Understanding Funeral Pricing
How Much Do Final Arrangements Cost?
That’s a question we help answer every day. You might be surprised to learn that you are in control of costs more than we are. At Downing & Lahey, we want every family to make informed decisions, so we are committed to providing you with accurate pricing. How much a funeral costs depends on personal choices you make. Understanding your choices is how to save money and get the best value.
What You Need to Know
Many funeral service providers advertise and quote incomplete low prices and then disclose the full cost later. Downing & Lahey does not. Our helpful and friendly staff are here to discuss your questions and concerns regarding pricing. Every service provider is required to have and provide a general price list. It is exactly what it sounds like. General. It is an itemized list of every fee a funeral home has.
What to Watch For
Providers that quote prices without explaining them, or all inclusive packages may not be giving you an accurate send off cost. Prices with no explanation of what is included, may not include everything you want or need. All inclusive packages may include items and services you do not want or need.
Getting the Best Price for Your Family
Funeral pricing and value per dollar spent is defined by you, not by a funeral home. To get the best pricing and the best value, it is important to understand your choices and to work with a professional who will help you understand where you can control what a funeral or cremation costs. The price you pay, and your personal satisfaction with it is driven by four distinct factors. Three of these factors are truly in your control.
General Price List
Here are the four factors:
Basic Services
This charge encompasses all we do as a funeral home to help you during your time of need. It includes, but is not limited to, our 24/7 availability, coordination of arrangements, preparing and securing necessary paperwork, equipment, and much more. The Basic Services charge is applied no matter the type of services you select.
Merchandise and Options
This is controlled by you. Caskets and urns come in a wide range of styles and prices. There are other items like register books, thank you cards, additional vehicles, special facility use and more. Embalming may or may not be needed. Everyone has different preferences and yours determine these costs.
Outside Charges
These are usually referred to as “cash advance” items. That is because we will pay these individually for you so that you have one simplified bill. These costs are not ours and are determined by what these entities charge and your preferences. These would include newspaper obituaries, flowers, honorariums, death certificates, escorts, cemetery charges, etc.
Overall Value
How fair the price of a funeral feels to you is fully determined by you. Here is what to consider. Funeral service is an experience, not a commodity. Who you choose to guide you will define the experience you receive. We are extremely helpful and experienced. Some other providers are less so. All of our work is done on-site at our respected facilities. Many of your other choices cannot say the same.
Families choose Downing & Lahey because we offer the right combination of price and value. You can ask us questions and see your choices without committing yourself to our services.
Other considerations:
- Does the provider offer prices in writing?
- Is the funeral home familiar with your faith and cultural traditions?
- How does the provider handle special requests?
- Does the company operate its own crematory, or do they outsource this process?
Your services have been great everytime our family was in need.