You have options when purchasing a memorial or headstone—from a memorial provider, to funeral home, cemetery or online, to name a few. But keep in mind, not all options offer the same customer service experience, personalization or quality. And when it comes to honoring and remembering your loved one, families should be able to trust the memorial provider that is creating this lasting tribute.
In this article we explain how who you choose can impact headstone costs, product quality and your family’s experience.
With any purchase, the more businesses involved in the supply chain, the more cost is passed on to the customer. Funeral homes and cemeteries will offer to coordinate the memorial purchase for you, but they are simply acting as the middleman. They don’t design, create or manufacture headstones. Instead, they will contract the work to a memorial provider.
Alternatively, by going directly to a memorial provider yourself, you are removing an additional step in the process. You are also opening up your options to all of the monument provider’s offerings, not just what the funeral home or cemetery can offer—which is often a limited knowledge and selection.
Commercial grade granite is widely used by third-party sellers because it’s cheaper, but it’s also prone to chipping, degradation and discoloration over time. Artisans will have more difficulty engraving or etching low-grade granite, especially for fine details. The low density, flaws and inconsistencies in poor granite diminishes the material’s sharpness and pristine appearance when it’s cut or polished.
Reputable memorial providers only use high-grade granite, which offers deeper characters and designs. These personal aspects are what set the memorial apart and make it unique to your loved one’s life. The best craftspeople can make your vision into art that is beautiful and built to last, all while adhering to your budget.
While these design differences may come at a cost, the difference you experience from day one is significant.
Top memorial providers do all of their work in-house, which reduces costs, production times and third-party intermediaries. This means your headstone stays with the company, from initial concept to design to cemetery setting.
A well-known, trusted memorial company with a history of satisfied customers and high-quality craftsmanship may price their product slightly higher than a newcomer to the industry. What you are paying for is a company’s reliable quality and consistency. But don’t just take their word for it—visit their website, find a portfolio of their past work and read reviews and testimonials. If these aren’t readily available, look elsewhere.
When choosing a memorial provider, it’s also critical to assess the risks involved in your purchase—especially if you’re considering an online memorial provider. A memorial should be a lasting tribute to your loved one, created by a company you can trust. Here are a few risks to be aware of with online memorial retailers:
Want to better understand how much your memorial or headstone might cost? Use our Interactive Cost Guide to explore the various costs associated with memorials.