Profits of Death: An Insider Exposes the Death Care Industries

by Darryl J. Roberts

From embalming to cremation to interment, learn what funeral directors and cemetery operators do and how they skillfully part consumers from their money. Roberts, a 30-year veteran of the death care... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1877749214
• ISBN13: 9781877749216
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Five Star Pubns
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

I particularly liked the part in the book about our caskets from an outside source

I really enjoyed the book and it was very helpful. I liked the part about purchasing your casket online. I bought a casket from www.bestpricecaskets.com and saved $3400 on an 18 gauge metal casket that looked exactly like the funeral home's caskets. I bought it for $995 and the funeral home wanted $4400 for it and it arrived the very next morning at the funeral home. They also suggested as the book did that I visit several funeral homes saying that I live about 10 minutes away but I will have my funeral here if your price is the best. It says to show interest in the funeral home caskets so they think they can make $4000 on the casket so they are more likely to give you a better price on the funeral. After getting all itemized lists from the funeral homes, the book explained then to call up the one that you want to have it at and tell them that someone in the family already purchased a casket, so you will not be needing one. When I did what the book suggested I noticed that the range for the funeral was $2500 up to $10,000 and the concrete vault varied from $600 to $1500. The opening and closing of the grave varied from $600 to $2100. Incredible. What other industry does the price vary 300 or 400%. The book said that the average amount of time the funeral home spends on a funeral is about 5 hours (2 hour viewing, 1 hour embalming, 0.5 hour hair/face, 1.5 hour misc). How come it costs so much for 5 hours of work? Using the books and www.bestpricecaskets.com I spent $995 on the casket, $2500 on the funeral, $600 on the concrete vault and $600 on the opening and closing the grave. Total cost $4700 and I had it at the funeral home that was closest to my house. Most of the other funeral homes with the casket were $10,000 to $13,000. If you had a recent death or are preplanning, definitely read the book, do not let the funeral home get the body until you have all the prices and buy your casket online. Terry Zimmer Dallas, TX

Very interesting!

This book tells it all. The book is very informative and if you are ever planning on saving with funeral costs, you must read this. You should check with your local funeral home regarding buying your own casket. They are not all as receptive as they should be to receiving your own pre-purchased one. My mother said the so true words at my fathers' funeral 14 years ago. She said to the undertaker "Boy you guys sure have a racket going!" READ THIS BOOK!

A Book Everyone Should Read !!

This 238 page book is loaded with the facts we all need to intelligently make final arrangements for our loved ones, or pre-need for ourselves. Everyone should read this book as it guides you and makes it easier for you to make funeral arrangements. It will help you arrange for the most appropriate funeral cost-effectively, and you'll avoid the pitfalls that can occur at your time of need. Major topics include: Caskets, embalming, vaults, visiting the mortuary, memorial gardens, FTC rules, paying for the funeral, how to deal with the funeral director and more. It exposes rip-offs, and exposes some of the tactics used that can result in your spending more than is necessary. Most funeral directors are very helpful and honest at your time of need. This book will help you make the decisions that must be made. It is written by someone well experienced in the field, and is written honestly and with wit. You will gain by reading this book. It WILL help you get through a difficult period.

Very Enlightening Reading

I quite enjoyed this book. I have been interested in the funeral industry as my father was once a mortician. I believe that anyone who wants to educate themselves about the industry should read this expose.

Astonishing insight into the death care industry.

Profits of Death is tremendously well-written and presents important information that affects each of us at some point in our lives. No one wants to think about death, but Darryl presents his information in an empowering, yet "light" and somewhat entertaining manner. A must read for everyone! Darryl not only provides readers with insights into what goes on when you plan a funeral, but provides specific tips to prevent one from being scammed.