When's the last time you did things the "old-fashioned way?" For example:

• Writing a letter
• Taking a Polaroid photo
• Going to your hometown diner that's served the same delicious food for decades

These things feel nostalgic and are good reminders of when times were simpler.

Unfortunately, doing everything the "old-fashioned way" in your funeral home prevents your staff from serving families in the best way possible.

Our consumer study revealed that 20% of families feel funeral homes haven’t kept up with the times. Now, this doesn't mean you should start using Gen Z slang or dressing in the latest styles at your funeral home to connect with families. It means finding ways to interact with families digitally.

Do you give families the option to plan online and in person at the arrangement conference? Can families sign paperwork digitally if they need or want to? Are you easy to contact if they have questions?

With the right technology, you can innovate your at-need planning process and better serve families (especially those 20% mentioned above!). Plus, you can blend your in-person interactions and service, which never go out of style.

In this article, learn 3 technologies to help you “keep up with the times.”

#1: eSignatures: Offer a digital signing experience

Many industries are shifting toward digital paperwork processes. Insurance companies have mobile apps where customers can get quotes, review policies, or start claims. Medical offices send patients links to eSign paperwork before an appointment. Banks accept signed checks via mobile deposit.

Because families have digital options to complete paperwork when working with other businesses, they expect to have the same options when working with your funeral home.

That's where eSignatures can help! With eSignatures in Passare, you can make paperwork accessible to families no matter where they are. Plus, you can simplify the signing process by offering custom QR codes and links that provide families with instant access to documents whether they’re in person or far away.

That way, you can focus on planning the important details during in-person meetings rather than signing all the dotted lines.

#2: Centralized Messaging: Break down communication barriers

When planning a funeral, many people might be involved, including parents, children, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins...you get the picture.

Group messages among family members are common ways to communicate these days, but that might mean you get left you out of the loop entirely. And giving out your personal cell number can lead to floods of texts and calls from unknown numbers - and a lot of details to keep up with.

You need a central place to communicate with families that's easy for everyone (including you)! Planning Center Messages in Passare can help you organize conversations with even the largest groups. With it, you can keep conversations in one platform (Passare), which makes it easy to review past decisions. Plus, families can easily message you with a question whenever they need to.

It's a win-win for everyone involved!

#3: Preview Merchandise Online: Help families feel more prepared

You have a lot to offer families, from great service to high-quality merchandise. But if families only see a few merchandise options in your showroom, they won’t be aware of everything you have to offer and might even try to purchase merchandise online with another business. 

That's why it's important to make your merchandise accessible for families to browse outside the arrangement conference. Merchandise in Passare's Planning Center allows you to do that!

With this feature:

• Families can browse your merchandise online and pin their favorites! When families pin their favorite merchandise in Planning Center, it will help you make personalized recommendations for each family.

• Pricing conversations will be way less awkward. Families may have an idea of the casket or flowers they want, but they might not know the cost. By looking through your price list in the Planning Center, families can get an idea of which merchandise fits within their budget before making a selection in the arrangement conference.

Previewing merchandise allows you and your families to feel more prepared for the arrangement conference, collaborate on a new level, and make the best selections for the service.

Reach more families with innovative technology

Innovating with new technology at your funeral home might seem scary at first, but the benefits are well worth it! With these 3 technologies, you can connect with today’s families by offering a simplified and digital planning experience.

And let's not forget the exceptional service and care only you can provide - that's an element of your planning process that is truly timeless!

Learn more about Passare's Planning Center and how you can use it to innovate your at-need process in a virtual tour. Or, if you want to learn more about Passare's all-in-one case management system (Planning Center & eSignatures included!), request a demo below.

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