Challenges Faced By Funeral Services Industry

Funeral services are without doubt an indispensable service. Death is an unavoidable end to life for all living beings. As human; we are far more emotionally developed than the other animals that we share this planet with. We create lifelong bonds with parents, siblings, children and even friends and relatives; bonds that physically come apart in the event of a death. Yet death does not negate the emotional attachment we share with those in our inner circle and a funeral is in actuality; a rite of farewell and even homage.  

As such; people in the funerary industry face the immense task of disposal of the physical remains of the dead in an appropriate manner and in keeping with the wishes and the sentiments of the family and friends of the departed. This brings along a fair share of challenges; some more commonplace than the other.

The NFDA which is the official association of funeral directors in America; recently asked invitees at its annual conference to list the topmost among all obstacles and challenges in their line of work. The data collected gives significant insight into the funeral industry and what it means to play a prime role in the seamless delivery of this indispensable service. Read further to know more.

Service and Product Awareness

The layperson is not as familiar with death and what follows; as an expert in funeral services would be. As such; the expert must face and accept the challenge of educating laypersons on funerary services and products beyond their basic grasp of the concept. This is a delicate issue that must be approached with respect and tact; which means that communications is a much needed skill to overcome this challenge. Funerary professionals can go about creating awareness about the variations of services offered in a number of ways.

• Having a detailed and comprehensive explanation for services offered on the business website is a definitive positive.
• Testimonials and case studies on the website allows clients first-hand insight into funeral services related information that may be inappropriate to relay verbally.
• Knowledge resources on the funeral service website can help further educate families of the departed. Information sharing is best conducted through comprehensive videos and blogs.

The Challenge of Marketing Funeral Services

Marketing a funeral service in the conventional sense of business promotion and campaigning is definitely in bad taste. However, every business needs to reach its target client base. For funeral services; this is best achieved with increased visibility. Increased visibility can be achieved by:

• A social media presence

• Proactive sharing of obituaries; both online and offline

• Search Engine Optimization to insure that the business is easily findable online

Customization

Your consumer base values customization even in the event of a funeral. Different individuals have different stories to tell even after they have left their mortal bodies. Funeral directors are responsible for achieving customization at every funeral. As mentioned prior; a funeral is an homage and a farewell and every homage and farewell is different. Customization can be achieved by…

• Taking a proactive interest in the life of the deceased individual; including asking the right questions to family members in an appropriate and sensitive manner.

• Listening and understanding the sentiments  and memories that family and friends attach to the deceased and reflecting those sentiments in the funeral service.

• Personalizing the funeral process for family and friends by including pictures and videos of the near and dear ones with the deceased; while he or she was alive. This allows family and friends to relive memories and vent emotions. Personalization is bound to be a much appreciated gesture.

The Challenge of Cremation

The increasing popularity of cremations is hitting the funeral industry hard. But that is only because; funerary services are not being successfully merged with cremation. Give up the notion that burial is your only means to be of service and…

• Educate families on how the body disposal method of cremation can be successfully merged with the emotional closure and the chance to bid the deceased farewell; afforded by a funeral service.

• Do not make insensitive comparisons between cremation and burial.

• Create an awareness of the fact that post cremation memorial services are not time-bound; which allows families to better plan a celebration of the life of the deceased.

Low Cost Funeral Services Delivery

Statistics show that only 51% of people value the tradition of funeral services while 49% can be swayed by low cost alternatives. As such; the funerary service industry needs to wake up to the necessity of providing clients low cost funeral service delivery. This can be largely achieved by…

• The customization of service packages based on an understanding of what families want.

• Communicate the value of your services to families of the deceased. Allow them a chance to understand the service you offer and how it serves to pay homage and celebrate the life of the deceased.

• Communicate your value through your website; especially for clients that do not walk through your doors inquiring about your services.