Not all funeral directors are the same. So it pays to do your homework!
Navigating the hundreds of funeral homes in Australia when dealing with a loved one’s death can leave many of us vulnerable to upselling and confused with no understanding of the industry and little idea of our rights and choices.
Are Value Cremations Independent?
No. Value Cremations is a national funeral brand owned by InvoCare, which accounts for approximately 34% of all funeral homes in Australia.
In addition to Value Cremations, InvoCare own many other national brands such as White Lady Funerals and Simplicity Funerals.
When selecting a funeral home in Sydney, Melbourne and other cities, one question you need to consider is whether to engage funeral brands (like Value Cremations), owned by large corporations or use funeral services from smaller, Australian and family-owned funeral homes. While large corporations have the benefit of a well-known brand, it often means that you could pay a premium and have less freedom to personalise the service, so it’s worthwhile to consider all of your options.
What Services Do Value Cremations Offer?
Value Cremations offer the typical cremation services you would expect from any funeral home but in a way that is stripped down, standardised and cheaper for families. While the price saving is an advantage, the trade-off is that you may not be able to do much customisation to the service, with only a few fixed-package options available for families to choose from.
Also, because you’re paying less in fees, the level of service and dedication you receive won’t be the same as on offer from the more expensive brands or family-owned funeral homes. You’re also not guaranteed to have one funeral director look after you from start to finish.
Should I shop around?
Although most consumers will pick the first funeral home brand based on expensive marketing campaigns, it pays to shop around. We wouldn’t consider buying a car or paying for a wedding without learning everything we can about the product or service. The same decision making process should also apply to funerals!
Although choosing between a corporate or Family-Owned Funeral Home is a personal question, consumers should do their homework. Corporate funeral brands are often able to charge a premium due to brand recognition and the belief that their services will be of a higher professional quality. On the other hand, Independent Funeral Homes in Australia work for consumers and not shareholders of publicly listed companies, InvoCare and Propel Funeral Partners. They are often more connected with the communities they serve and have more freedom to tailor funerals to reflect the wishes of the family (rather than being bound by strict package options).
Why should I choose an Independent Funeral Director?
If local ownership and community involvement are important to you, you should ask who owns and operates the funeral home you are considering. By choosing to use the services of an Independent Funeral Director, you are selecting the help of a trusted professional – who can help you anywhere, anytime. They are not distracted or bound by corporate rules handed down from head office and shareholders but can be flexible and responsive to individual needs, providing a highly personal and compassionate service.
So make the right choice and get value for money by selecting an Australian, Independent and Family Owned Funeral Director to conduct a funeral.
About eziFunerals
eziFunerals supports individuals and families coping with end of life decisions, death and funerals. We are an independent, Australian-owned and operated company. We are not part of any other funeral company.
Our member Funeral Directors operate in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Australia wide. They are chosen for their knowledge, quality, service, personalisation and experience. They go above and beyond, and will take the time to support the family.
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.
