What You Need to Know
Purchasing and selecting a monument is an important decision, which is why you need a trusted monument provider who provides quality service and workmanship. Monument designs should be carefully calculated as they offer a special way to personalize a lasting tribute. After the loss of a loved one, there are so many choices to be made. Let the dedicated team at Sprung Monuments make this time a little easier for you.
Throughout our decades in this industry, we’ve seen families make uninformed decisions that caused them heartache and financial strain. That’s why we put together our guide of do’s and don’ts, in the hope this will be a helpful resource for your family.
1. DO: Purchase a monument from someone your funeral provider recommends and trusts.
Your funeral provider’s reputation is built on service and trust. They build their affiliates around these same criteria. They want to make sure you are taken care of from beginning to end and that you are given quality service and never misled, so ask who they recommend. Go to them with your questions about fair pricing, the quality of a monument you are considering, or if a dealer is trustworthy. They have the answers and are on your side.
2. DON’T buy a monument based solely on price.
Of course, budget should be a factor, but it should not be the biggest factor. The materials and how the monuments are manufactured can vary drastically. If you see a deal that looks too good to be true, it most likely is. Many times, monument dealers will skimp on the quality of the material or craftsmanship, and a couple years down the line, you will be the one who pays the price. Be sure to make a smart purchase the first time around.
3. DO look for a well-established full-service provider.
Many monument dealers use a third party for their manufacturing and installation work. This can create a lack of quality and service control. You want it to be a smooth process from beginning to end. By going to a full- service provider, it will save you a great deal of time and energy trying to coordinate between several different parties. During this difficult time, there is so much to do and so many decisions to be made. Make your life easier by going to a one-stop shop, we guarantee it will make all the difference.
4. DO make sure your monument provider is knowledgeable.
It is important to find a trusted monument provider who is well versed in all aspects of the memorialization process, including granite selection, engravings, and installation. You should also choose a monument dealer who is familiar with your cemetery’s rules and regulations, to ensure that the permitting and installation of your loved one’s memorial will go smoothly. A knowledgeable monument dealer will be able to guide you through the entire process.
5. DO know before you go.
Deciding how you would like to design your loved one’s monument is an important decision. With the time constraints and other important decisions that arise after the passing of a loved one, it’s important to know that the decisions surrounding the memorial process don’t have to be rushed. The last thing you want to do is make a hasty decision because you are overwhelmed with grief and other obligations. Take time to speak to your family about what qualities or memories should be symbolized on the memorial. An experienced provider will be able to present you with design options that reflect those special details in a way that creates a lasting tribute to your loved one and complies with all applicable cemetery restrictions.
6. DO Make sure your memorial comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Do not buy a monument from a provider who does not offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee against material, workmanship, and installation flaws. This is a way to protect yourself and ensure the quality of the monument is what you were promised. Any fair, knowledgeable monument provider should stand by their product.
7. DON’T be misled.
Cemeteries and monument dealers may try to mislead you into thinking you must purchase your monument through them. In most cases, this is not true. Know your options. If there is ever a question, ask your funeral provider or another monument dealer. This is an important decision, and you do not want to be pushed into thinking you don’t have any choices.
8. DO plan ahead when possible.
The best way to avoid making all of these mistakes is by purchasing preneed. Monuments can be purchased prior to being needed. If you make these decisions ahead of time, you are able to design the perfect monument to memorialize your life. You can take your time exploring options such as which monument dealer is best, which quality level is appropriate, and what best fits the budget. Lastly, you will likely save money as monument prices are constantly increasing. A full-service monument provider can guide you through the process and help you make the best choice.