Try your first business service for FREE!

    Dear DigitalWorker,

    Looking for unique ways be more productive? Get things done faster and easier?

  Get started today and we will give you $100 off your first purchase.
    Click here to get started. Don't Delay! This offer ends January 31, 2000!

    Prices for most services start at or below $100. With this discount you can try
    your first one for FREE!

    Use your $100 discount on your first purchase of ANY of our most popular
    services! Whether your company needs help with public relations, advertising,
    recruiting, or credit management, our services can help you complete your daily
    tasks in 30 minutes or less.

    Just click here and enter the discount code "TRYOUT" at the payment page to
    receive your $100 discount.

    Thousands are already completing business tasks faster and easier with
    DigitalWork.com. It's simple! Click below to take advantage of this $100 discount
    and start revolutionizing the way you work!

    Warmest Regards,

    Randy Grudzinski
    VP of Marketing
    DigitalWork.com, Inc. -- Your Business Workshop

www.digitalwork.com/tryout
optin@digitalwork.m0.net

---end copy---
I used it for web cards discount
And this is a link I wanted to share, to see "people are changing"
and that news is spreading.
www.detnews.com/1999/religion/9911/02/11030008.htm
And Batesville buys from other suppliers, is this a surprise?
www.spokane.net/news-story-body.asp?Date=012700&ID=s736519&cat=section.Business       Casket company razed---
Now, if we could all use it, and we can, in all the states that your stores are in, it would be an attention getter that might make that phone ring more! By 31st tho - and if it's  interesting and newsworthy, more will read it (they will print it regardless tho.) If you do this, why not share it here?
Looking forward if anyone has other ideas to share here too......

[ This message was edited on Thu Jan 27 by the author ]

Message 98a3c5548xx-3680-380+00.htm, number 93, was posted on Fri Jan 28 at 06:19:57
in reply to cdbcc436hE0-3679-900-00.htm
Re: Forget about it!

james brown
jb@gkgkjg.net

Message cf577c18CZt-3680-912+00.htm, number 94, was posted on Fri Jan 28 at 15:12:18
in reply to 98a3c5548xx-3680-380+00.htm
let's get this right!

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

> and don't know why biz is bad?
----It is hard to live down all the rumors that our competition puts
out, and all the restricted bogas tactics, that and the other dishonest things put in the way. It would be a breeze if there were not such things placed in the way.
>You only have one thing to offer, that's extremely low prices, if you don't have that forget about it and find a new hobby.  
----this is a post from another board, I put here to show how things
are coming around.....long but good reading, between a funeral director and myself, a casket store retailer.-about typical family needing "arrangements"---------
1) If that Smith family finds that indeed, they, she
or he, is NOT going to save any money by making
the extra stop----great. AT LEAST they tried, at
least they gave it their best shot. The worst thing
for someone to do - is nothing. "I don't want his
hard earned money to be wasted" is something I hear
often. If the price is down and service is up, hey-
wave me good-bye. The public wouldn't be so "in the
middle" of a market that should not have been a war to
start with. Why the f.d. fight it so is beyond me, as free trade
almost always finds a way. Taking away people's rights is wrong.

2) If you think that the Smith family feels good
about letting someone handle everything, and they
sit home for three days, doing nothing, that is not
the same family I see. I see the ones who feel BETTER
handling something, shopping, doing a few last things-
making it more PERSONNEL (SEE link below, too
late for your "wedding" scene, already here!)

3): Funeral homes in turn raise service fees.
Granted, this is happening, and that is not my gripe.
It is however, a gripe of some about the non decline
fee. That is the "phone" fee. But let me point out
what has been said before. If that "embalming"
that they now find out they no longer need - is
raised up over $1,000.00 (where it ought to be for
all that you do) and the people have a choice, a
nice container or a viewing, and one is needed and
the other is an option, and they are the type who
(f.d. might NOT give enough credence too, not credit)
feel as Ben F. said "it is better to go to bed hungry than to
raise in the morning in debit" which do you think
they will forgo?? Who will to be the bad guy then?
It is not that they don't care, they don't buy into
the huge price tag, and they know their limits (of justice,
not spending ability in it's self)
4)My thought is really, I never should have been
accused of "main object is to make the funeral industry
look bad" that has NEVER been my thrust. It is used
to discredit me (us). They (some) have done it all by
themselves. I (we) never should have been locked out of
wholesale buys of a pc of wood or steel, to retail
it. The battle of "overnight fly byes, bad product
and other untrue arguments" haven't worked. Let's
all start fresh, Put me out of business by honest
hard work and fair prices. I'll pat you all on the
back if you do. If you can't do it honestly and with
an open market, that Smith family will still be
wondering why, and what all the hoopla is about!
1. Will the casket store still make this grieving family not only go to the funeral home but also to the
casket store to select a casket? Is this something grieving families want to do? Is this best for them
even though cost no longer plays a role?
-----Nope, they do choose - it is a choice. If they found no benefit, they "win" and so does the f.h. It

is the best thing that ever could happen, and I think most c.s. owners feel that way. That was the #1
reason to open a store, injustice of price. Our division (A Team Masters) is not our lively hood, but it
is an important part of what I now do. A commitment that we feel good about. www.burialitems.com
: 2. ANYONE may open a casket store, while it takes a licensed and regulated individual abiding by

the consumer safety standards set out by the governing state to set up a funeral establishment.
Which one is in a better position to take advantage of a family?
---While your argument may SOUND valid, how much more could someone take advantage of
anyone than the cost of what "was asked" in that first showroom?? That license or equal paperwork
thrown up, is not for the selling of goods, and we have seen in the past what abuse it has sometimes
stood for. It never stopped those "outlaws" from low life before, what makes a difference now? It is
used to bar an open trade. Period. We have seen no benefit from outlaws just due to that license.
: 3. It takes a certain commitment to a family to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Casket store operators are available on a business day. Which of the two is in it for the
self-gratification and which is in it for the bottom line. As a funeral home, our business hours read
"whenever you need us". I am not doubting your concern and commitment, just the depth of it
compared to those of us who live by the telephone.
---Wait, know this isn't the only field that has such commitment, for far more income too I might
add. We used to plow snow for the city of Timberlake, had to schedule everything around a pager,
sudden calls and leaves. For competitive biz, it was a choice (not worth it, the cold, break downs,
stuck, Christmas eve ruined, low pay seen in return, etc.)This on the other hand, is a choice too, one
that I enjoy more. So for you- it is a choice. Even after all the schooling - if you stay, it is a choice.
You knew going in what was in store. So, can't say that should be something we all get pats on the
back for. We CAN NOT say it is not all (well, mostly) about money - you need it to exist. If you
couldn't earn your
level of (needed or wanted) income, you'd leave. By choice or force ;-(
: 4. Historically, FD's were carpenters who made caskets and provided livery. Then the service
portion followed. It is the natural evolution of economy. From goods to service. When will these
casket stores "evolve" to service, and what would that service be? As you can see, you are where
we WERE. Been there, done that, and something had to be added to help us remain viable. That
something was service. We'll see you there.
----Found already, people want to pay something to someone else sometimes, just for the "second
look, of a professional shopper or consultant" to be sure that there was nothing out of place. I have
been called "something like a wedding consultant, but for funerals" And this again, is a choice or not,
and would be something that grows or dies by demand. Excuse me for saying, because I know it
gets old, but that is what it should have been all along. This restricted & media hounded field is what
has drawn attention to what is wrong with it. It should rise or fall all on it's own, without all the tricks
used - both sides!
: 5. Last thought I am having......Consolidation is everywhere nowadays. MCI, Time-Warner,
AOL, SCI, all making the news. Reduce that to the level of the funeral. The funeral home has
evolved as a provider of consolidated services and merchandise to help facilitate a family's choices
and make it easier for them to plan a meaningful funeral. Casket stores and other merchandisers
only look to spread this out and thus, make the funeral process much more drawn out and
inefficient. How long before funerals become like weddings and REQUIRE advance planning
because when the day arrives, many different elements from different sources will all have tp come
together to make the funeral. Does it make sense to make a grieving family jump through the hoops
of retailers just to save a buck when really it serves only to pressure them more?
---Your thoughts make sense -the only flaw is, lack of choice.(Not from one home to another, from
one retailer of goods, to another.)Every other field has, excuse me, ALLOWS them ;-) That is were it went wrong.
I think most people feel wronged when they are boxed in. I'm tickled to see that the open minded people
are not stifled by others enough to (NOT) voice their opinion, even if it is non traditional. Thanks and here's to ya, Best wishes for a good life.
The future of funerals?? www.detnews.com/1999/religion/9911/02/11030008.htm
------end copy

See, people should and can get along. And no one needs to be told to
forget it. We are still new and growing. And people sure like what we
do. And it is more than just saving them money, it is giving them their self confidence back. That they were right not to feel good about someone wanting to take control of everything, and get an open
checkbook to boot! Giving them a choice.

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

The post button for reply and above needs fixed by this evening.

Message 0404a09bzVZ-3682-1038+00.htm, number 104, was posted on Sun Jan 30 at 17:18:21
in reply to cf568525LmM-3682-987-00.htm
Re: Tahnk You Mr. Webmaster

John Doe
johhny_doe@netzero.com

Message 98a3ced3yhs-3682-1258-00.htm, number 105, was posted on Sun Jan 30 at 20:57:58
To the writer John Doe

Direct Casket Outlet, Inc. DBA Franchisee Name Direct Casket Outlet or just Direct Casket Outlet - stores across the U.S.
ndco@juno.com

Message cf577c4bCZt-3682-1281+00.htm, number 106, was posted on Sun Jan 30 at 21:21:24
in reply to 98a3ced3yhs-3682-1258-00.htm
Re: To the writer John Doe

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

I agree with the webmaster, if the corrections are not made, zap the post, as it is not trueful much at all! And to beat all, no matter what he puts up, the costs sure do beat that funeral director's showroom. He could at least say who he is, what his background is, so one could put much weight to his "research" or not!

Message cdbcc7cczVZ-3682-1282+00.htm, number 107, was posted on Sun Jan 30 at 21:21:31
in reply to 98a3ced3yhs-3682-1258-00.htm
Re: To the writer John Doe

John Doe
johhny_doe@netzero.com

I would love to inlude your prices too, what are they?

Message cdbcc7cczVZ-3682-1283+00.htm, number 108, was posted on Sun Jan 30 at 21:23:14
in reply to cf577c4bCZt-3682-1281+00.htm
Re^2: To the writer John Doe

John Doe
johhny_doe@netzero.com

Don't just say something is broke give me the symtoms

Message cf568608LmM-3683-42+00.htm, number 109, was posted on Mon Jan 31 at 00:43:06
in reply to cdbcc7cczVZ-3682-1282+00.htm
Re^2: Listen up

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

On Sun Jan 30, John Doe wrote
-----------------------------
>Prove me wrong, I'm waiting.

>Don't just say something is broke give me the symtoms

While it was up IT was left there to allow you a fair exchange, corrections - and you didn't bother. We offered and you messed up.  I removed it based on how unfactual, incomplete and unfair it was and your lack of time involved to correct it, or explain how your background would lead you to be any "researcher" on all of the subject.

[ This message was edited on Tue Feb 1 by the author ]

Message cdbcc1abhE0-3684-1271-00.htm, number 112, was posted on Tue Feb 1 at 21:11:17
"AARP" very positive article

Floyd Hoke
hokef@aol.com

Message cf568458LmM-3685-62+00.htm, number 113, was posted on Wed Feb 2 at 01:02:56
in reply to cdbcc1abhE0-3684-1271-00.htm
Re: "AARP" very positive article

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

Message cf56845dLmM-3685-877-00.htm, number 114, was posted on Wed Feb 2 at 14:37:47
Find the one truest statement.

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

To your ability to market.

To keeping on top of technological advancements.

To be able to access the most unique products to the most well known brand names.

To keeping plenty of prospective customers by location of business.

To following a strict business plan or get  mediocre results.






Did you see it? All of the other answers do not matter as much or are incorrect. If you don't market, you can't get any traffic to your location can you? Or at least, not enough to make to worth your while.  For that matter, what good is any retail business location without traffic? Sometimes, people find you without you even lifting the phone. Like in this case,-
they listed the NCRA CA. store directory when they found it. Email to list your CA site & get their link button.
http://www.at-la.com/biz/@la-death.htm#casket
www.at-la.com/biz/@la-death.htm#casket
All on their own, and have written in to ask for a link back to their site. (below) And it puts those CA stores listed in the NCRA site AHEAD all of those others that might ever be listed on the @LA site, member benefits.  That's a good deal for the NCRA CA members, however all others can and should look to their own state and city on the internet, and list your site there.
//email //"There is no charge for this service, but we'd
appreciate it if you could
provide a reciprocal link to @LA and/or the page that
your link is on. We provide
special benefits to those who include links to our
site http://www.at-la.com/@la-info/member.htm#link."
www.at-la.com/@la-info/member.htm#link".
Also in the email: "I will be moving out of state and doing a bit of traveling over the next year. Plans to manufacture our own line of  caskets and urns have begun, and investors interested.  I must liquidate at amazingly low prices, you heard   it, amazingly low prices. From Des Moines, Iowa 26   All are 20 g, about 6 different models. I can send
 photos of some.    Delivery might be available in certain parts of the
 country, with added charge. I have too many irons in the fire, now, and my
 main goal is   manufacturing soon. Let me know if you need any inventory and if I can help, I think you'll all be   impressed with what we are doing.

By the way, what did the healthy casket
 say to the sick casket?






Is that you coughin'? Ah, a little humor, but we need to remember the first
 three letters of the word funeral some days. I can be   contacted at (snip)
//email webmaster for more information.

Message cdbcc6bcz5a-3686-320-00.htm, number 115, was posted on Thu Feb 3 at 05:19:41
funeral rul

competitive caskets inc.
jjjgjs@aol.com

Message cf5685d1CZt-3686-1400+00.htm, number 116, was posted on Thu Feb 3 at 23:20:43
in reply to cdbcc6bcz5a-3686-320-00.htm
upto date info, getting paid ease too, ques. ease of delivery

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

Also, this program I use and can highly recommend. It beats using a
merchant account (some people don't have charge cards anyway) and there is no fees associated (like monthly, percentages, etc) and most
people are accustomed to it. The phone company uses it to get paid alot! www.nelpub.com/c-man/20649/   It is a breeze and my local bank has NEVER given me any headache over the deposit of a computer generated ~ out of town draft check, (large amount check), at any time. And the funds are available 2-3 days, just like a visa deposit would be. Email me if any questions, I'll walk you through it.

Question:: Another c.s. owner & I were talking about how funeral directors are coping with accepting caskets, and what might make a
dif/or not. He said he thinks his biggest notice is if the f.h. is an
independ/ or if it is owned by one of the BIG firms. Do you agree?
His reasoning was that the large corp. owned employed funeral directors don't care about the lost casket sale and even go out of their way to help that family save money. "Because they feel so bad about the high prices that the family is being charged. They understand that they need to save money however they can."   I think that might be partly right, however what
might make a huge dif/too is if that funeral director/read salesman worked on comission sales or not. Anyone??

Message cf568508LmM-3687-837+00.htm, number 117, was posted on Fri Feb 4 at 13:58:23
in reply to cf5685d1CZt-3686-1400+00.htm
tortious , Tortious Interference with a contract

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

Message cf568508LmM-3687-847+00.htm, number 118, was posted on Fri Feb 4 at 14:08:06
in reply to cf5685d1CZt-3686-1400+00.htm
Tortious Interference with a contract

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

Message cf568626CZt-3691-1096-00.htm, number 119, was posted on Tue Feb 8 at 18:18:12
time management & big rocks

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

              This story was forwarded to me yesterday. The message is not unique, but we need to be
reminded about the importance of priorities now and again.

Enjoy, and get your rocks together,

Jim Stephens
**************************************************

Quiz

One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students, and
to drive home a point he used an Illustration those students will never forget. As he stood in
front of the group of high powered over-achievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz."

He pulled out a one gallon, wide mouthed Mason jar and set it on the table in front of him.
Then he produced about a dozen fist sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time,
into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is
the jar full?"

Everyone in the class said, "Yes."

Then he said, "Really?"

He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and
shook the jar, causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the space between the
big rocks.

He asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?"

By this time the class was on to him.

"Probably not," one of them answered.

"Good!" he replied.

He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand and bagan dumping it in the jar.
It went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel.

Once more he asked the question, "Is the jar full?" "No!" the class shouted.

Once again he said, "Good!"

He then grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim.

He looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

One eager student raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule
is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in!"

"No," the speaker replied, "That's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is that if
you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all.

What are the 'BIG ROCKS' in your life? Your children…Your loved ones.... Your education....
Your Dreams ...A worthy cause.... Teaching or mentoring others.... Doing things that you
love.... Time for yourself.... Your health.... Your significant other.

Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all. If you sweat the
little stuff (the gravel, the sand) then you'll fill your life with little things to worry about that don't
really matter, and you'll never have the real quality time you need to spend on the big,
important stuff (the big rocks).

So, tonight or in the morning when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this
question:

What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put them in your jar first.
----end copy--
I have learned a long time ago, not to sweat the small stuff. My
motto is if if doesn't involve blood, smoke or life - it is probably
not something that will matter a year from now anyway. Small stuff.
And too, the pumping of the well water handle is really hard and takes sometimes forever to get that water running. But, once up there, the water is sure a lot eaiser to keep going smoother, than start & stop, start again. We almost broke our record sales  (# of units) in a month for the month of Jan. It is sure due to the time / yrs we have spent in business. We are still small compared to some of the stores, really small comparing some of the members in this NCRA. Glad to be part!
Anybody else almost break or did break the number of units sold for the month? I see that many new outlets and stores are opening - even one more in my area. But it is owned and run by funeral directors.
Ain't free trade just great!

Message d1770beaLmM-3692-622+00.htm, number 120, was posted on Wed Feb 9 at 10:22:52
in reply to cf56845dLmM-3685-877-00.htm
Know your market,

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

In response to the post on the potholder (John McCabe LED 761) and
the rebuttal of using one (Bob Sharp, 764), for the funeral home...
you are both right and wrong!

First, my disclaimer. Ex-funeral director. Now, the reasons (for
being right and wrong, not why I was a funeral director!). First,
use of give-aways are a very good idea and very beneficial. (Bob 1,
John 0). Unless you are a funeral home (Bob 1, John 1).

The funeral industry has been, is, and forever will be ­
segregated. Period. There are no exceptions. For as much as our
world is becoming (thank goodness) integrated and more culturally
diverse, the funeral business simply will not. No matter how many
potholders you do or do not give away. Rather than discussing
whether this is right or wrong ­ I will stick to the subject at
hand. Why it is.

Where does one go when they typically need the services from a
funeral home (besides to a funeral home!)? To the one down the
street, you know, the one where you buried gramps, grannie, mom or
dad. Funeral homes depend on two things: supply and demand (they
have the upper hand here ­ we are all going to need one regardless
of our burial choices or culture) and repeat business. Before you
yell “stupid, how can you become a repeat customer at a funeral
home”, hear me out.

In the funeral industry you have local funeral homes, mostly now
owned by conglomerates (there are only four big players involved in
the US and the number two guy (Lowen) has filed for either chapter
7 or 11) catering to the needs of their local demographics. They
are your local white catholic, white protestant, African American
catholic, African American protestant, Asian, Middle East, etc. For
instance, if you have ever attended a service or visitation at your
local funeral home ­ did all the employees look just like you (if
you were part of the family). I bet they did. If you (unfortunately
but unmistakably a real possibility) ever needed to make
arrangements for a loved one, did you choose the one down the
street or in the family neighborhood (substitute county, area,
etc.) that coincided with your family religion (for instance, I am
catholic, white and Scottish ­ and our family has been using
Murphy’s since my first trip to one to see Grandma off 25 years
ago) or culture? I am sure you did.

I once worked at a funeral home where the owner pulled me aside and
said, “what do you think about hiring an African American funeral
director?” I said, well why not. If he or she is qualified, why
would you even have to ask. He then looked at me and said, look
around. Do you see any integration in any funeral home? How would
YOU feel if you came to make arrangements and someone who looked
different from you or wearing a religious clothing article from
another religion other than yours greeted you at the door? Would
you be comfortable? Would you think that person capable of
understanding your culture, your religion and handling this very
important and emotional period in your life? Or, would you expect
that person to look, think, and worship the same as you?

Typically, whenever I participate in the exercise of visiting a
funeral home, either for reasons within my own family or outside,
such as friends, co-workers, etc. I just can not help but notice
the exactness between the funeral home’s staff and religious
specialty and the family’s. Every time.

Finally, the big guys buying up all the traditional local funeral
homes all across American and Canada have several things in common
but the most significant business trait is in the takeover name of
the funeral home. They DO NOT CHANGE THE NAME! They have recognized
that the name is a constant billboard to future clients. The last
time you may have needed the services from a funeral home could
have been when your grandparents passed on, and the next time
(traditionally) would be for our parents. Where will we go? Take a
guess. And it won’t be because we did or did not get a potholder or
any other marketing paraphernalia.

So to end this, the potholder give-away is a good idea and Bob is
right. But, John is also correct in saying it is not a good
advertising method for a funeral home ­ but for the wrong reasons.
It has nothing to do with what he mentioned and everything to do
with us. Always will.

Well, this is a huge swing from our traditional subjects ­ and
maybe a relief from those for some! When advertising or marketing
for a business there is that one golden rule that simply does not
go away and is applicable to every business. KNOW YOUR BUSINESS.
Change is very good, most times. Is it a good idea here? I don’t
know. But you do.

Thanks,
__________________________
Can anyone contribute an idea on something that they might be doing, or giveaways that they feel works for their casket store?

Message d1770beaLmM-3692-643+00.htm, number 121, was posted on Wed Feb 9 at 10:45:02
in reply to d1770beaLmM-3692-622+00.htm
Response= Ad specialities

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

In issue #764, Bob took me to task for my comments on
advertising specialties. Bob, we're really not that far apart. I
agree that properly selected ad specialties can be a powerful part
of the marketing mix. The key is "properly selected."

In my pot holder example, perhaps the best clarification would be
to simply reproduce part of the article, with Adam's permission.

--------------

Let me give you an example. The last time I moved, I received a
"Welcome Wagon" type package. One of the items was a pot holder
with the name, address and phone number of a local funeral home.
Nice pot holder, but it sure didn't spark any discussions of
funeral arrangements every time we made a meal. To top it off, with
use the message became worn and stained and finally unreadable.
Hardly an image for a serious business like funerals.

How could this local business use information to help their cause?
Most families have a "just-in-case" box. Whether it's a safe
deposit box, a home safe or just a shoe box, this is where they
collect all the important papers only needed "just in case
something happens". If you ran the funeral home mentioned earlier,
wouldn't you want something in that box?

Maybe a "What To Do When Tragedy Strikes" booklet listing the tasks
that must be done and when. With a place to record final
instructions and last wishes. With the funeral home's name, address
and phone number under the message "If you need help with the
funeral arrangements, please call". On the cover, of course. A
booklet like this will be in the hands of those needing the service
-- when they need it!

Can you really picture the grieving family asking each other "Now
where's that old pot holder with the funeral home's name on it?"

-----------------

So I'm not against ad specialties. A mouse pad from my computer
shop reminds me to call them when I need them, and the number is
handy. The magnet on my furnace with the repair shop's number
pretty much insures they will do the repairs and seasonal
maintenance. These work because I've had good success dealing with
those businesses.

On the other hand, car dealers tend to give out key rings with new
cars. This can be a two-edged sword. If the deal is pleasant (or as
pleasant as car deals can be) and the car runs well, the ring will
remind me where to go first. If the deal is unpleasant, or the car
turns out to be a lemon, I'll be reminded where I got the junker
every time I turn the key. Guess where I won't go.

I hope this clarifies somewhat what I was trying to say.
________________________________
But it has also been proven that most all people carry at least one item on their body or purse, suitcase, that carries a company's name on it. Like a pen, business card or whatever. More than 1/2 of those, carry at least THREE items with a co. name. Question is then, is your company name getting out? What do you use? We all know that an ad with a photo of a casket is supposed to be the best - what about giveaways?

Message cdbcc036z5a-3693-342-00.htm, number 122, was posted on Thu Feb 10 at 05:42:27
GIVE AWAYS

competitive caskets inc.
jjjgjs@aol.com

Message cf577c83CZt-3693-1115+00.htm, number 123, was posted on Thu Feb 10 at 18:35:35
in reply to cdbcc036z5a-3693-342-00.htm
Re: GIVE AWAYS

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

I copied the url for the NCRA poll www.insta-poll.com/cgi-bin/insta-poll.cgi?zone=47&id=110157&action=view   if you want to check it out fast, it is coming right along.
The results are sure in tune with what I see/hear. If you missed it, check out the home page of this site to vote.

And can you believe that this site for kids www.cryptnet.com/navigator/defaultnav.asp is listed in the top 100 (at #69)on the top 100 kids site? www.100hot.com/directory/lifestyles/kids.html   scary.....

Message cdbcc0a3yCv-3694-392+00.htm, number 124, was posted on Fri Feb 11 at 06:31:53
in reply to cdbcc036z5a-3693-342-00.htm
Re: GIVE AWAYS

store-eliminator
abc@123.net

Message cf568511LmM-3694-516+00.htm, number 125, was posted on Fri Feb 11 at 08:36:56
in reply to cdbcc0a3yCv-3694-392+00.htm
Re^2: Give Aways, except for the whole truth

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

Grin, like the funeral director that gave pot holders in the ad specialites post below,
time shows that the people think it stinks, and are not so dumb as to understand why.

1966 link shows that the funeral industry used gulit as 1 of their tools to sell. Now enter the web, and smooth designers that tout Batesville as "addressing their customers directly." But, what they don't tell people on the site, they use tatics like yours to eliminate the compitation too.( But not free, just not available to salespeople other than the funeral directors, making it only available with as a high priced item) If the customers only knew enough to ask the right questions.  www.demographics.com/publications/mt/96_mt/9610_mt/9610M34A.HTM

Wilbert vaults operates the same way (as do a few others) "helping you sell the whole service" when talking (only) to their funeral director salespeople. www.wilbertvault.com/information/marketing_and_sales_support.html

In an effort to curb that, and as a  defense, some casket stores are now putting statements like:
"Due to pressure from their local Funeral Directors, several local Wilbert Dealers have
decided not to support the many organizations that (casket store name ) represents. Therefore, Wilbert Brand Vaults are not available in all areas. Please rest assured that a comparable product will be delivered instead of the Wilbert Product in those areas."
It should have trademarks for the product on it perhaps, but do you really think that message is sending out a good, positive image of morticians - to the public?  But what is one to do? Not say the truth? No, if that were the case, attitudes like yours would drive all the competition away. It won't happen, the public likes us "retailers" and are becoming more informed every day, while they save money!

Message 98a3ccb6z5a-3695-358+00.htm, number 126, was posted on Sat Feb 12 at 05:58:26
in reply to cdbcc0a3yCv-3694-392+00.htm
Re^2: GIVE AWAYS

competitive caskets inc.
jjjgjs@aol.com

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

 "The competition, collaborationists whose motivation was/ is so simple, self-directed survival."

Second " The caskets aren't good"
( This was to create plausible denial and a try at an effective cover-up of 'ANYPurity Control.' This lie spread for awhile, until it too, was found untrue and didn't work.)Not true at all! Most any casket store can get and/ or have the same brands that are sold in funeral homes. Or looking at the casket and paperwork, one can tell the product is just fine.

Third:  "They aren't regulated."

(The competition principles began to wee a  wresting of control, a loss of their accumulating power and influence across this once uncrossable border. The sale of burial product.  When in fact, most ALL casket stores are aware of the rules of doing business, and make sure to follow them. I say most, because there maybe bad business people in all fields.) It is just no other field has ever had to cross the objections put in their way - by the competion using such force to keep them out of the free trade market. ALL operations are accountable, no matter what field.

Forth/ Now: "There is no savings"
(This again, is mis-information - we have a good past history now, so other ways are being looked at to see what is  constituted as our greatest vulnerability. If this tactic is used, the best way to overcome it would of course be, exposure. The price list of your neighborhood funeral home caskets and then the casket stores. That will settle this rumor also, along with perhaps some customer statements.)Until if ever the day comes, where the funeral home can match or beat the casket store price, this is just another tactic.

Next: More disinformation, using force in numbers for more of a smokescreen. covert
(The information needs monitored - denounced so completely as to make belief in believers seem ridiculous and completely discreditable.)
Until The Big Three casket companies and those others that refuse to sell DIRECT to casket retailers,&* there is not fairness in this trade. The trip has been interesting, but it is not over. vbimail.champlain.edu/famsa/ctcasket.htm  And clearly the public has been a winner in all of this. Better prices and less of an increase that could have been, if we were not in the picture!
The casket store is the best place to purchase the funeral product, is the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
*The industry org. like NFDA & others stop offering advice like this www.biomed.lib.umn.edu/hw/guide.html  where they suggest a discount package -what
we call a s"sham discount" (If you use this funeral home, beware!! "Non decline fee approx. $800 to $1,200.00 more than the surrounding funeral homes, "unless, if you buy the funeral merchandise at our facility, then we offer you a discount" - bringing it back down
to what it would have been, prior to the introduction of the casket outlets, so that they are assured of bringing in the same amount of dollars, no matter where you shop!
Walk away from that business, and check it out. There will still be savings of a hundred to several hundred dollars, if you did fall for that "Sham discount"

Funeral homes are getting better about the casket store and the smart shopper. Morticians are learning that the industry is changing. Most are above "tactics" but be informed, that is the best thing that you can do.

Message d8636259Ccs-3695-829+00.htm, number 129, was edited on Sat Feb 12 at 13:51:24
and replaces message d8636259Ccs-3695-829-00.htm
Good Supply

Bob Hicks
rhicks@webgate.net

[ This message was edited on Sat Feb 12 by the author ]

Message cf5685a8CZt-3696-692+00.htm, number 130, was posted on Sun Feb 13 at 11:33:08
in reply to cf568413LmM-3695-784-00.htm
Casket stores unfairly criticized

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

 The Oct. 18 letter from funeral director Michael Simpson (Casket stores should be regulated) serves only to muddy the water
 for consumers trying to understand and evaluate the new type of
 retail environment that now exists in the funeral business in Ontario.

 Simpson's statement that ``Casket stores have led the public to believe that their caskets cost less'' conveys the impression
 that casket stores have misled the public in this regard. This is
 simply not the case.

 In the large majority of cases, products offered by Ontario casket
 stores sell well below the published prices of local funeral homes
 - savings are commonly in the range of 20 per cent to 40 per cent.
 Though caskets may not be identical, due to a  difference in suppliers,  the discounts typically hold true for products of
 equivalent quality,  materials and workmanship.

 The best way for consumers to be sure they are getting  the best value  for their money is to comparison shop and judge for
 themselves.

 As for Simpson's suggestion that the Funeral Act be  amended to include  casket stores, I confess to finding it puzzling. In
 essence, the act  decrees that you must be a licensed funeral director  to provide embalming, and to take trust funds; casket stores do neither of  these things.

 As for his suggestion about the need for ``more complete consumer
 protection,'' I resent the implication that we conduct our business
 in any way that should be of special concern to consumers. We are
 legitimate business people and have the greatest respect for our customers;  and, of course, our businesses are subject to the same
 scrutiny and laws that protect all Ontario consumers.

 Casket stores have fought a difficult battle to establish their rightful place in the Ontario funeral business. We've been
 subjected to various  forms of innuendo, our suppliers live in fear of being boycotted, and potential customers have been discouraged unfairly from dealing with us.

 We want nothing more than a harmonious relationship  with our competitors and a level playing field.

 It's time for all of Ontario's funeral directors to  accept us as legitimate  business competitors.

 Alex Carey  President The Casket Store Inc.

 Oakville
-----end copy---And another link to a pc in Canada, about cremation
--copy--- FORBIDDEN CITY

                        An occasional series that looks behind
                         doors normally closed to the public

                 Where ashes to ashes is a career
www.thestar.com/back_issues/ED20000205/toronto/20000205NEW04_CI-FORBID5.html
------------------
And, if you are an NCRA member, you should have recieved an email concerning "funeral flowers" If you did not, please email me at
a-team@stratos.net asap, as some members are not on-line yet :-(

Message cf56862eCZt-3700-1044-00.htm, number 131, was posted on Thu Feb 17 at 17:25:10
Rites of Passage

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

Rites of Passage

   Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are those spent with my
   clients assisting the transition of my animal patients from this world to the next. When
   living becomes a burden, whether from pain or loss of normal functions, I can help a
   family by ensuring that their beloved pet has an easy passing. Making this final decision is
   painful, and I have often felt powerless to comfort the grieving owners.

   That was before I met Shane.

   I had been called to examine a ten-year-old blue heeler named Belker who had
   developed a serious health problem. The dog’s owners - Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their
   little boy, Shane - were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I
   examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

   I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the
   euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and
   Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the
   procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience.

   The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him.
   Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he
   understood what was going on.

   Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept
   Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after
   Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than
   human lives.

   Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

   Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me - I’d never
   heard a more comforting explanation.

   He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving
   everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, animals already
   know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long."

                         By Robin Downing, D.V.M.
                   from Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
   Copyright 1998 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Marty Becker and Carol Kline

                                       Chicken Soup for the Soul: Home Delivery is a
                                       free inspirational e-mail service from Mark
                                       Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield,
                                       co-authors of the New York Times best-selling
                                       Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Visit their
                                       site and order books or other "Soup" items. email cs-html-weekday@Scoop.SoupServer.com
www.chickensoup.com

Message cf5684d5LmM-3703-37-00.htm, number 132, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 00:39:08
"As an industry, we haven't done a very good job

webmaster
casketstores@email.com

///And the reason given for that? //// "We're not retailers; we're professionals."
And they also like to say: ///   "In life," you still get pretty much what you pay for."
And another one:/// "It's not about the money, we want to help the family all that we can." ///

Of those four statements, there is only one single true one, and it's the first one.
If they were not retailers, they would not fight so hard to keep the sale. Nor would they have a vendor's license. If they believed what they said about getting what you pay for, why is there even a need to say it? Talking down to people is unprofessional. And, the casket store owner is wanting to help the family all they can too. There is no license in that.

True example, in the mail bag today. Family is going to purchase from the casket store for $1,300.00 a steel casket, $460.00 a concrete grave liner. The funeral home had already detailed their costs for the same - at $3,200.00 and $895.00. When the family goes back in to confirm arrangements, the funeral director, finding out the two items are not part of his "package" anylonger - meets the casket store price and lowers it by $100.00 on the casket, and sells the grave liner, now, for $460.00!! Not only is that unprofessional - to tear at the family like that, but it shows how much of a retailer he is. Was he a better salesman than the casket store owner? No, the c.s. owner could have "beat" his price too, but it would be tearing at the family - who just lost a mother, more. For MONEY gain (like the funeral director did, and who's not in it for the money??) So, the casket store owner SAVED the family a lot of money, but gained none, and the funeral director lost a little. But, next time, that casket store owner might feel "pushy" is better than not getting the sale. Of course that is WRONG - pre planning and talking with the family, educating them what might happen, and planning ahead how to meet that head on, that might have prevented to lost sale, but damaged a funeral director's reputation, because not all funeral directors want to put the family through so much to save or retain the sale.  This casket store owner wrote that next time (and there WILL be a next time, of a f.d. meeting the price, until they learn it ruins their repeat business) that they too, will discount the product, just to show that f.d. that it is not going to be put out of business by "games." The family will really benefit with the lowest cost and less hassle of being "torn" at. They contacted the casket store owner because they wanted to do business with them. If the funeral director had given their best price to start with, there might not have been a need.

 The FTC rule meant that for the first time consumers could meaningfully compare prices.
When the funeral director acts like a used car salesman, it brings down the whole industry! And it is not following the intent of the FTC funeral rule. But worse of all, that family will probably not use that funeral home again. They won the battle then, but are losing the war, and a lot of respect along the way.

In life, you pretty much get taken for a ride, by any Tom, Dick and Mary that thinks you can "trust" whatever is told to you. Re-evaluate the facts, look for lies and pick out a funeral director that does not stoop to the "used car sales" approach of keeping you there until you give in. There's a better one around the corner - stick to your guns and remember why you called that casket store in the first place. If the competition is eliminated like this, where will you turn to then?  The Federal Trade Commission enacted a rule requiring mortuaries to disclose charges for goods such as caskets and all their services. Tell them they listed it at such, and that is what you expect to pay (if you shopped there, and you are not )and quit playing games.

Message 98a3cd51C1i-3703-560+00.htm, number 133, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 09:20:20
in reply to cf5684d5LmM-3703-37-00.htm
Re: Welcome to the real world!

FuneralDirector
fd@zieknet.net

You think the consumer is mad that he went into the funeral home and got a discount by mentioning you? You think they will tell everyone not to use the funeral home? WRONG! They will tell everyone they know to go to the funeral home and mention you and save big bucks!  

P.S. thanks for your charity work I hope you can hang in there!

Message cf568524CZt-3703-729+00.htm, number 134, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 12:13:54
in reply to 98a3cd51C1i-3703-560+00.htm
Re^2: Welcome to the real world!

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

    Funeral Ethics Association
    Robert W. Ninker, Executive Director
    215 S. Grand Avenue West
    Springfield, IL  62704
    (217) 525-1520
    fax (217) 525-8342
    fea@aol.com
Yes, I know who it is, but it might just work if enough people write in or call. What a pity that you think it is charity work, and that you will win them back, or that you see nohing wrong in this situation. Sharpen up your sales skills there fd, I would have told the family "I thought you came to this fine establishment to bury your Mom, not be part of some horse trading or used car sales techiniques.
I won't be part of it, so I will give you the grave liner for free, seeing as how you have had to go thru this at this time - when you purchase that casket from me. That is why you called me, to save money and bypass huge funeral director prices. If you allow him to get away with his game here, he will try it all the more, trying to put casket stores out of business. It is a shame they can't play fair like all the other trades. Our product is every bit as fine as theirs, just at a huge discounted price. So, free it will be, just because you deserve to do business with first class people and not be torn apart further by underhanded sales tactics, being used at this now, not so fine f.h."
But, I would also have prepared that family prior to their trip to that low class funeral home, if they had a reputation for being underhanded like this. And that f.d. would not have had the chance to tear at them in the 1st place. They'd have used (blank) down the street after I tell them about a horror story like that. So how do you figure you win? And look at how much it cost you, over a period of time, far more than what you would've earned on that casket & vault sale. Yep, welcome to the real world, where it is all going to hang out, like it or not. Just please don't put that family in more stress.
If you believe in charity, give it too. But in the mean time, everyone will be calling all of the above org. to help you tow the line.

Message cdbcc09dC1i-3703-790+00.htm, number 135, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 13:10:15
in reply to cf568524CZt-3703-729+00.htm
Re^3: The meet or beat any price policy!

FuneralDirector
fd@zieknet.net

P.S. If I sell a casket at cost to BEAT you, I still get the service money and if you loose the casket sale you get?

Message cf568524CZt-3703-845+00.htm, number 136, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 14:07:33
in reply to cdbcc09dC1i-3703-790+00.htm
Re^4: The meet or beat any price policy!

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

>And please do call Robert Ninker at FEA, he is one of the most outspoken anti-casket store people in the industry.
LIke I said, I know who he is, but if he has a heart and there are enough people that call, write and give him an ear full, maybe he might just come around. Guess the people would be smart to COPY it to the ATTY GENERAL'S OFFICE, then maybe it wouldn't be ignored in numbers. So, FTC, BBB, FEA and ATTY GEN. for best results ;->

>P.S. If I sell a casket at cost to BEAT you, I still get the service money and if you loose the casket sale you get?
Piece of mind that the family didn't get ripped off, and in a letter to them at a later date, a discounted coupon from me, along with a note, telling them I am so sorry that they choose to do biz with some firm that used that period of time to make a point. The coupon will be a sizeable amount, off of a future need, as a thank you for the 1st call and letting them know I understand their grief and fustration of trying to find the best results in a time like that. Sure, I might not have gotten a sale then, but I don't think that the funeral director could EVER undo the damage he caused due to his CONTEST. They will call me next time. And bet they don't make the mistake of using the same funeral director who showed so little regard for their plight.

You watching Daytona 500 today? Those NASCAR drivers all want to win, and the people watch just to see the best wrecks. But no one wishes anyone any real harm. Just compete fairly while the race is on.IT IS At intermission they deal and swap - at downtime. No one needs to get burned at need, if you want to BEAT me, do it when the public is not
getting hurt. I'd like a fair race, watching it if it is fixed isn't fun, it's criminal.

Message cdbcc015C1i-3703-1015+00.htm, number 138, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 16:55:28
in reply to cf568524CZt-3703-851+00.htm
Re^5: The meet or beat any price policy!

FuneralDirector
fd@zieknet.net

Message 98a3c3b3EYS-3703-1165-00.htm, number 139, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 19:24:58
Doamin name eCaskets.com for sale to highest bidder!

Craig Brown
craigb@nxs.net

Message 98a3c3b3EYS-3703-1170+00.htm, number 140, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 19:29:36
in reply to 98a3c3b3EYS-3703-1165-00.htm
Oops... that's "DOMAIN" name.

Craig Brown
craigb@nxs.net

Message cf577c89CZt-3703-1347+00.htm, number 141, was posted on Sun Feb 20 at 22:28:25
in reply to cdbcc015C1i-3703-1015+00.htm
Re^6: The meet or beat any price policy!

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

Message ce9cf221RN9-3706-745-00.htm, number 142, was posted on Wed Feb 23 at 12:24:57
Pretty Quiet; Maybe This Will Start Some Discussion

robin
jtbod1@netscape.net

In a message dated 2/10/00 18:30:46, FD in Connecticut writes: We just had our first online casket purchase wherein the client ordered her Batesville Embassy Cherry from a funeral director in Florida and had it delivered to our location in Connecticut. Not only was the casket purchased online but the Burial Vault, a Wilbert Monticello, was also purchased in the same way and delivered to the Cemetery. It also seems the flowers were ordered in the same way.

I know we are required to receive the items which of course we did. However, it does make us consider the fact that we may have to alter our pricing system in order to be competitive with this changing market.

I'm writing this as a feeler to others who have been in the same situation and the methods they have considered to sustain in this type of market. I would appreciate any input available. I might add I'm in a city of 65,000 and have some competition to contend with which forces me to keep our services etc. at competitive rates, especially in dealing with telephone inquirers. This does not make me govern my pricing but it does make me be somewhere in the ballpark with others.

Thanks and regards

In a message dated 2/11/00 18:44:41, LOWELL MA writes:

The biq questions are 2

1. did a Batesville Truck deleliver the casket ????

2. did a wilbert truck deliver and service the vault ???

Please advise and Ill put it in the next weekly update

thanks for your send, the infomation will be most helpful to help prevent this from happening again.

Thanks

John

In a message dated 2/11/00 22:58:26, FD in Connecticut writes: Read your e mail regarding online sale and to answer your questions, Batesville and Wilbert both delivered the product. I appreciate your response and I'll be awaiting further correspondence.

Keep me posted as to reaction from others.

Batesville Responds

In a message dated 2/17/00 14:51:18, Joe.Weigel@batesville.com writes: Thank you for the opportunity to reply to your question on the delivery of a Batesville casket to a Connecticut funeral home originally sold to a family over the Internet by a licensed funeral firm in Florida. The increasing growth of third party casket sellers, sespecially on the Internet, continues to be a challenge that faces all of us in funeral ervice. In order to ensure there is no confusion regarding our long-standing policy on the sale and delivery of our caskets, it is beneficial to reaffirm periodically this policy:

It is and has been the policy of Batesville Casket Company to sell our caskets only to licensed funeral professionals operating licensed funeral firms. Additionally, Batesville Casket will deliver caskets only to licensed funeral professionals operating licensed funeral firms.

Occasionally, a Batesville customer may request that we deliver a casket to another funeral home in another city or state. In these situations, we will deliver the casket  only when authorized by the receiving funeral home as outlined in the procedure below:

For example, when an order is placed with a CSC location for delivery to a funeral home which is not the firm placing the order (or a branch of it), Batesville will notify the calling funeral home that it is their (the calling funeral home's) responsibility to contact the receiving funeral home to get the receiving funeral home's approval to accept the casket. The funeral home which is to receive the casket will then call Batesville, place the order and instruct Batesville to bill the original, calling funeral home.

Batesville is under no obligation to contact the receiving funeral home for its initial approval to accept the casket nor can Batesville require the receiving firm to accept a casket ordered by another Batesville customer.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure we do not inadvertently accept an order from a third party seller for subsequent delivery to another funeral home, thereby becoming
their delivery service.

It is the ultimate decision of the receiving funeral home whether or not they will accept the shipment of the casket that is being billed to someone else. Thank you for the opportunity to present our perspective on this matter.

End Batesville Response

Message cf577c75CZt-3707-1030-00.htm, number 143, was posted on Thu Feb 24 at 17:13:30
They're MAYBE going to invite us to leave....

savcash
a-team@stratos.net

They're MAYBE going to invite us to leave.....