MYTHS

CREMATION

We would like to address some myths about the  cremation services offered by "societies". Do not trust that just because the word "Society" is used in the name of a cremation provider, that they are non-profit or less expensive than your local funeral home.

Societies that claim to be non-profit usually do not have their own crematory, which means they have to use the services of a for-profit mortuary/crematory to remove, store and cremate your loved one. This is often done in another city or county. Unlike for-profit providers which are regulated by the  Ca. Dept. of Consumer Affairs, and Federal Trade Commission, non-profits are not so if there is a problem, forcing you  to rely on the court systemto resolve issues. Neptune Society is a for-profit provider. Their closest office is in Santa Barbara, which means they must use a contract mortuary to remove, store and cremate your loved one, sometimes in another city or county at their discretion.

 Neptune Society advertises they are an alternative to the high cost of funerals. The last time we checked, the Neptune Society charged over  $1000.00 more than we charge to perform the same services in our on premise crematory.

 From what Neptune told us on the phone, should you change your mind and no longer wish to use the Neptune Society, "you cannot renig on the deal" at best you can only get back a very small portion of your money if any at all! Reis Family Mortuaries pre-payment plans are transferrable.

Also, just because a firms name has the word family in it or has a families name in the title it does not mean the are family owned and operated  or owned by the person or family whose name is on the sign. Large out of state corporations with stockholders often purchase family owned funeral homes and rarely change the names.

Traditional Services

If you own or plan to purchase a plot or crypt in a cemetery and have been told that you are required to use their mortuary for your funeral/cremation services,  you have been misinformed (lied to) and should file a complaint with the Ca. Dept of Consumers @ http://www.https//dca.ca.gov At this point if you have not made a purchase DON'T.

If they are dishonest before you purchase from them, consider what they might have told others. Can you count on them at the time of need or are you just another sale?

 You always have a right to use the mortuary or crematory of your choice period. 

Also, if your loved one was sent to a mortuary you did not choose, even if it was at the direction the coroner, or if after they are in possession of your loved one and you are not comfortable with that establishment, you still have the right to choose another firm. You are only obligated to pay charges for those services you authorized and received. If your loved one was sent to a mortuary by the coroner, the original mortuary can bill the coroner for their services and the remains can be released to the mortuary of your choice ( you will be responsible to pay the new firms charges from that point.)

AGAIN YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE ANOTHER FIRM IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THE ONE IN POSSESSION OF YOUR LOVED ONE!