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What Consolidators and Independents Can Learn from One Another
Different Business Models. Shared Opportunities for Improvement.
Does ownership structure influence how funeral homes operate, engage employees, and serve families?
The latest findings from the 2026 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study (FCCBS), conducted by The Foresight Companies and Fortitude Research and Marketing, reveal important differences between consolidator-owned and independently owned funeral homes.
While consolidators demonstrate strengths in structured business practices, pre-need sales, and reputation management, independents stand out in employee engagement, community connections, and online pricing accessibility.
The takeaway? Neither model has all the answers, and both have valuable lessons to share.
Inside the Whitepaper
This new analysis explores:
- Pre-Need Sales and Lead Generation: How dedicated sales teams and proactive outreach influence program effectiveness.
- Reputation Management: Why consolidators are more systematic in generating customer reviews.
- Pricing Transparency: Where independents are leading in providing more accessible online pricing information.
- Employee Engagement: What the differences in employee satisfaction reveal about workplace culture.
- Shared Challenges: Why consumer education and pricing transparency remain critical opportunities for the entire profession.
What Can Your Organization Learn?
Regardless of ownership structure, funeral service providers face the same fundamental challenge: adapting to evolving consumer expectations while delivering exceptional service to families.
This whitepaper provides data-driven insights to help owners and operators evaluate their current practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and learn from the strengths of both business models.
Download the whitepaper to explore the findings and discover what they mean for your business.
Presented by The Foresight Companies and Fortitude Research and Marketing as part of the 2026 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study.