I found this article online today as I was researching the perspective that the general public has on the funeral industry. It seems that most people just can’t fathom how the recession or economic state of our country could ever impact the deathcare industry. They think funeral directors will be rolling in money no matter what. I just don’t understand how people cannot see that this industry feels the affects of the economy just like every other industry.
The following article comes from WebsiteReviewFirm.com. Their “About Page” says: “We try to keep track of websites and products so you don?t have to”. I can’t really find out what they do. Anyway, here is the article:
People in the funeral business sure do have it good. This is one of the rare businesses that will keep plugging along in spite of an economic surplus or recession. People will continue to age and pass away, and their loved ones will always have a need to send them off in style. There is an entire industry built around this. I cannot imagine the job of a mortician to be a fun one, but they can make a decent living, and as long as they do a decent job, they will always have job security.
Newspaper agencies must make a killing on obituaries. I personally think that they should print them as a public service. I know that when my grandfather died, my grandmother paid eight hundred dollars to have his obituary printed in the two main newspapers for two consecutive days. Then there is the rental of the reception center for the funeral service, the flower arrangements that everyone feels obligated to buy, the limo rentals, etc. Not to mention the casted and burial plot. An entire industry has been developed around the tools required to bury someone. From the tractor that digs the rectangular hold in the ground to the casket lowering device, everything has been perfected.
Because of the sensitive nature of the passing of a loved one, we don?t often criticize these things, or the commercialization of it all. We don?t want to seem like a scrooge during these emotionally challenging times. Every other industry has taken their business online, but I don?t imagine that will happen any time soon with the funeral industry.
