Choosing Your First Funeral Software: 5 Questions to Ask
Don't get overwhelmed by features you'll never use. This guide helps you choose funeral home software that actually solves your problems.
Question 1: Can Your Staff Use It Without Training?
Why this matters: Complex software that requires extensive training will never be adopted. Your staff will resist using it, and you'll end up back to paper records.
Warning Signs:
- Requires multi-day training sessions
- Complex navigation with buried features
- Workflow builders and customization requirements
- Multiple clicks to complete simple tasks
Look For:
- Works like familiar tools (phone books, calendars)
- Clear, obvious buttons and labels
- One-click actions for common tasks
- Staff can be productive immediately
Question 2: How Much Does It Really Cost?
Hidden Costs to Watch For:
Many software companies quote low monthly fees but charge extra for setup, training, support, updates, or per-user access. Get the total annual cost upfront.
Sacred Grounds Transparent Pricing:
Question 3: Do You Get the Features You Actually Need?
Don't be impressed by long feature lists. Focus on the core functions that solve your daily problems. Most funeral homes need just five essential features.
Family Records Management
Store and search family information, service preferences, and notes.
Cemetery Plot Management
Track plot availability, ownership, and burial records.
Service Scheduling
Calendar system that prevents double-bookings.
Document Storage
Secure storage for death certificates, permits, and contracts.
Basic Reporting
Generate reports for state compliance and business tracking.
Question 4: What Happens If You Need Help?
Support horror story: Your software crashes during a busy week. You call support and get put on hold for 45 minutes, then transferred to someone who doesn't understand funeral home operations. This is unfortunately common with generic business software.
Poor Support Signs:
- Long hold times
- Generic support for multiple industries
- Email-only support
- No understanding of funeral home needs
Good Support Includes:
- Phone support during business hours
- Staff who understand funeral homes
- Quick response times
- Help with setup and training
Question 5: Can You Try Before You Buy?
Why Free Versions Matter
Software that works great for one funeral home might be terrible for yours. You need to test it with your actual data, your staff, and your workflows before committing.
Sacred Grounds offers a completely free version for up to 3 users with full access to all features. Import your existing records, train your staff, and make sure it's the right fit before paying anything.
Ready to Choose Wisely?
Sacred Grounds is built specifically for funeral homes by people who understand your needs. Simple, affordable, and effective—exactly what small funeral homes need.
Completely free version for up to 3 users • No credit card required • Full feature access