Transparency over fees is integral to funeral firm’s ethos
Talking about fees when planning a funeral is, perhaps, one of the most difficult conversations imaginable. But, as Oonagh Robinson discovers, one local firm strives to be as open as possible about this potentially awkward issue
FOR most families faced with the sad task of organising a funeral, the last thing on their minds is how much it will all cost. And it can often be a huge shock to get that final bill.
But for A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service, being as open as possible with a client about pricing has become part and parcel of its ethos.
The company - which was founded in 1907 and now has 26 funeral homes in Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield and the surrounding area - is one of the few funeral firms to advertise its full pricing online and in brochures.
The brochure is discreetly left in a sealed envelope when funeral directors transfer the deceased person to the chapel of rest, and families are told exactly what can be added or omitted from a preferred package to ensure there are no surprises about costing.
“Every funeral arranged by A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service will have a written estimate prepared in advance by an experienced funeral arranger,” explains chief executive Nigel Lymn Rose. “This will need to be signed along with our contract by the person making the decisions and ultimately responsible for paying the invoice.
“As part of this process a discussion will take place concerning the funding of the funeral.
“None of our funeral arrangers are paid commission on any of our services. The Lymn Rose family are more concerned that the bereaved family has got the best funeral for them and strive for perfection of service ahead of maximisation of profit.”
The difference in pricing of individual funerals can be many thousands of pounds depending on the type of coffin chosen and other aspects.
At A.W. Lymn, a free-of-charge cardboard coffin is available with any adult funeral, compared to its most expensive option - a £19,999 solid bronze, 14-carat gold-plated casket designed in the USA.
Other charges will typically include:
■ Professional charges including service at crematorium, with up to four bearers - £1,100.
■ All transportation of the deceased person on the day of the funeral, including a Rolls-royce hearse £800.
■ Rolls-royce Phantom VII Luxury limousine for four passengers - £250.
■ Care and preparation of the deceased person - £200.
■ Use of visitation room - £100.
■ Choice of coffin - usually ranging from around £299 to £799.
■ There will also be unavoidable third party costs such as crematorium fees (around £630), celebrant’s fee (£200), and doctor’s fee where necessary (£170).
Payment before the day of the funeral is not required. However, a discount of £50 on professional fees is available when the full estimated account is paid in advance.
The final invoice will be sent approximately one week after the funeral.
In the event of the funeral being substantially funded by a pre-paid funeral plan, the invoice for any items ordered but not paid for by the plan provider will also be sent at this time.
A.W. Lymn was also one of the first companies in the Nottingham and Derby area to sign the “Fair Funeral Pledge.”
This promises:
■ To recognise that funerals can be expensive and many people struggle with the cost.
“A discussion will take place concerning the funding of the funeral” Nigel Lymn Rose Chief executive
■ To help people to find funerals that are within their means.
■ To be open about the most affordable options - including third party costs - in initial conversations, within price lists and on websites.
Nigel added: “We also offer help with DWP claims and offer funeral finance loans, which help prevent people from using pay day loans to fund a funeral.”
You can find out more at www. lymn.co.uk/funerals/funeral-costs or call 0115 941 4101.