Although Funeral homes sounds morbid and has many
religious and ethical concerns it’s a very lucrative business venture. People
die every minute and they need a befitting burial. Funeral homes provide this
service and are well paid.
There are many aspects to the business such as location, fiscal
structures, equipment, staff and management structure. Other very important
provisions are government licenses and permits including trained staff.
In addition to this funeral homes provide coffins, do embalming, cremations and burials ceremonies. The business is very capital
intensive but highly profitable.
If you are not Squeamish
around dead people the funeral home business is your calling. Here are a few
ideas on how to establish a funeral home.
You need to draw up a business plan to have an idea of
what it entails. Focus on equipment, fiscal structures and permits.
You need to join associations, have a strong management
team and future projections. The business is capital intensive so you need lots
of funding.
How to write a business plan
How to write a business plan
Funding
To get funds approach a commercial bank in your area.
Present your business plan, company structure and other funding sources.
Approach a core
investor or use franchise partners. Try target savings or soft loans from
friends and family.
Things
to know about franchising
The Location
Finding a suitable location is important. To establish a
funeral home you need an office, showing area, small reception hall and other
facilities.
Although not compulsory you might need a crematorium or
burial ground. The location you chose should be approved by local authorities
and have a large parking space.
Services
The services you render include preparing the body for
burial and visitations from the bereaved. You embalm, dress and get the body
ready for burial.
Other functions is
organizing the burial ceremony, planning. The funeral procession includes
pallbearers, limousine and other paraphernalia. Offer your patrons excellent
service delivery to ease their stress and pain.
Some
Equipment to Buy
Funeral equipment is expensive from the limousine,
crematorium and embalming machine. Some other expenses are refrigeration, and
storage facility.
You need office facilities, coffins, chairs and tables.
The type of equipment you need depends on the services you render. There is
some equipment you can lease and other services performed outside the funeral
home.
Your funeral home buys supplies such as embalming fluid,
cloths and caskets. Purchase your stock in bulk to reduce costs and offer
better prices.
A list of equipment includes one or two limousines, cloths,
embalming machine and fluid. Other equipment is furniture such as chairs,
armchairs, tables and caskets.
You need a Storage room, urns and a crematorium. Buy lots
of office equipment such as computers, fax machines, modem and printers.
Registration
the Business
Register your business as a limited liability company. You
need general liability insurance and local government permits. Find out from
your local authorities the permits and licensing required to operate in your
locality.
Staff
You need morticians, pallbearers and clerical staff.
Other staff you need is laboratory scientist for the embalming, accountants and
drivers. Make sure your staffs are properly trained and respectful.
Invest
in good Vehicles
You need to splash on expensive cars to carry the
caskets. You can buy used vehicles and refurbish to look nice.
Invest in at least two vehicles for a wider range of
transportation. Create a recognizable brand for your funeral home.
Marketing
and Promotions
Like any business it needs promotion to make the public
know you exist. You can print billboards, posters and banners. Advertise in
local newspapers and magazines related to the industry.
Without proper management, marketing costs could
escalate. Try to keep costs on check to remain profitable.
Places to leave your call cards are hospital mortuaries
and morticians. Build a website targeted at your locality to drum up business.
The website should have your services, location and a
dedicated telephone number. Place your website on directories both online and
offline. Use free or paid classified to advertise your services or yellow
pages.
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