Prices of Different Funeral Services and Why They Differ

New research has shown that the prices of funeral services differ not only from service to service but also place to place, with big differences in prices for similar funerals from different funeral companies. In this article, we will take a moment to explore this idea further.

Price Breakdown

Before looking at why prices differ, it helps to understand the cost of different services.

Burial Service

A burial service often involves an elegant viewing of the deceased before burying them in a burial plot in a cemetery.

Prices vary. At Perth Cremations, we offer packages from $3960. Other companies, specifically chain-funeral homes, offer the same service from $5394.

Cremation Service

Cremation services are often cheaper than burial services due to the lack of need for burial plots and coffins. At Perth Cremations, we offer cremation packages starting from $2400, whereas other companies start from approximately $3400.

Attended vs Unattended

Many funeral homes have prices for two types of services: attended and unattended. When a funeral is attended, this means that the deceased was buried, most likely after service with family members and friends.

An unattended (and often direct) service involves the deceased being transferred directly to their place of rest without mourners or family having a ceremony beforehand.

These details differ from home to home; however, discussing the service with the funeral director will provide a clearer idea of what it will involve.

Itemising

Exploration of the funeral field shows that many people choose to go with a package without asking for the funeral home to directly break down the cost so that they will be able to see exactly where the payment is going towards.

Itemising, or going through item by item, gives customers a clearer image of what they are paying for.

Professor Sandra van der Laan, from Sydney Business School, found in a recent research study that the difference in price across funeral homes stems from this lack of itemisation and that by asking the funeral home to “unpack” the package, buyers will gain a clearer understanding of the service they are purchasing.

Corporate Costs

If a funeral home is from a chain, they will almost certainly provide services at a higher cost than a family-owned funeral home, even though the service will be the same, if not better, at the family-owned funeral home.

This could be because larger brand funeral homes spend more money on advertising, shipping or operating – but either way, the larger the brand, the more expensive the funeral will be.

Let Us Help You

Organising a funeral, especially after the loss of a loved one, can be a difficult and overwhelming time. Perth Cremations are here to help. If you have any questions about the packages we offer, or if you would like to speak to our funeral director, please contact us online or call us on 1300 84 1539. Together, we can organise the funeral your loved one deserves at a price you can afford.