When you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing you expect is to be left in the dark about who is actually handling your loved one’s funeral arrangements.
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But with the rise of online-only and low-cost funeral providers, many Australians may unknowingly engage companies that do not directly deliver funeral services themselves. Instead, they may operate through a subcontracted model — coordinating cremations and other services via third parties.
While this approach is not illegal and can help reduce costs, it may also lead to consumer confusion, inconsistent service quality, and reduced transparency around the care of your loved one.
⚖️ DISCLAIMER
This article is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not allege misconduct or wrongdoing by any particular funeral provider. All examples referenced are anonymised, generalised, or based on public reports. This article is not intended to criticise ethical collaborations between licensed funeral professionals.
What Are Subcontracted Funeral Services?
A subcontracted funeral service occurs when the company you engage to arrange a funeral does not directly carry out some or all of the work, but instead relies on external businesses or individuals to perform key services.
These third parties may include:
- Independent transfer firms
- External crematoriums
- Freelance embalmers or mortuary workers
- Contracted celebrants or officiants
- Courier companies for ashes or documents
❌ This is not the same as when two licensed funeral directors collaborate, such as one assisting with a regional service where another provider doesn’t operate. Professional collaboration between funeral directors is common, ethical, and often vital in regional and remote areas.
Instead, in a subcontracted model, the company you contact may own no physical funeral home, employ no funeral directors, and simply coordinate logistics from a central office or online dashboard. You deal with one brand, but someone else entirely handles your loved one — and you may never know who.
Who Is the Largest Subcontracted Funeral Provider in Australia?
Bare Cremation co-founders Cale Donovan and Sam McConkey. Source: Campaign Brief: April 17, 2024.
One well-known example of this approach is Bare Cremation (also known as Bare).
About Bare (Based on Public Information):
- Founded in 2019
- Offers prepaid and at-need funerals
- Operates across most Australian states and territories via phone and online
- Does not own any funeral homes, mortuaries, or crematoriums
- Uses network of third-parties to fulfil services locally
While Bare operates legally and has served many Australian families, it is widely considered a white-label funeral coordinator — meaning you are hiring a brand, not the people physically caring for the deceased. Consumers should carefully consider your options so your expectations and needs are met.
Commonly Outsourced Funeral Tasks
| Service | Potential Subcontractor |
| Body transport | Private transfer operators |
| Mortuary care | Contracted embalmers or body preparation teams |
| Cremation | Independent crematoriums (often regionally located) |
| Ceremony | Freelance celebrants, clergy or MCs |
| Documentation | Centralised or remote admin staff |
| Ashes delivery | Postal or courier services |
Why This Matters for Consumers
When services are broken up across multiple providers:
- Consumers may not know who is responsible for what
- Communication may become fragmented
- Expectations may not align with reality
- Accountability may be harder to determine
While many subcontracted providers operate professionally, the lack of direct oversight by the original company can increase the risk of errors or dissatisfaction — especially when families are not clearly informed.
When Subcontracting Puts Families at Risk
Subcontracting is not inherently wrong — but it becomes risky when it’s:
- ❌ Not disclosed
- ❌ Poorly managed
- ❌ Spread across too many unknown parties
- ❌ Lacking oversight, documentation, and accountability
This can leave families:
- In emotional distress
- Without clear answers
- With no recourse if something goes wrong
The Top 7 Risks of Subcontracted Funeral Services
- Lack of accountability: It’s often unclear who is responsible at each step.
- Inconsistent quality: Standards vary between third-party operators.
- Chain-of-custody issues: Risk of body or ashes mix-ups.
- Poor communication: Information lost between layers of contractors.
- Hidden or add-on costs: Basic price may exclude subcontractor fees.
- Emotional disconnection: No in-person contact or grieving support.
- Privacy concerns: Personal data passed across multiple providers.
Examples of Subcontracting-Related Issues (Anonymised)
These generalised examples are drawn from a mix of anonymised consumer feedback and public reports:
- A family received ashes later than expected due to a miscommunication between the cremation provider and the courier.
- In one case, a premium coffin was presented at the viewing, but a different model was used for cremation — without the family’s prior knowledge.
- Families have also reported difficulty obtaining clear answers when dealing with multiple parties during time-sensitive arrangements.
These issues are not unique to one company, but rather reflect risks present in any service model involving multiple contractors and providers.
How to Tell If a Provider Uses Subcontractors
Ask yourself the following:
- Do they have physical offices in your location?
- Are you dealing only online or via call centres?
- Is the price much lower than local funeral homes?
- Can they name the actual crematorium or transfer service being used?
- Can you view your loved one before the disposition?
If the answers are unclear or vague, you may be dealing with a subcontracted model.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved One
Before engaging a funeral provider:
- Ask, “Do you subcontract any part of your service?”
- Request a list of third parties involved
- Confirm they are licensed and insured
- Require a chain-of-custody policy in writing
- Ask what happens if something goes wrong
- Choose providers who are transparent and locally accountable
Use Independent Comparison Tools
Websites like eziFunerals.com.au allow families to:
- Compare local funeral directors who do the work themselves
- Understand who actually performs each part of the service
- Avoid surprise outsourcing
- Read verified reviews and ensure accountability
Final Thought
The subcontracted funeral model is growing in popularity and may suit some families seeking low-cost, no-service arrangements. While subcontracted providers may offer lower prices, families should not have to sacrifice clarity, dignity, or peace of mind.
✅ Always ask the hard questions.
✅ Always demand transparency.
✅ And always choose care over convenience.
Need help comparing funeral providers?
Visit 👉 eziFunerals to compare independent, locally owned funeral directors who are committed to transparency, professionalism, and family care.
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Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.