January 18, 2022
By: Adam Reeson
We all complain about wearing a mask, getting vaccinated and canceling a trip. But, the next time we complain to our friends about how horrible our lives have been these past couple years, we should take a deep breath and consider how much worse it has been for others.
Put yourself in the shoes of someone who has lost a loved one during the pandemic.
Regardless if the passing was due to COVID or not – the emotional and financial impact of a death during the pandemic has been difficult to handle for many Canadian families. Gathering limits and social distancing made it impossible for some to have the type of funeral or memorial service they would like. This undoubtedly made the grieving process even tougher than it normally would be. The next step after the funeral is to order a headstone or grave marker. Unfortunately, the reality is that COVID-19 has also made this task challenging in some respects.
So, to help families navigate buying a headstone in these uncertain times – here are 3 Tips for Buying a Headstone During COVID.
Tip# 1: Get Started Online
Just like most products these days – researching headstone companies in Canada can be done online. A quick Google search will bring up a few headstone and monument companies in your area. Taking a quick look at their respective Google reviews is the best place to start. What former customers are saying about them will tell you a lot about what you can expect yourself.
From there, take a few minutes to browse each company’s website. A reputable monument company should have a professional website that allows you to view examples of their work and learn more about who they are.
Tip# 2: Ask Questions
Your online research will narrow your focus to a few companies. The next step is to contact them via phone or email to ask a few questions and get a better idea of if they are the right fit for your needs. These questions will be different for every family and circumstance.
For example, most families prioritize the craftsmanship and quality of the design. While others are working within a budget and are more interested in the price of a headstone or grave marker. Regardless of what aspect of buying a headstone is most important to you, a reputable monument company will provide you with honest answers.
When comparing companies, remember to compare “apples to apples” – meaning be sure you are comparing the same or similar quality of headstone to another and not focusing on price alone. This will guarantee the best value for your dollar.
Tip# 3: Be Patient & Understanding
We’ve all noticed that a trip to the grocery store in Canada costs a few bucks more than it did last year. Or that the replacement part for your car seems to take forever to finally arrive.
Supply chain, labour and inflation issues are wreaking havik on virtually every product on earth these days – and cemetery headstones and markers for graves are no different.
Increased global demand for monumental granite (due to an increase in deaths) combined with the logistics nightmare affecting most industries, are causing problems for monument retailers. Believe it or not, monumental granite prices in Canada have increased up to 30% from this time last year! Supply-chain backlogs have also significantly delayed delivery times overall for cemetery headstones.
Long story short – please be patient during the process of ordering your loved one’s headstone. Us monument dealers are doing our best during these challenging times. Your patience and understanding is very much appreciated!
I hope these tips are helpful in your journey of choosing a headstone or grave marker during the pandemic. Remember that myself and my monument industry colleagues across Canada are here to help you create the best possible memorial for your loved one!
For Frontier Monuments, I’m Adam Reeson.
