Testimonials

May 1, 2001

Mr. Kevin Gray
Direct Casket
273 Route 110
Huntington Station, NY 11746

Dear Mr. Gray,

     I am not sure exactly where to begin in thanking you for bringing some solace into the worst day of my life. After burying my mom three years ago, refraining from making all the painful decisions until the day of her imminent death, my sister and I decided to pre-plan my father’s funeral. I had mixed feelings about this, but we were applying for Medicaid so of course it was the practical thing to do, but in my heart I didn’t want to acknowledge that my dad, my very best friend, was going to be leaving me.
     I visited a local funeral home and while I didn’t expect to have a good old time, I left feeling somewhat annoyed.  I realize everyone has to earn a living, but there are certain professions that I feel require enhanced empathy skills. I know I was just another customer with a sick father but a little warmth, albeit “forced” wouldn’t have been out of line.  The cash wasn’t coming out of my pocket so this honestly wasn’t the issue, but I felt I was being steered into spending excessive money on unnecessary AND essential items.
     Ironically on my way to this particular funeral home, a friend called me and told me about your business, and since I had time on my side I decided to visit your store. I was hesitant at first because this really isn’t the type of comparison shopping that is fun to do.  However, after talking to you for ten minutes, I felt it was the best decision I made regarding this entire depressing ordeal.
     First of all, you were honest…what a refreshing attribute to find in the business world! Second, you were able to “read” the type of person I was and tapped into my needs and feelings. You explained all I needed to know in a professional yet empathetic way. There wasn’t one ounce of insincerity in your manner, in fact you suggested that I spend LESS on a casket than I was originally planning to spend.  You spent much more time than was even necessary, making me feel comfortable and at peace with my decisions.  Because of this, I trusted you to make all the other arrangements (choosing the funeral home, selecting a priest to speak at my dad’s graveside, etc).  When my dad died only a few weeks later, all that was required was a simple phone call and you were “there”.
     I not only respect you as a businessman but as a person whom I was fortunate enough to meet in this crazy, fast paced world.  In fact, I find myself enthusiastically recommending your services to all my friends, even though I sometimes get some pretty strange looks!

Thanks again and again….

Sincerely,

Dear Mr. Gray:

     I want to thank you for your most thoughtful assistance in selecting and providing the casket for my father-in-law’s funeral.
     I was amazed that given my rough description you were able to advise me over the phone about the type, quality and finish of the casket.  My whole family could not have been more pleased with the result.  It was truly beyond our expectations.  So were the 65% savings.
     Those savings of around $4,000 will be put in a mutual fund for Lou’s newest great-granddaughter’s education. If the fund achieves a 10% annual return it will amount to a more than $25,000 legacy by her college senior year.  Regrettably, I had not known to call you sooner.  You could have handled all the funeral arrangements- funeral home, cemetery, etc.-and the college fund would have been far greater.
     When I first heard about your service I was concerned about the reaction of the funeral home to out buying a casket elsewhere.  What if they would not treat us with the respect and dignity that the occasion merits?  This fear proved to be entirely groundless.  We received all the support and services that were needed and which were paid for.
     As difficult as it is to contemplate, our family, like all families will need funeral services in the future.  Fortunately we now know where to put our trust when events overtake us and it’s hard to think clearly about important decisions.

With sincere appreciation,

John Belo
JB:ccb

Dear Mr. Gray:

          I had time to prearrange my Mother’s funeral.  I compared prices of two local funeral parlors and found them to be nearly identical.  I initiated a search on the internet for similar services.  First I received an education about caskets and the NY State laws pertaining to them.  These included casket price list presentation and display, delivery and mandatory acceptance at a funeral parlor without surcharge.  As I had fore knowledge of the casket prices and their merchandising techniques, I was fully prepared when I found your web site, directcasket.com, visited your showroom/warehouse and met your staff.  Not only did I see the caskets at approximately one half the price of the funeral parlors, but I also found out about your other corporate division, Direct Family Funerals.  This entity, I learned, conducts appropriate religious graveside funerals and obviates the need for the commonly used funeral parlor and it’s associated costs when a small funeral is in order.  However I was concerned that my Mother’s funeral would not be conducted as professionally and efficiently as a local funeral parlor would do.  I need not have had that concern.
        I had done my due diligence and decided to use all of your appropriate services when the time came.  From the moment I visited your two facilities and met with you, I was reassured that my decision was correct.  Your professional demeanor, attention to details and 24/7 availability were most appreciated. 
        When I received word of my Mother’s demise, I immediately called you.  By the time I arrived at my Mother’s home, your funeral director was right behind me.  The police officers at the scene commented that they never had witnessed such immediate dispatch and efficiency, including obtaining the necessary death certificate signings.  This exemplary service continued throughout, including basic arrangements, body removal and preparation, hearse transport, cemetery interface, funeral supervision, the obtaining of death certificates and death notice placements.
        A most dreaded day went by very smoothly.  In addition, I saved approximately 40% of the total cost that I had originally priced.

THANK YOU

Sincerely,                                                                                                 
Jack Hirschfield