Thirty years ago most mortuaries in the U.S. were independently-owned and operated by people who lived and worked in the communities that they served. Today most mortuaries have been purchased by large publicly-traded corporations. Even if they still operate under their old business name, they are actually corporate-owned.
The question is, does it matter? Why should you care if a mortuary is family-owned or corporate-owned?
There really is a difference
Most mortuaries offer the same basic services related to caring for and preparing the body for burial or cremation. The most significant differences between family-owned mortuaries and corporate-owned mortuaries are in the areas of pricing and customer service. For example:
- Pricing - Many families are surprised by the cost of mortuary services, and do not realize that there can be a big difference in pricing between one mortuary and the next.
This pricing difference is often the result of the fact that corporate-owned mortuaries have shareholders, and they must maximize profits for these shareholders. Prices are set by the corporate office, often at levels that are as high as possible, in order to increase the business’ bottom line. In contrast, family-owned and operated mortuaries like Olive Tree Mortuary are not governed by corporate mandates or the need to satisfy shareholders. These independently-owned mortuaries are free to set their own prices, serving their communities by offering the same basic services but at lower prices and a better value. - Policies – Prices are not just the only thing that are set by the corporate office for corporate-owned mortuaries; policies are as well. This can include merchandising policies geared towards selling mourners on the most expensive caskets and other products, and policies that try to force everyone into a predetermined set of standard services. This is not the case at family-owned mortuaries.
- Customer Service – – Because they set their own policies, family-owned mortuaries are able to offer more choices and the highest level of personal attention and compassionate care. They can also offer you extra support after the funeral is over. Family-owned mortuaries are accountable to their customers—not to stockholders and investors.
In addition, family-owned mortuaries are also sensitive to the needs of the communities that they serve. Here in Southern California, for example, our local community includes a melting pot of people from different cultures, religions and traditions. That is why Olive Tree Mortuary has experience and expertise in a full range of funeral and memorial types, including a deep understanding of Muslim and Jewish burial traditions - Community connection – Most independently-owned mortuaries take pride in their local ownership, and are dedicated to contributing to their communities through charitable donations, education, and more.
Remember to ask about ownership
When you are looking for a mortuary to serve your family, be sure to ask if the facility is corporate-owned or family-owned and operated. It’s a difference between mortuaries that can make a significant difference for both your budget and peace of mind.