Rock Creek Cemetery

Review: I have the burial rights to 2 niches in Rock Creek cemetery. Some time ago, I contacted the cemetery office to say that I wanted to exercise my right, per the purchase contract, to sell back the rights to one of those niches, which I had purchased for some $3,000.00. It took me 3 phone calls before I was finally sent the form. I completed the form and returned it along with the signed certificate of right to burial, per the instructions on that form. To date, I have not received payment. Early this week, I called the cemetery office and left a voicemail. I have not received a return call. Were I to need to purchase right of burial for immediate use, the cemetery would expect the full purchase price now. I should receive the same consideration with my refund.Secondly, in order for my sell-back right, the cemetery is withholding 20% of the original purchase price, some $700.00 in my case. This is gouging, especially since the cemetery will be able to sell that same niche for $4,100.00, which is the figure given on the form that I was sent to sign. If this is some sort of "restocking" fee, it is absolutely outrageous.Desired Settlement: I want my money returned, including 15% of what the cemetery plans to withhold. I think $175.00 is a more than generous amount to compensate for any time and clerical duty required on their part.

Business

Response:

September 17, 2013

Dear **. [redacted]

In response to Complaint [redacted], we have reviewed our records and determined that the customer in question is not entitled to further compensation. I have attached the appropriate documentation, including a timeline of events, to support this conclusion*

A letter was mailed to us on July 16 requesting the repurchase form. The form was sent to the customer w/i seven (7) business days. The customer returned the signed form five (5) business days later along with a very complimentary letter stipulating that “the 20% transfer fee is given without any hesitation since it will be used for its [the Cemetery’s] continued maintenance.” The customer had signed the Burial Rights Contract which states that Rock Creek Cemetery has the right to withhold reasonable administrative expenses and the price of Perpetual Care; as well as the form for Rock Creek Cemetery to repurchase the plot, which clearly states the repurchase at 80%.

Again, the customer indicated his understanding of our policy in his letter of August 1, 2013. At the direction of our Rector, we have sent a letter to the customer in response to his August 23rd letter to our Board, letting him know of our decision. If there is any further documentation we should provide, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

This experience has confirmed for me that cemeteries, like funeral homes gouge folks--and nothing seems to be able to be done, outside of small-claims courts. Having thought the matter over, I changed my mind about thinking it okay for Rock Creek Cemetery to take $700.00 from me as a "reasonable fee", when it will turn around and sell that very same niche for $4100.00, meanwhile pocketing my $700.00. Just incredible.

I am so sorry that I ever did business with Rock Creek Cemetery. Those folks should be ashamed of themselves, being a supposed "Christian" organization and all!

Regards,

Business

Response:

September 24, 2013

Dear **. [redacted],

We have responded to your complaint through the Revdex.com, and received notice of further complaint on your part. In your second complaint, you rejected our response because the “experience has confirmed for [you] that cemeteries, like funeral homes gouge folks...”

It is regrettable that you feel this way, but in signing the repurchase form on August 1, 2013, you agreed to the terms stipulating that we would repurchase at 80% of the original purchase price of $3,100.00. 80% of your original purchase price is $2,480. In your accompanying letter, also dated August 1, 2013, you spoke to the “great beauty and history” of Rock Creek Cemetery and further stated that the remaining $620.00 “is given without any hesitation since it will be used for its continued maintenance.” Because you indicated by checkmark and signature on the repurchase form that you wanted Rock Creek Cemetery to “Repurchase these sites according to the terms above” and because your letter clearly showed your understanding and acceptance of those terms. Rock Creek Cemetery will not pay more money for the repurchase than has already been legitimately paid.

Sincerely,