Funeral Service Business

Need for funeral services is on the rise, according to studies

Owning a funeral business offers many rewards, including providing comfort to families and individuals who are grieving and easing the process of laying their loved one to rest. But, from a business standpoint, it can also be very lucrative (especially as the baby-boomer population of the U.S. ages).

Funeral businesses can generally take one of two forms: full-fledged funeral services, where you are the owner or part owner of the funeral home, including its embalming area, or a funeral service where you act as the event planner, helping loved ones find a funeral home and then taking over the planning from that point onward. In the latter arrangement, you may choose to work with one funeral home or several. If you work in cooperation with a funeral home, you can expect the funeral home to offer lower prices to you, since you will be bringing a larger volume of clients to them.

  • First things first: Owning a funeral parlor has licensing requirements that are specific to your state, so be sure to check with your state’s Department of Licensing to learn what’s required.
  • Your start-up costs will be determined by the type of business you start. If you choose to operate your own funeral home, it’s generally far less expensive to purchase a home that’s already in operation. Often the home’s owner is willing to provide some initial training, especially if they will be retiring or moving to another area.
  • Remember, you’re dealing with people who have experienced a great loss. A professional, calm, and sympathetic demeanor is an essential tool of the trade.
  • Basic funeral services entail a cost of between $6,000 and $7,000, and includes embalming, cosmetics, viewings, the casket, transportation and professional charges. Additional charges may be incurred for gravesite opening and filling, graveside services, and completion and filing of mandatory paperwork.
  • A general price list is required of funeral homes. Services can be itemized or offered as part of an inclusive package.
  • Create a marketing strategy that defines who your market will be. Most people prefer a funeral service held near them, so choosing one in a populated area is a good option, although competition there is bound to be greater.
  • If you’re not already a visible member of the community where your funeral services are offered, get involved. Use volunteer and civic opportunities to let others know you as a caring person.
  • Consider adding cremation to your list of funeral services. The cremation rate in the U.S. is more than 30%, and is expected to continue to increase as “baby boomers” choose this option more and more frequently.