How long should I wait before making a monument purchase?
There is no "right" or "wrong" time to make a selection. The time to do so is when you are ready. Typically, memorials are installed in the memorial row of the cemetery (which is approximately a foot off of the actual gravesite) in ground that has not been disturbed. Therefore, the actual installation of a memorial can take place at any time.
What price can I expect to pay for a monument?
Pricing varies greatly in memorials. The most common items that will dictate one's purchase price are: color of granite, number of polished surfaces (front, back, top, sides, etc.), size and shape of the memorial. Other additional costs might be a cemetery installation fee when installation would be made in a perpetual care cemetery. Standard sized markers, 24 inches by 12 inches by 4 inches in thickness, start in the price range of about $275.00. Upright memorials usually start in price at about $600.00. Keep in mind that there is not a way to price a memorial without knowing the extent of what would be included on the memorial.
Are your memorials guaranteed?
Every memorial purchased from Sears Monument Company is guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship to, not only the purchaser, but to their descendents as well. A guarantee is only as good as the provider remains in business. Sears Monument Company has been servicing families since 1911 and has provided excellent service of memorials we have produced and installed. You need not have your warranty in hand since we have records of all units we have fabricated. Our guarantee applies regardless of the cemetery the memorial is placed in.
Are you competitive?
When comparing "apples to apples", we are most competitive. What most people do not realize, when shopping, just comparing the bottom line is not truly comparing "apples to apples". Measure the skill and knowledge of answering your questions about the product. Most important, a memorial is a problem of design, not of price. Sears Monument has the staff that can overcome most design situations for you. Other companies cannot offer you the same value for less money because they do not possess skills in design that would make them competitive. Make comparison also in the delivery of your memorial. Will the memorial be handled with the same care you gave in creating the design, or, will it be handled in a way that may damage the unit?
How long will it take to get my memorial installed on site?
Sears Monument Company usually will have an "in stock" unit on site in approximately 6 weeks. This time can vary by a couple of weeks, depending on weather conditions. For custom order units the time can be as much as 4 months for fabrication from the quarries. We will do our best to provide you with a timely delivery and keep you informed of progress.
Do I have to purchase from the cemetery?
No, you do not have to purchase from the cemetery. You cannot be required to purchase your memorial from any company. Should you have been given this information, you may verify our answer with the West Virginia State Attorney Generals Office. This statement may be used as a way to get you to purchase your memorial from the cemetery sales agent in order to attain a quota. A company who does not have your best interest at heart will: pressure you into making a hasty decision based on price: they will call you uninvited, or, they may call you shortly after your family's funeral. You should never be pressured, nor, feel pressured, into making a hasty decision.
Our loved one was cremated. Do I still need to purchase a memorial?
As cremation grows in popularity, we encourage you to consider a memorial for your loved one. Memorials provide an important place for you to maintain your connection to your loved one and your memories. You will, psychologically, have a greater peace of mind knowing there is still a place you can go and mentally review what your loved one has meant to you. We would invite you to explore the unique ways of memorialization for cremation.
Frequently Asked Questions