When comparing cremation services in Pittsburgh, you may see low cost cremation services advertised on the internet for one inclusive price.
Today’s most educated shoppers are well-versed in comparison shopping, especially when comparing services online.
Though it can be tempting to always seek out the lowest price that you can for everything, it is important, especially with funeral and cremation services, to work with a firm that you trust, where more emphasis is placed on the value of the services provided and not just the price.
Lowest Price is Usually Not the Best Value
The internet has made it easy to not only make everyday purchases online, but also for the savvy consumer to comparison shop for the best deal. As many have learned, however, the lowest price is not always the best value.
As trends change across the country and cremation increases in popularity, the same skepticism and care should be taken when shopping for funeral and cremation services online.
You may be under the impression that cremation service is the same everywhere. Nothing could be further from the truth. While the actual physical flame cremation process could be the same, there may be a different standard of care and service from one provider to another.
It may not be uncommon for low cost providers to handle the transportation and cremation of the deceased, return the ashes and death certificates to you, and send you on your way. They may not even make you aware of some of the benefits that may be available, including from veterans’ organizations, employee retirement plans, fraternal organizations, insurance companies, etc.
Penny Wise, Pound Foolish
While seeking out the lowest cost option for a simple cremation may seem like a good idea, you may find that you need more assistance than what is provided, and you are left confused about what to do next, what forms need to be filled out and submitted, or how to handle things like receiving Social Security benefits, transferring property to loved ones promptly, eliminating the costs and delays of probate.
Yes, it is true that you might pay more up front than for a “discount” cremation. But, with funeral and cremation services, as in all other areas, you get what you pay for. The bargain you buy today might just cost you and your family – many times that amount – down the road.
Our Online Cremation Center is a service of Griffith Funeral Home. Griffith Funeral Home, Inc. has been serving generations of families in the Pittsburgh area and surrounding communities with the highest standard of care for many years. Find out what others have said about the true value of the services we provide.
Our Signature Service
You and your loved ones receive the same signature service provided at our funeral home, including our personnel available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to the initial call, an online arrangement conference with in-person options, preparation of the deceased for and arranging the cremation, clerical assistance including determining eligibility for and applying for various benefits, and coordinating discretionary service plans with cemeteries, florists, newspapers, military and religious organizations, and/or other parties involved in the final disposition of the deceased.
Helping Survivors After A Family Member Dies
Beyond the funeral, we are available to help complete claims forms, contact organizations on your behalf, answer questions, and otherwise provide guidance based on our experience in both funeral service and with helping survivors complete the many tasks after a family member dies.
Whether you need help expediting the processing of life insurance policies, or more comprehensive help planning such as updating beneficiary designations and your estate plan, we are available as a resource for life.
Though it is never easy to lose a loved one, we always try to lessen the burden felt by survivors by helping them through as much of the administrative red tape as we possibly can, so that they can focus on being present for each other.
The Bottom Line: We all like to educate ourselves when shopping for products and services. The internet makes it possible to compare services online. When comparing cremation services in Pittsburgh, you may see low cost “discount” cremation services advertised on the internet for one inclusive price.
Keep in mind that, when searching for funeral and cremation services, it is important to work with a firm that you trust, where more emphasis is placed on the value of the services provided and not just the price.
With funeral and cremation services, as in all other areas, you get what you pay for. The bargain you buy today might just cost you and your family – many times that amount – down the road.
