I think that this story really sums up why independent funeral directors feel so concerned over the shifting trend towards online companies who promise so much but deliver so little.
You can watch Richard and Dorothee’s powerful story. HERE
Not only are these companies devaluing the importance of saying goodbye they are making spurious claims that have no depth to them and are often more expensive. Here are just a few examples of statements that we have taken from an online company which underline the problem this industry that we all love is facing.
“With the original **** cremation being so popular, in recent years many funeral providers have begun to offer what they call a ‘direct cremation’ – a simple, no fuss cremation without a funeral”.
We have been providing direct cremations for at least the past 40 years. If our math’s is correct I think this is a little further back than 2015……
“We collect the person who has died in a private ambulance and bring them into our care. We have all our own state-of-the-art facilities, so someone can rest at peace until their cremation”
Nothing new here…. as a crematorium company they have simply copied what funeral directors have been providing families for years whilst not admitting it, essentially it is the same. The difference being we provide a quicker more efficient personal service that online cremation companies can only stand back and admire. You will know exactly where your loved one will be resting prior to the cremation. (Make sure you ask them that question). You will have the opportunity to visit your loved one in our “state of the art” premises at anytime, you will have that chance to say goodbye. You will know when the cremation will take place, you will have the ashes returned to you as soon as the following day, you will receive support throughout the whole process. None of which **** Cremation provide. All that and more often for less money.
“Instead, to be as cheap as possible, a ‘direct cremation’ often cuts costs in areas that you may not be comfortable with”.
Unlike online cremation companies we have to have our pricing visually transparent on our website…. no need to call to find out.
“For instance, most direct cremation providers will say ‘simple coffin’ or ‘suitable coffin’, but if you ask what it is actually made of, you’ll discover it’s a cheap, veneer coffin that may have plastic handles (and isn’t environmentally-friendly)”.
Hello……Cremations are not environmentally friendly.
Whereas, at **** Cremation, everyone gets their own, brand-new, solid-pine coffin that is sustainably sourced.
Everyone should get “their own, brand new coffin” it would be a bit weird to have a “pre loved one right?” (Who writes this stuff?)
“With **** Cremation, families can arrange any send-off, funeral service or celebration of life they wish”
This is a little desperate, nothing is stopping you doing this with any company, they do not own your right to party.
“So, a ‘direct cremation’ is not the same as a **** cremation. And we’re very proud of that fact”.
And so are we…..
For more information please call Bryan or Clyve and we will be happy talk through your options and ultimately save you money, or simply visit our website www.ugaldeandson.co.uk
