How the funeral industry exploits grieving families
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>But another part of the problem is the funeral industry itself.</p>
<p>Colin Wong, founder of funeral home comparison website <a href="https://www.gatheredhere.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gathered Here</span></strong></a>, believes funeral directors should be required to disclose their full price lists on the internet.</p>
<p>Wong told <em>The Retiree</em>, grieving families who are seeking a funeral director without full access to pricing details, are dangerously vulnerable to exploitation.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>Following his experience, Wong has <a href="https://www.change.org/p/protect-grieving-australian-families-require-online-funeral-price-disclosure" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">created a petition</span></strong></a> 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 <a href="https://www.change.org/p/protect-grieving-australian-families-require-online-funeral-price-disclosure" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">worth a look</span></strong></a>.</p>
<p>Have you ever had difficulty arranging a funeral? Share your experience with us in the comments below. </p>
