A Compassionate Approach to Funeral Services:
Scott Duncombe, founder of Sydney Funeral Co., has always been deeply involved in all aspects of his business - operations, logistics, arrangements, and ceremonies. In his opinion, it is a significant honour for families to place the trust in him that they do, which he cherishes.
Some larger companies lack clear communication, with families often dealing with multiple contacts and chasing up answers to important questions. Sydney Funeral Co offers the opposite experience, with Scott being present at every funeral and being directly available to clients.
“As the owner, I am also very passionate about holding a certain standard, which shouldn’t come at a cost to families, but rather just be the norm.”
Sydney Funeral Co operates throughout Sydney and extends from the Central Coast to the South Coast, the Southern Highlands to the Blue Mountains. And these guys definitely aren’t Monday-to-Friday type funeral directors; if you want a sunrise or sunset service, a service by the water, a service in a national park, night club, pub, bowls club or anywhere a little different, then it’s their mission to make it happen. “We are all about pushing the envelope when it comes to funerals”.
The Inception of Sydney Funeral Co
In May 2020, Scott identified a gap in the market for premium funeral services at affordable prices, and thus Sydney Funeral Co was born. The company’s unique approach involves itemising every cost element without any commissions or mark-ups, ensuring full transparency for families. This straightforward pricing model eliminates surprises and allows families the option to choose their own service providers for elements like floristry or coffin making.
The Sydney Funeral Co. Team
The team at Sydney Funeral Co. is diverse, made up mostly of celebrants who specialise in ceremony and storytelling. As a celebrant himself, Scott understands the importance of honouring a person’s life through stories.
The office is managed by George, an 83kg Newfoundland dog who brings comfort and joy to everyone he meets. Additionally, Ben Gibson, an End of Life Doula, supports families during the final stages of a loved one’s life, providing invaluable guidance and care.
The entire team strives to make the entire funeral planning process less daunting for families. They advise families to take their time making decisions, offering the option to pre-select elements like coffins and flowers before finalising legal paperwork.
Approximately 80% of families opt for this approach, finding it stress-free. The company’s transparent pricing model, which includes passing on wholesale coffin prices to families, helps alleviate financial concerns.
The Challenges of Funeral Planning
Planning a funeral can be one of the most challenging experiences a person can go through with numerous details needing to be organised in a short period of time. Sydney Funeral Co. handles everything, and we mean everything. From live-streaming and AV equipment to catering and musician arrangements. This comprehensive service allows families to focus on what’s important; their loved ones and their community during this difficult time.
Sydney Funeral Co. is also able to ease the financial challenges a funeral can create. Their pricing model and services are designed to prevent families from experiencing regret over their choices. There are also pre-paid funeral plans and crowdfunding options available. The Tap a Little Contribution initiative allows friends and family to contribute to funeral costs, the wake, or a chosen charity (there are no admin fees, and all monies donated go to the nominated purpose/cause). This has been a game-changer for many families.
Tap a Little Contribution
Death can be expensive, with funerals ranging from $2000 to more than $80,000. The Tap a Little Contribution emerged from the need for a service that allowed funeral attendees to offer financial support, similar to wedding wishing wells. Scott, who is also a Wedding Celebrant, told us, “As a wedding celebrant, I see so many weddings where people donate money into the wishing well and it is totally acceptable to ask/receive money. However when it comes to death, no one ever asks, and no one ever offers to contribute, but everyone expects a sandwich at the wake”.
The Tap a Little Contribution initiative relieves families of some financial stress, especially in cases of sudden or unexpected death. For example, if 100 people each donate $100, the family receives $10,000, significantly easing their burden.
One family’s daughter passed away unexpectedly due to an undiagnosed health condition; the family were completely devastated and in shock. In their grief, they wanted to organise a beautiful send-off for her but faced financial strain. Through the Tap a Little Contribution, they raised over $10,000, allowing them to honour their daughter in the way they wanted without incurring debt. This experience brought immense relief and gratitude to the family.
If you, or someone in your community, is faced with the unexpected burden of planning a funeral, Sydney Funeral Co. will always provide a compassionate, transparent, and innovative service, ensuring that every life is honoured with dignity and respect. You can find more details online at www.tapalittlecontribution.com.au
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