The Bureau of Cemetery and Funeral Services advocates consumer protection and licensee compliance through proactive education, consistent interpretation and application of laws governing the industry. It regulates thirteen licensing categories including funeral establishments and funeral directors; embalmers and apprentice embalmers; cemetery brokers, salespersons, and managers; cremated remains disposers; and privately owned cemeteries.
Cost-effectiveness
Funeral costs can be expensive, but you can minimize your financial burden by making informed choices. By shopping around and negotiating with vendors, you can find services that align with your preferences and budget. You can also consider a no-ceremony alternative, which may reduce your funeral expenses by thousands of dollars.
Costs for caskets can be one of the largest costs in a traditional funeral. These costs are based on markups over wholesale prices and vary by type, material, and design. New York funeral homes offer a variety of budget-friendly alternatives, from cardboard-based caskets to biodegradable urns.
Despite being highly profitable, some funeral homes and cemeteries charge excessive fees. In many cases, these extra charges are designed to prevent consumers from opting for cremation or a more basic funeral service. Fortunately, federal law requires funeral homes to provide an itemized price list and allow consumers to select individual services and items a la carte. This consumer protection allows families to avoid hidden fees and overcharges.
Variety of services offered
Many funeral homes offer a variety of services to help families mourn their loved ones. Some of these services include a memorial service, cremation and burial. Some also offer pre-planning options. Pre-planning allows families to make arrangements in advance and can help alleviate financial concerns for their loved ones.
A basic arrangement fee is a charge for arranging the final disposition of the body. It includes the arrangement conference, staff services and securing necessary authorizations. This fee cannot be declined by the customer. Custodial care is an additional fee that covers the storage of the body before burial or cremation. This fee is usually daily, weekly or one-time.
The Funeral Bureau is the state agency responsible for regulating 13 different licensing categories, including funeral establishments, funeral directors, embalmers, apprentice embalmers and cemetery salespersons. It also regulates the inspection of funeral homes and investigates complaints against licensees. The Bureau also promotes consumer education and enforces the laws governing the funeral industry.
Profitability
Maintaining profitability in funeral services requires a delicate balance between service quality and profit optimization. Several strategic approaches can help you boost profits, from optimizing operational efficiencies to increasing client engagement.
One effective strategy is to offer clear packages that include essential service components. This transparent pricing demonstrates integrity and can lead to more referrals, resulting in increased revenue. It also enables funeral homes to compete with low-cost providers by positioning themselves as more ethical.
Another way to improve profitability is to conduct a cost segregation study on funeral home properties. This tax-optimized valuation process allows owners to claim larger upfront deductions and improve cash flow, paving the way for future investments and expansions. It also gives owners a clearer financial picture, which can be helpful when it comes time to sell or attract investors. A trusted valuation expert is crucial to ensuring accurate results and compliance with applicable tax laws. Look for a firm with certifications and extensive industry experience.
Reputation
If you’re dissatisfied with the services of a funeral home or cemetery, try to resolve the problem directly with the provider. If that doesn’t work, you can file a complaint with your local funeral board or state regulatory agency. When you make a complaint, be specific about what kind of resolution you want. For example, asking a funeral director to write off the entire cost of your mother’s $10,000 funeral might be unrealistic. But you can ask for an apology, a reduction in charges, additional required education, or even the revocation of their license.
The New York City Bureau of Funeral Directing investigates complaints about funeral homes, funeral directors, embalmers, apprentice embalmers, and funeral directing students, as well as cemeteries. It also regulates the registration of deaths and issues permits for burial or cremation within the City. It also monitors the City’s two Burial Desks and its electronic death registration system. Its goal is to protect consumers by ensuring that funeral firms and directors comply with Public Health Law, its implementing regulations and other applicable laws.