Death is something inevitable; all of us have to die eventually. However, many people have different wishes and ideas they want implemented after their death. Different cultures too have different ways and means of handling their dead; Hindus usually cremate their loved ones bodies and Christians usually have the bodies buried in coffins. However, occasionally people of different beliefs like to have their bodies handled differently from their common customs. This may require research, to be well aware of these varied and numerous customs.
Sometimes a person desires, after cremation, to have their ashes spread over a certain body of water or land. The requested location may not be in the same vicinity as the person that died; it may be many miles, or even days, away. Therefore, the family may have to travel to this destination to have their loved ones' last wishes fulfilled. This may prove difficult for some who, due to health or travel restrictions, may not be able to travel such long distances. Then, some just feel uneasy carrying out their loved ones' wishes, or it is too painful or distressing for them to handle.
This is where you could offer your services transporting the contained ashes to wherever necessary, and sprinkle their ashes as requested. Of course, this is not a free service; you could charge perhaps $100 to $150 (depending on the amount of time required) for carrying it out and extra for fuel, or transportation charges. In some cases, it may require you to fly to the desired destination; so charge for the plane tickets or any added charges for needed rental vehicles to reach the location, and fuel charges too.
The initial investment you may want to make for this business could be for a sizeable boat or car. When investing in a boat, it is better to invest in a big boat as sometimes the loved ones of the deceased may wish to accompany you for the sprinkling of the ashes. Therefore, your boat should safely be able to hold you and attendees. You may also need to have a passport ready, and be prepared to request a visa needed if you have to travel overseas to sprinkle the ashes.
Always remember when offering to sprinkle the ashes of those passed away, it is necessary that you handle the ashes with extreme care and discipline. The ashes should not spill or fall; thus handle the container with extreme care. Many times these cherished ashes can hold very sentimental, superstitious, and religious feelings with family members and beloved friends. You should always give these ashes the desired respect and care deserved.
Now you should be ready to offer your services, you will need to acquire some pamphlets and business cards to advertise. Distribute these in churches, mortuaries, community centers, or with florists, or printers, just anywhere people may visit when a person dies. As your business is a unique proposition, it may need some extra advertisement to make yourself known by others. So make sure you make the necessary advertising to start your business. Once a few people get to know about your needed and unusual services, their advertising through word-of-mouth should be sufficient to pull in more customers.
Resources:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1296.shtm
http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2004/press_release_0499.shtm
http://www.cremation.cc/Burial_At_Sea_of_Ashes.html
http://www.mainelyurns.com/air-travel-with-cremated-remains-tsa.html
December 26, 2008
