How the funeral industry exploits grieving families
There are few experiences on this earth that leave you feel as vulnerable as losing a loved one. And, while it is probably the last thing that’s on your mind at the time, the grim reality is that funeral arrangements must be attended to.
Part of the problem is these decisions are being made by people who are often still highly-emotional, in shock, or left with little time to consider the options.
But another part of the problem is the funeral industry itself.
Colin Wong, founder of funeral home comparison website Gathered Here, believes funeral directors should be required to disclose their full price lists on the internet.
Wong told The Retiree, grieving families who are seeking a funeral director without full access to pricing details, are dangerously vulnerable to exploitation.
Wong says, “When my great aunt passed away, I took on the responsibility of researching and comparing local funeral directors. It was an incredibly difficult experience. Fresh from the loss, I must have called around 10 funeral homes, and none of them would give me a straight answer regarding pricing.
“Most ran through a list of excuses why it wasn’t possible to provide an exact quote. A handful said they wouldn’t be able to provide any information unless we came in to meet with them in person.”
Wong explains this is a common sales strategy, where funeral directors arrange to meet with families in person before using traditional sales tactics to force a deal.
“Once a family has spent two hours planning with a funeral director, it’s difficult to back out. Most people can’t bear the thought of going through all of it again with a new funeral director.”
Following his experience, Wong has created a petition calling for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to enact a regulation that requites funeral directors to disclose pricing arrangements. If you’ve been through this unfortunate experience before and have got a spare minute it’s worth a look.
Have you ever had difficulty arranging a funeral? Share your experience with us in the comments below.