CemOps Frequently Asked Questions
info@cemops.com
What is involved in a pre purchase due diligence investigation?
The first step is checking the records inside the office, whether electronic or handwritten or both.
The records are looked into for obvious errors, whiteout, and inconsistencies relative to cross reference
among all internal records. These records will consist of family files, lot books, interment cards, property
books, etc. During this process, information is extracted from the existing Office Manager, determining any
additional inclinations of continued need for records investigation. This portion can take up to two days.
During Phase 2 of this visit, a sampling of those records are now taken out into the cemetery to insure
what is shown internally actually agrees with the burials in the cemetery gardens. Looking to find any
burials not in their rightful location, markers installed properly, etc. At this time, lot pins are checked to make
sure there aren't too many missing, that they are readable, and properly positioned based on lot sizes and
grave sizes. This will also let you know if you have encroachment issues with existing burials. One desired
outcome of this phase is the Maintenance Superintendent will be engaged to assist with this portion,
learning also if there are issues relative to the maintenance function.
Phase 3 is a visit with Family Service Personnel, to extract any information useful regarding the manner in
which sales have been conducted and if there are any Interment Verification Procedures in place. Also, to
insure proper maps are available and being utilized. Sound sales practices, or the lack thereof, can be very
telling as to possible liabilities for the new owner.
Finally, a compilation of all information gathered with appropriate recommendations for the prospective new
owner, giving them the necessary information to make a more informed decision and/or negotiate a proper
price. As a bonus, the maintenance equipment is inventoried and inspected for proper preventive
maintenance and operating condition.
This entire process should take one week for the average condition of a cemetery. If issues of a concerning
level are discovered, the prospective owner would be notified of concerns and whether they would choose to
investigate further.
What does this service cost?
The typical due diligence investigation costs a fraction of the cost of issues found too late. This cost is
easily realized with best information available to make a more informed decision. It is also most easily
recognized by savings in your negotiated purchase price. If you can negotiate a savings, based on this
investigation, of $150,000.00 wouldn't it be worth it? Of course, but another consideration is factoring in your
decision, any liabilities you may suffer beyond to this purchase. Knowledge is power.
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What does remediation mean?
Remediation is taking the total cemetery (interior records and outside actuals) and determining whether
there are issues that need to be addressed. Once this information is determined, an action plan is then
established.
How do I know if my cemetery needs an audit to discover if remediation is necessary?
If your records are old and in poor condition; if your records don't agree with what is out in the cemetery
gardens; if you have known of at least 2 wrongful burials; if you are missing more than 2 pins in any given
area within the cemetery; if you have had difficulty making burial due to encroachments; if you have found
counselors have double sold spaces; if you have found counselors have sold spaces that are not in
inventory; these are just to name a few. Just about every cemetery in the country can answer yes to some of
these. If so, we should talk.
Is a discovery audit expensive?
Absolutely not. The first step is a telephone audit. This is very inexpensive and will identify if there is any
need for further services or further investigation. A general discovery audit takes approximately 1 hour,
depending on the size of your organization and the type answers given during the audit.
What can I expect an audit/remediation to accomplish for my cemetery?
If, and only if, a remediation is necessary-a complete investigation on site of all records related to burial and
pre need sales-vs-garden lot books or owner cards (whatever type records you may have) is in order. Once
completed, all records will be corrected and issues identified so an action plan can be established. Even if
a remediation is not recommended, invaluable records keeping practices can prevent any further
occurrences that may result in future problems. Checklists for operational integrity are offered regardless of
the level of service needed to keep the processes simple for everyone involved. In depth training is then
accomplished with all personnel to insure compliance with applicable local law and best case practices.
What does Cemops offer crematories for compliance?
Through experience and knowledge of best practices as well as state laws, we can offer you records
keeping, checklist practices, and practical applications to insure all operations are clean and precise. We
also assist with best practices related to equipment cleaning and processing standards. Identification
standards are covered in depth.
Our crematory and cemetery never get inspected, why would we need an audit?
We don't suggest anyone get too comfortable with this type operating principal. Most states have auditors
now. Those that don't will have soon. The federal government has served notice they intend to pursue
some type control within our industry given media attention. It is only a matter of time before some form of
regulation takes hold. We strongly suggest getting ahead of the curve and insuring an official audit doesn't
turn into a nightmare for you. We will provide you with documentation for auditory agencies, showing your
interest in keeping your location updated and compliant.
Management Contracts Are Available-What Application?
When owners find themselves falling on hard times, the last thing they might consider is bringing in
a group to assist them in bringing their business back to prominence. They might think they cannot afford
services of this type.
Actually the opposite is true. When you find yourself in hard times, it is time to get the help you need. If you
wait until those times get you to a point of insolvency, that may be when it is approaching too late.
With over 90 years experience, CemOps can come to your location/s and perform an audit visit to see where
you have been, where you are, how you got there and how you can move forward to save your business and
reputation. The costs of this service are far less expensive than loosing your business dream or reputation.
If you are a State Board or Association and know of an industry location that is struggling, calling CemOps
prior to actions being taken could also show a proactive approach to solutions rather than the typical reactive
approaches. CemOps understands operating a business in this profession can be quite complex, and at times
can be larger than expected.
Calling CemOps could be the best call you could make, regardless of which side of an issue you are on.
When owners find themselves falling on hard times, the last thing they might consider is bringing in
a group to assist them in bringing their business back to prominence. They might think they cannot afford
services of this type.
Actually the opposite is true. When you find yourself in hard times, it is time to get the help you need. If you
wait until those times get you to a point of insolvency, that may be when it is approaching too late.
With over 90 years experience, CemOps can come to your location/s and perform an audit visit to see where
you have been, where you are, how you got there and how you can move forward to save your business and
reputation. The costs of this service are far less expensive than loosing your business dream or reputation.
If you are a State Board or Association and know of an industry location that is struggling, calling CemOps
prior to actions being taken could also show a proactive approach to solutions rather than the typical reactive
approaches. CemOps understands operating a business in this profession can be quite complex, and at times
can be larger than expected.
Calling CemOps could be the best call you could make, regardless of which side of an issue you are on.
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