When a loved one dies, families must make choices about funeral services and burial markers. One question people ask is whether funeral homes sell headstones. This article will help explain what funeral homes offer and other places to buy headstones.
Where to Get a Headstone
Funeral Home Options
Most funeral homes (FHs) sell headstones, but not all. Funeral homes often work as middlemen. They show you catalogs with headstone choices, take your order, and send it to companies that make grave markers. The FH might add fees to the price for this service.
Some large funeral homes (LFHs) keep headstones in stock or have showrooms where you can see different types. These funeral businesses (FBs) might own monument companies or have deals with local headstone makers.
Other Places to Buy
You can also buy headstones from:
- Monument companies (MCs): These businesses focus on making and selling headstones. They often have more choices and better prices than funeral homes.
- Cemetaries (CMs): Many cemmeteries sell grave markers. They might have rules about the size and type of headstone you can use.
- Online retailers (ORs): Today, many websites sell headstones. These companies ship the finished marker to the cemmetary.
Price Differences
Funeral homes often charge more for headstones than other places. The National Funeral Directors Assoc. (NFDA) reports that FHs may add 30-100% to the base price.
Buying direct from monument companys or online can save money. However, some people value the convenience of one-stop shopping at funeral homes.
Important Facts to Know
The Fed. Trade Commission (FTC) has rules that protect consumers. These rules say:
- Funeral homes must accept headstones from outside vendors
- They cannot charge “handling fees” for headstones you buy elsewhere
- They must give itemized prices if you ask
When to Buy a Headstone
Many people don’t know that headstones aren’t usualy placed right after burial. The ground needs time to settle. This means you have time to shop around.
Final Thoughts
Buying a headstone is a personal decision. While funeral homes offer convenience, you might find better prices and more options elsewhere. Take time to compare choices from different sellers to find the right memorial for your loved one at a fair price.