A Serious Undertaking

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  Posted By: RENEE01 @ 12/17/2008 1:09:08 PM

  I think that for what the funeral directors, embalmers and employees have to go through they have every right to charge what they do. My husband is a funeral director and embalmer, most of the time he is out all night and then works all day and this will go for 4-5 days straight like that. They miss out on their family events have to let loved ones down all the time because they have to go on a call or meet witha family etc. etc. Then when the services start are kept out late because people stay at the funeral home. Time and services are in those prices that they quote, people need to realize that. Remember there is always two ways to look at things,

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  Posted By: rosecuts @ 10/21/2008 12:43:57 PM

  I have been appaled to see how little the funeral undustry is regulated. The insurance commission of the state will tell you there are regulations set in place in 2002. Not so. I just lost a friend who had a pre-arranged funeral and learned upon his death that the funeral home that was in business since 1898 in Ensley and
  Bessemer, AL went out of business in 2004. I had to pay for his funeral out of pocket. i am told my only recourse is to hire an attorney, Don't think so , as the owner filed bankruptcy.I do think it is our local newspapers responsibility to make this known, to no avail. They do not seem to think it is very important. Everyone considering a pre-need funeral must do some homework and hope for the best because they can sure get away with your money with no consequences.

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  Posted By: AlyssaK @ 08/01/2008 3:30:22 PM

  You people who keep saying the funeral industry is full iof crooks don't have any idea what you're talking about. Of course there are a few bad seeds, just like in any other industry! There are police officers who bribe and steal (dirty cops), there are doctors who charge too much or give out wrong perscriptions. Of course there are bad people out there, but not all funeral homes are like that! I've grown up in funeral homes. I'm a 4th generation. We've moved all over the country with my dad working for various companies, including the big corrporation in Yakima. Every place i different. I know that in our family business, we try to keep prices as low as possible. A "Sincere and Sympothetic Service, Within the Means of All" is our motto. We often are willing work with people who may have financial difficulty. I don't think people realize how many families never pay off a funeral. They leave us with the tab. Everything is getting more expensive, I don't know why anyone would think the funeral industry would be any different.