Hillside Cemetery

August 28, 2017Hillside Cemetery provides at need cemetery services as well as pre need cemetery arrangements to families across the Philadelphia, Southeastern PA, New Jersey, Delaware, and other areas of the country. At all times, we are cognizant of the sensitive nature of our business and conduct...

ourselves in a professional, respectful, courteous, and helpful manner. Sometimes, families perceive the requirements and costs associated with our business negatively, as may be the case with [redacted], who, being the daughter of the customer we actually spoke with, had no direct contact with Hillside Cemetery personnel on this matter. This complaint against Hillside is generally without merit and is only based on the lack of understanding by the complainant. [redacted]'s mother, [redacted], agreed to meet with a representative in her home on or aboutJuly 23, 2017. At that time, the representative provided **. and [redacted] with information related to the necessary items for their cemetery arrangements.Despite [redacted]'s belief thatwe “tried to hard-sell unnecessary extra services that she does not need”, there was nothing in the information provided that will be "unnecessary. **. and [redacted] have grave space and nothing else. Other items are required for their future burial needs at Hillside Cemetery.A "higher up' did, in fact, show up, a week later. As the Sales Director, I follow up with families with whom my staff meets to ensure everything went well. I took no materials with me to present, coax, or demand that the [redacted] family enter into any agreement for items still needed. I asked some questions to ensure **. and [redacted] understood the full value of what the former representative had offered. I was satisfied they had. I reinforced the value and benefits of pre-arrangements and left without "hard-selling anyone.We do not lie about what is necessary. We do not pressure families to buy anything. We provide information so that they may choose to eliminate financial and emotional burdens from theirloved ones now rather than leaving them to deal with matters after death occurs.I am not aware of [redacted] making any attempt to contact Hillside Cemetery directly to inquire about the appointment held with her mother. "Social media', while convenient, when used to communicate with the cemetery does not come to my direct attention. However, to acknowledge [redacted]'s request in her complaint, I have spoken with [redacted], apologized if anything said by the Hillside representative or me was upsetting, and let her know we will not contact her for arrangements anytime in the near future.Sincerely,Micheal N.Director