by one of these companies.
The benefits to choosing an Independent Funeral Director, compared to a big chain owned brand includes, but not limited to, the following reasons.
They’re small, locally run businesses
Independent funeral homes are often run by families, and (being part of a smaller, close-knit team) even unrelated staff tend to become honorary family members.
Their focus is on service
Independent funeral directors are usually prepared to go that bit further to help a family in need because they are not constrained by profit-driven targets set by management and shareholders. They are more focused on looking after families during a difficult time.
They have close community links
Independent funeral homes will also know the area they operate in have close links with the community. Most independent funeral homes are already deeply invested in the community, often getting involved in fundraising for local charities.
Why use an independent funeral director?
It’s a fair question, and here we’ll outline why using an independent funeral director can help you save time, money and unnecessary grief.
A more personalised service
When you choose an independent funeral director, with eziFunerals, you’ll receive a personalised service from someone who isn’t restricted by company rules and shareholder interests. Our member funeral directors will support you throughout the process and provide you with compassionate, authentic support before, during and after the funeral. And that’s exactly how a funeral service should be.
Traditional family values
Independent funeral directors listed with eziFunerals are family businesses, in some cases dating back generations. With family values at the forefront of their minds, our member funeral directors put themselves in the customer’s situation and listen to client needs, rather than up selling a set package.
With a family-focused business taking care of your funeral affairs, you’ll receive the kind of attentive, caring treatment that will lead to a more personalised and meaningful funeral service.
Fair and flexible service
Larger funeral brands owned by the big funeral chains (InvoCare and Propel Funeral Partners) typically provide rigid packages that tie the customer into certain commitments. Their sales people may not be able to change even the tiniest of details because their “hands are tied”. They work for shareholder profits.
Not so with independent funeral directors listed with eziFunerals. These professionals pride themselves on being fair and flexible. Given that they’re free of corporate control, they can often move things about to help you create exactly the kind of funeral you’re looking for, no matter how unusual.
Supportive and trusted funeral directors
When you find the right independent funeral director with eziFunerals, you may find that you make a trusted director for life. Publicly owned funeral brands are more concerned about conducting the funeral, invoicing the customer, and then moving on – but our member funeral directors often offer additional support for as long as you need it.
It is not uncommon for our member funeral directors to remain in touch with their customers after the funeral is over. Sometimes they call up to see how the family are coping. When you choose an independent home with eziFunerals, you could end up with a new acquaintance.
Where can I find an independent funeral director?
eziFunerals has partnered with some of the best family owned and independent funeral directors who are here to help you and your family before, during and after their time of need.
They are not controlled by shareholders and are much more preferable when compared to the large funeral brands owned by the big funeral chains. Not all funeral homes are the same, so it pays to do your homework!
Our members funeral directors 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.
How can you tell if a funeral director is independent?
Don’t be deceived by a family name above the door – it does not necessarily mean they are independent.
Often, the big funeral chains will use family brand names on their signs, because they know customers will be more inclined to trust them, and they often use the reputation of the family name. It is quite common for these big funeral chains to operate under old family names and not change the look of the premises after the funeral home changes hands.
Look for a company name
One good way to tell if a funeral director is independent is to look for a big funeral chain company name, such as InvoCare or Propel Funeral Partners. You will most likely find it in the bottom corner of the advertisement and at the bottom or top of paperwork. This will tell you if the funeral home works for you or company shareholders.
Check their eziFunerals profile
If a funeral director is signed up to eziFunerals, their profile will tell you if they are a trusted independent funeral home.
All our member funeral homes are independent and are here to help you before, during and after your time of need. We work together to ensure that consumers receive honest, transparent information and the best possible standard of service at the most realistic cost.
Check their website
If they are an independent funeral director, it may be prominently displayed on their website. You can find a link to their website by simply visiting eziFunerals funeral director listings.
Ask the question
You should also be able to find if your funeral director is independent when you visit the funeral home. If you’re unsure, just ask! – ‘WHO OWNS YOUR FUNERAL HOME?’. So make the right choice and get value for money by selecting an Australian, family owned and independent funeral hometo conduct the funeral.
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. For more information or to make contact with a trusted Independent funeral director, call eziFunerals on 1300 236 402 or visit www.ezifunerals.com.au.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
