funeral plans......bullying

I’m currently considering a funeral plan. But I wouldn’t go with a company with that kind of service. Any kind of “today only offer” is something I wouldn’t entertain as its unreasonable sales pressure. I’d walk away and go elsewhere.

I bet she gets commission! I'd have nothing to do with that company.

Decide what you want, a full funeral service or an unattended cremation, then shop around - perhaps on the internet this time - for quotes.

I opted for the cremation as that leaves my family free to hold a memorial service or just scatter my ashes. All the 'necessities' are pre-arranged and paid for.

Which company was this? Hard sell isn’t allowed under the distance selling rules
Citizens advice say this

Check if you were pressured into buying somethingAdd reference

Being pressured into buying something is known as 'aggressive selling'. Aggressive selling can include things like:

entering your home and refusing to leave until you buy something
using scare tactics to convince you that you need something - for example saying that your health would be at risk if you didn't buy the product
telling you you've ordered something you haven't
constantly contacting you and pestering you into buying something
using guilt to force you to buy something - for example, telling you they'll lose their job if you don't
Example

A salesperson arrives at your house. You ask them to leave but they say they need to get a sale today or they’ll lose their job. They want you to buy an expensive mattress that you don’t need or can’t afford, and they give you a piece of paper that says you can pay the mattress off over the next 12 months. You sign just so that they’ll leave your house.
If you think a seller might have been aggressive but you're not sure if you're entitled to a refund you should contact the Consumer Service and explain what's happened. They'll advise you on your rights.

Boodymum if my maths are correct those figures amount to £98,700.

The quote of over £10k sounds excessive. On the thread earlier this week about funeral plans there were lots of helpful suggestions. Golden Charter was mentioned, I think by Marydoll.

I had a look online and their website shows a helpful comparison chart and you can see clearly the different levels of cover. Anything from cremation only and no service through to the full service with 2 family limousines etc. I’m still mulling over the options. You might find a look at that website helpful and you’re under no pressure while browsing.

Exactly what you did. The last thing you need when you’re trying to make important decisions, is a bully prodding you.

Maths are not correct... Apologues, what a difference an extra zero makes.

The woman is clearly in the wrong job.

Bullying is often a smokescreen for a scam.

If someone has to bully you into accepting an offer, it is because it isn't a good one.

I expect she was after a sales bonus.

Good for you for saying no and I hope you find a better company

I have just paid £2500 for an excellent service for my OH. I do think that you have to make sure that you do not get bamboozled into paying more on one of these plans than is necessary.

Well done for standing up to this woman - I would have been tempted to simply put down the phone.

EllanVannin, yes, she should be in double glazing! I used Pure Cremation, simple, straightforward - and cheap!

My husband`s funeral/cremation, nearly 4 years ago, was £2,300, including 2 cars, which, compared to what gets quoted on TV, I thought was reasonable.

My late husband (a canny Yorkshireman), left instructions that he was to have "the cheapest possible funeral", and we went to the local Co-op undertaker with that. I benefited from the money he left, and have left similar instructions for my children.

I'd have done the same as you, boodymum67

Beware of salespeople in your home or on the phone. I'd suggest visiting a Funeral place, such as the Co-op perhaps, and see what the options are.

I hope you find a deal you’re happy with OP, that is if you still think it’s a good idea.

This sort of tactic - ‘You have to say yes NOW - the offer’s only for today!’ is sadly all too common - I’ve experienced it from a double glazing salesman, and from someone who came to quote for fitted wardrobes.
I didn’t order from either.

Someone from the DG company phoned later to ask why I hadn’t ordered. I said I found that sort of sales pitch completely off-putting, and it was an insult to anyone’s intelligence to try to kid them that this ‘special offer’ was just for them, just for today.

A straightforward cremation or burial in this area is £2500 - £3000 any memorial or wake would be extra. The cost would come out of your estate, you don’t need a funeral plan it’s just another way of getting money out of you. Keep a reasonable balance in your building society account, transfer £50 or so a month is an easy way of doing it.

We had a financial advisor visit us . We had spoken on the phone already and he wanted to speak about a funeral plan . I cut him off there and then but when he visited he brought it up again. Must be good commission for them . Look at the Co-Op though I would never have one . Just a direct cremation for us no funeral at all .

I would’ve just put the phone down on her the very second that I felt pressurised. I know businesses are desperate for cash at present but this is just unacceptable. Am sure Age Concern would offer good advice.

I took out a life insurance policy, £50 a month, my two adult children as beneficiaries. It would pay out about £9K if I died today, which is enough for a funeral. If I live to 86 (another 20 years) it won’t make financial sense any more. If I make it that far and am of sound mind I’ll buy a funeral plan. No OH to consider.

I would have hung up as soon as she put any pressure on ie talk to husband now, only for today etc

boodymum
If having a funeral is important to you and yours then you have to find something that suits your finances.
Or, you could do as we have done and donate your body to science.

My husband and I went with Pure Cremations. £1,500 each for body collection, cremation and ashes returned. The money is protected and the company and service are helpful, polite, and get excellent reviews. You can arrange a payment plan. They are easy to find online and will send you a brochure.