My first insurance sales was pre-needs, or burial policys. We discussed open or closed casket, selecting a casket, the memorial service, the procession to the gravesite, and the gravesite service. Each step was a sales step and it took integrity to not attempt to drive up the cost. Feelings were paramount but you also had to grasp the financial ability of someone to pay. Monthly payments with a term life rider was all many could afford. The sales trick was to draw a picture of the funeral derector.sitting with your family and asking who was going to pay. Or asking everyone to get out their credit card and we will divide the cost up. People do not want conflict in their family.
As to an open casket viewing, people want different things. One of my daughters felt it was very important to view her grandfather and the other wouldn't look. How one chooses to remember Ones loved ones is personal and is to be respected.
Yes, I think he thought they were a waste of money. His daughter, who was my husband' Rick's mother, lost a baby girl JoAnn which would have been Rick's twin. She only lived for a day or so. Rick had an older sister as well. His grandfather actually talked his mother out of a headstone for JoAnn because he wanted his daughter to move on and care for her new son and his older sister. His mother would have two more children during her lifetime. My husband every once in a while says, "maybe I should place a headstone for JoAnn." He has always felt JoAnn's presence in his life. You are correct, lots of interesting opinions and perspectives.
My first insurance sales was pre-needs, or burial policys. We discussed open or closed casket, selecting a casket, the memorial service, the procession to the gravesite, and the gravesite service. Each step was a sales step and it took integrity to not attempt to drive up the cost. Feelings were paramount but you also had to grasp the financial ability of someone to pay. Monthly payments with a term life rider was all many could afford. The sales trick was to draw a picture of the funeral derector.sitting with your family and asking who was going to pay. Or asking everyone to get out their credit card and we will divide the cost up. People do not want conflict in their family.
As to an open casket viewing, people want different things. One of my daughters felt it was very important to view her grandfather and the other wouldn't look. How one chooses to remember Ones loved ones is personal and is to be respected.
Thanks for these thoughts, Craig.
Interesting debate. I like your thoughts. My husband's grandfather was a mortician and he didn't believe in headstones, for the same reason, money.
No headstones, eh? So many opinions and perspectives! Thanks for reading, Sue!
Yes, I think he thought they were a waste of money. His daughter, who was my husband' Rick's mother, lost a baby girl JoAnn which would have been Rick's twin. She only lived for a day or so. Rick had an older sister as well. His grandfather actually talked his mother out of a headstone for JoAnn because he wanted his daughter to move on and care for her new son and his older sister. His mother would have two more children during her lifetime. My husband every once in a while says, "maybe I should place a headstone for JoAnn." He has always felt JoAnn's presence in his life. You are correct, lots of interesting opinions and perspectives.