Funeral Parlour in South Africa

A funeral parlour is an organization with facilities for the preparation of the dead for burial or cremation, for the viewing of the body, and for funerals. Based on nature. The term funeral parlour came way back from time, as before the mid-19th century, the dead were often displayed in the family home in the “parlor,” hence the term “funeral parlor” that is still in use today. The funeral business has a history that dates to the age of the Egyptians who mastered the science of preservation.  If a body is left untreated at room temperature, it will deteriorate quickly, so at the funeral parlour it will be put into a refrigerated until the death is registered. Then, with the family’s permission, the body can be embalmed. Bodies that are brought to a funeral home, are sometimes needed to be embalmed   to delay decomposition or to make the viewing of the body more pleasant. The procedure typically involves removing sufficient blood material to accommodate the preservative chemicals and dyes, aspirating the internal organs and setting the facial features. Most at times, cosmetics are used with the consent of the family to improve the appearance of face and hands for a more natural look. If the face or hands are disfigured by accident, illness or decomposition, the embalmer may utilize restorative techniques to make them presentable for an “open casket” service. If this is not possible, or the family wishes, the funeral home can perform a “closed casket” service. Starting your own funeral parlour business as a couple of requirements and follows the exact same procedure as starting any business, but you will need a Certificate of Competence. To begin, choose a business entity, i.e. Sole Proprietorship, Closed Corporation or Private Company.Also, you need to register with the South African Revenue Services, Employees tax (PAYE), Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Unemployment insurance fund (UIF).

How much does it cost to start a funeral home South Africa?

In South Africa, the cost of opening a funeral home in South Africa is around R15 million. Depending on the location and the structures that you choose, the cost can range from R600, 000 to R3 million.

Is owning a funeral home profitable in South Africa?

On average, any funeral home can expect a mid-range gross profit margin of anywhere between 30 and 60 percent for each service, and an overall business profit margin between 6 and 9 percent.

 Do you need a license to open a funeral home in South Africa?

In South Africa, you might not necessarily require a specific license. However, embalmers and funeral directors do. Different states also have their various regulations regarding preneed services, so check with your local agencies to be sure you’re updated on these policies.

How do funeral services make money?

In South Africa, funeral parlours could make money into two different ways. The first is through the sale of funeral products and services. This includes things like coffins, headstones, flowers, and catering. The second is through the sale of funeral insurance.

What are the requirements to open a funeral Parlour?

In order to start a funeral parlour, you must  choose a business entity, i.e. Sole Proprietorship, Closed Corporation or Private Company. Then, most importantly, you must have knowledge of the following:

• Registration of Death.
• Purchasing of Graves.
• Cancelling of Identity Documents.
• Arrangements with Church and Minister.
• Crematorium protocol.
• Health Department documents.

What is the problem with the funeral industry?

In South Africa , the hike in prices of goods and Services hits every corners and aspects of our daily life .The funeral parlour is not an exception. Problems including high costs, fraudulent prepaid funeral plans, high-pressure casket sales, sales of unnecessary products and possible environmental pollution at cemeteries.

What makes a funeral home successful?

One of the edge of any business that aims to survive and grow is good customer service. Sincerity constitute a large part of a funeral home’s reputation, which is one reason these two qualities are very important to funeral directors and their staff. The staff will treat you well and with consummate professionalism.