Opening a funeral home can be a rewarding business for the right person.
A funeral home definitely isn't a business that is for everyone. It takes a special type of personality to help people during some of the most difficult times of their lives, while at the same time tending to daily business needs. If you feel you have those qualities and also enjoy planning and attention to detail, opening a funeral home might be the right career path.
Instructions
1. Go to school to learn be a mortician. You will learn all you need to know about embalming, transportation, funeral services and all other aspects of the funeral home business.
2. Take the Funeral Service National Board Examination. You have to take and pass this exam to meet funeral director requirements and operate a funeral home.
3. Create a business plan. This will be your guide if you need to find financing and can help you stay on track in your day-to-day operations.
4. Choose a location for your funeral home. Decide if you will be custom-building the space or occupying one that formerly housed a funeral home. Try to find a location that isn't too out of the way but not right in the heart of a busy commercial district. There will be a lot of traffic in and out of your funeral home on a regular basis, and you want a location that is easy for everyone to get to.
5. Find a supplier for caskets, urns and other funeral-related supplies. Ask noncompeting funeral homes who they use, and shop around.
6. Create a price list that includes embalming, transportation, cosmetics, cremation, services and viewing. Consider starting a website that lists your services, prices and any packages you offer.
7. Hire a lawyer to create any necessary legal documents, such as client contracts, and also to advise you on permits, licenses and insurance. Interview different lawyers and find one with experience in the funeral industry before making a choice.
Tags: funeral home, embalming transportation, location that, your funeral, your funeral home