By Peter Erceg, Independent Funeral Advisor and Founder of eziFunerals
Choosing a funeral director is usually the first major decision a family makes after a death, often within 24 to 48 hours. Before you make that first call, confirm the provider’s ownership (independent or corporate-owned), get a written itemized quote,, and ask whether the price includes disbursements like cremation or burial fees. Comparing two or three providers first — even briefly — can save families thousands of dollars and prevent decisions made under pressure.
This checklist is designed to provide you with that information before you make that first call.
Why Compare Funeral Directors Before You Call?
Many families call the first funeral home they find — often the one that handled a friend’s funeral, or the closest one to home — without realizing that pricing and service quality can vary significantly between providers for a similar service. A number of well-known “local” funeral homes are actually owned by large corporate groups, which isn’t a problem in itself, but it does mean the “family-owned” feeling on the website doesn’t always reflect who actually owns the business. Knowing this before you call means you’re negotiating from an informed position, not a rushed one.
The Checklist: 10 Things to Confirm Before You Choose a Funeral Director
- Ownership — Is the funeral home independently owned, or part of a larger corporate group? Both can provide excellent service, but you’re entitled to know who you’re dealing with.
- Written, itemised quote — Will they provide a full written quote before you commit to anything, broken down by professional fees and third-party (disbursement) costs?
- **What’s included vs. extra** — Does the quoted price include cremation or burial fees, death certificate, transport, and use of facilities — or are these charged separately?
- Payment terms — When is payment due, and are payment plans or deferred payment options available?
- Availability and response time — Can they collect your loved one promptly, and what are their after-hours arrangements?
- Cultural and religious accommodation — Can they support the specific customs, traditions, or religious requirements your family needs?
- Reviews and reputation — What do independent reviews (Google, social media) say, separate from testimonials on the funeral home’s own website?
- Pressure tactics — Do they encourage you to compare options and take your time, or do they push you toward the most expensive package immediately?
- Complaints process — If something goes wrong, is there a clear, independent way to raise it?
Use our free funeral cost calculator to check pricing across providers in your area before you commit to any one funeral home.
Questions to Ask a Funeral Director Before You Commit
- “Can I get that quote in writing, itemized?”
- “Is your business independently owned, or part of a group?”
- “What happens if we need to change something after the arrangement is confirmed?”
- “What’s not included in this price?”
A funeral director who answers these clearly and without hesitation is generally a good sign. One who becomes defensive or vague is worth a second opinion.
Red Flags to Watch For
Families report a number of recurring warning signs across the industry, including verbal quotes with no paper trail, reluctance to itemize disbursement costs, and pressure to sign on the day of the first meeting. None of these on their own is proof of poor practice, but together they’re a reasonable basis to pause and compare another provider before deciding.
Funeral Director Checklists by City
Wherever you’re located, the same principles apply — but local knowledge helps. Here’s what to keep in mind in each capital.
Sydney
Families across Parramatta, Bondi, Chatswood, Liverpool and the Sutherland Shire should confirm if they are independent and ask for a written quote before committing, given the wide price variation across greater Sydney’s funeral providers. Compare options using our Sydney funeral director directory.
Melbourne
In suburbs from Frankston to Dandenong, Box Hill and the inner north, ownership structures vary widely between long-standing family businesses and larger groups. Check our Melbourne funeral director directory before making your first call.
Brisbane
Families in Chermside, Mount Gravatt, Ipswich and the Redlands should ask directly about disbursement costs, which can be a significant portion of the total bill. See our Brisbane funeral director directory for a comparison.
Perth
Across Joondalup, Fremantle, Rockingham and Midland, checking independence and requesting an itemised quote are the two most protective steps a family can take early on. Browse our Perth funeral director directory.
Adelaide
In Salisbury, Marion, Tea Tree Gully and the CBD fringe, families report the biggest cost differences show up in cremation and burial disbursement fees rather than the base service fee. Compare providers via our Adelaide funeral director directory.
Hobart
Smaller markets like Glenorchy, Clarence and Kingborough have fewer providers overall, which makes comparing quotes even more worthwhile before committing. See our Hobart funeral director directory.
Darwin
Families in Palmerston, Casuarina and greater Darwin should factor in transport logistics and availability alongside the standard checklist, given the wider distances involved. Check our Darwin funeral director directory.
Canberra
Across Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin, confirming what’s included in the base price is particularly important, as package inclusions can vary noticeably between Canberra providers. Browse our Canberra funeral director directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a funeral cost in Australia?
According to ASIC’s MoneySmart funeral guide, funerals in Australia typically range from around $8,000 to $20,000 depending on the type of service, though simpler options can cost less. Costs vary by provider, location and the type of service chosen, which is why comparing quotes matters.
How soon do I need to choose a funeral director?
Most families make this decision within 24 to 48 hours of a death, but you are not legally required to decide immediately. Taking even an extra hour to compare two providers is reasonable and won’t delay funeral arrangements.
Is it rude to compare prices between funeral directors?
No. Comparing prices is a normal and widely recommended part of funeral planning. A reasonable funeral director will expect this and provide a written quote without objection.
Can eziFunerals recommend a specific funeral director?
eziFunerals is an independent funeral advisory and comparison service. We don’t own funeral homes and don’t take commissions from providers, so our comparisons and recommendations are based on transparency and fit for your family, not a referral fee.
About the Author
Peter Erceg is the founder of eziFunerals and an Independent Funeral Advisor with over a decade of experience helping Australian families compare funeral providers without bias or commission. Learn more about eziFunerals.