Why Do Cemeteries Take So Long to Make Decisions on Inventory Systems
One of the biggest challenges we face in the U.S. funeral industry is the lengthy decision-making process for cemeteries when selecting an inventory management system. Unlike many other businesses where a single owner or a small executive team makes the call, 98% of our clients and potential clients rely on a Board of Directors to approve such decisions.
This structure has its advantages—it ensures accountability, long-term planning, and broad stakeholder involvement. But it also comes with significant delays:
- Multiple rounds of discussions and presentations
- Annual or biannual board meetings as the only decision-making moments
- A cautious approach to new technology adoption
For companies like ours, this means long sales cycles and the need for continuous follow-ups, sometimes over years. However, once a cemetery commits, they tend to stay with the system for the long haul, making all the effort worthwhile.
A key insight we've learned? Education and early engagement with board members are crucial. The more we help them understand how a modern inventory system improves operations, the smoother the process becomes.