INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL SERVICES
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What to write about? It has been floating around in my head for a few days. So I started to think about reasons people choose a certain funeral provider, then I started asking people why they pick who they call at that most difficult time. The answer I got was pretty much what I expected. We just call the people we have been using for years. I followed up with do you know them? I got mixed responses. A fraction of the people said yes personally but a large majority said no. Again, I asked them what would be that reason and I received answers like; It’ s just where our extended family goes or our church families go there. Really it comes down to top of the mind marketing, It’ s the name they are familiar with in their community.
I know I have said it here before and I will say it again. Sometimes just going with that name can be dangerous. Some people expect that the name on the sign is still associated with the family that ran and operated the home for years. That is not always the case. A number of funeral homes in the area are not family owned and are owned by major corporations. They lose that family touch. Things like merchandise selections sold to families is commissioned based. Meaning the funeral director makes more money when you buy more. Many time the costs at these funeral homes are much higher than a family owned home. Please do your homework and ask who owns the funeral home before you commit. Same thing goes with cemeteries. A number of corporate cemeteries exist in our area. They use high pressure tactics to make people feel guilted into purchases they just don’ t need. Or worse yet purchase something that can be purchased for thousands less at a reputable funeral home. I have had families choose other cemeteries even though they own lots at some of these corporate properties. One family was able to purchase two graves plus pay the opening and closing fees for less than one opening
fee at the corporate cemetery. We are always able to help families figure out what would be best for them and their situation if they choose to bury or cremate.
We do have some great family owned firms in our area. Again, it is smart to do your homework before the time comes when you will need our services. Ask to sit down with them to see what they offer. Ask to see the facilities and how they help your family customize things, or do they just offer one package. Look to see if their prices are based on their services or merchandise? Has the funeral home interior been updated? Do they offer things like Wifi, easy and plentiful parking? Do you feel comfortable with them. With the rise in cremation, do they offer cremation packages? Some funeral homes have not yet embraced this shift. Of course you cannot replace good old fashion service, but you can expect modern packages and facilities.
At Sperling’ s we pride ourselves in working to keep up with the times. We help families create meaningful and customized goodbyes in our facility, a church or any place within the community. We moved into our current location ten years ago and offer a comfortable home like atmosphere. The testimonials we receive from families continue to be outstanding. All these things really make a difference as we work to help your family during their worst days.
Are you a social media lover? Sperling’ s is on Facebook and will be adding Twitter and Instagram by the time this is published. We will probably stick mostly with Facebook posts. We use the media to help educate the community and provide insight into how we operate. We do not post obituaries on that page. We save that for our website. So head on over to Sperling Funeral Home sites and“ Like” or“ Follow” us. You might learn a bit.
If you have questions about us or our services, please feel free to call or find us on Facebook. You can also learn more about our family and services by visiting: www. sperlingfuneral. com
Sperling Funeral Home, Inc.
700 Blazier Dr. • Wexford, PA 15090 Jarett D. Sperling, Supervisor 724.933.9200
20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | North Allegheny