STEERING CLEAR OF NO-GOOD FUNERAL DIRECTORS
I almost hate to write this blog entry. But, someone has to address the very real possibility that you could encounter a bully of a funeral director in your search for the right professional team to assist you with your loved one’s funeral arrangements in Marietta, GA. Since I work in the death care industry here at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory in Marietta, GA, it may as well be me who addresses this.
The ugly truth is that there are bullies in every industry—even the funeral industry. Unfortunately, due to the intense vulnerability and naïveté of most grieving survivors, the funeral director has quite the upper hand: knowledge, experience, and immediacy.
So, to keep you from ever being in a situation where a less-than-honorable funeral director takes advantage of your vulnerabilities, let’s discuss a few things together. Keep reading to learn the 3 red flags that you’re dealing with a disreputable funeral director.
First, what do we know about bullies? Think back to school-age years and recall what your mom or dad taught you. Here’s what I remember: bullies gain power and value by stirring up emotional responses and feeling “above” others.
That said, let’s go over those 3 telltale signs to look for when vetting funeral directors, to avoid the stinkers.
1. Guilt trips and aggressive sales tactics
Tying your loved one’s value to the value you “should” put on their casket, urn, etc. is unacceptable. Statements like, “your brother really deserves the best casket (AKA, the most expensive)” or “this urn here really isn’t even good enough for a passed pet, much less your daughter.” Awful right? Right.
2. Emotional manipulation
Backhanded suggestions are an uncomfortable approach a “sheisty” funeral director will take to persuade you to spend more money. Examples: “choosing this vault here means you never have to imagine your father in the dirt with the worms.” Or, “what price would you put on your own peace of mind, really?” Again—awful.
3. Religious interjections
A funeral director’s job is to be a neutral support to you, the survivor. He or she is not there to give you spiritual advice or dissuasion. For any religious considerations, your spiritual leader will assist you. Your funeral director is to honor your directives and carry them out to the best of the facility’s and staff’s abilities.
Please, know that the vast majority of funeral directors are in their field because they genuinely love people and want to share their expertise and compassion during life’s most trying chapters. But, because there will always be the few who abuse their role, I felt it important to offer guidance.
When the time comes, know that our incredible staff here at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory is here for you to offer honest, experienced support. We will work with you as closely as needed, within your budget, your wishes, and your expressed needs to create a loving, honorable funeral experience.
Davis-Struempf Funeral Home & Crematory | 1975 East-West Connector | Austell, GA 30106 | 770.944.2900
