Is your Funeral Director Independent?

Don’t be deceived by a family name above the door – it does not necessarily mean they are independent.
Often, large funeral chains will use family names on their signs, because they know customers will be more inclined to trust them, and they often use the reputation of the family name. It is quite common for corporations to operate under old family names and not change the look of the premises after the funeral home changes hands.
So, how can you tell?

• Look for a brand name. 

One good way to tell if a funeral director is not independent is to look at the headers and footers on any paperwork. If the funeral home is part of one of the larger chains, it should have the brand name of the chain mentioned there.
Funeral homes that are part of a chain may also have the brand name of the chain on the top or bottom of their shop signs.
Do not confuse brand names with trade organisations, however. You may notice stickers in the window of funeral directors for the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), which are both trade organisations. SAIF funeral directors, in particular, are more likely to offer independent funeral planning (it’s in the name).

• Check their website and shop window. 

If they are an independent funeral director, it may be prominently displayed on their website or in their shop window.
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• ​Ask. 

You should also be able to find if your funeral director is independent when you visit the funeral home. If you’re unsure, just ask!

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