[Vigilanteman]

Yep. The industry-big government alliance still needs to get their cut. Still the average cremation is $1500 to $2000, still WAY less than the average funeral cost, especially when you add the costs of vaults, plots, etc.

I'm seriously considering opening up a Japanese style cemetery as I see the cremation trend definitely as a growth industry, but I'll bet there would be a maze of regulations to make ensure the industry-big government alliance still gets their cut.

[Albion Wilde]

Yep. The industry-big government alliance still needs to get their cut. Still the average cremation is $1500 to $2000, still WAY less than the average funeral cost, especially when you add the costs of vaults, plots, etc.

I drove each of my cats' remains in their baskets to a local crematory (several years apart) and paid $100 apiece, but was subjected to the $200 sales pitch from the veterinarian for pick up and delivery of the body, etc. But then, I live in a populous region with options. Still, I don't think one could put Grandpa's fresh remains in the back of the SUV and drop him off at the crematorium to save money. I have read about cardboard coffins, though, dirt cheap.

[PLMerite]

When my mother passed away recently the cost of “direct cremation” (no embalming, no casket, no viewing, no service), still came to over $2500 after they tallied up all the necessary items. She would have been irate.