OVER CHARGE – BY A LONG SHOT

Good Day All My wife passed on 26 July 2021 – “Natural Causes” …. However, it was COVID 19 related. I do understand that I’m still going through my own grieving time. All the anger, frustration, resentment, love, hate, loneliness, being alone, being left behind, and So many emotions I never thought I have within me…. The VERY first encounter I had with Martins Funeral home, Cape Town was “compassion”, “we understand”, “it is hard to go through this”. BUT as I was sitting there in the arrangements meeting, all I felt was “cold”, “YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND” ……. JUST SHUT-UP and let’s get this done…… THEN MY shock “Kicked” in when the question was asked… “” Did your wife have a Funeral Benefit?” “Seriously…..do you think I’m here without YOU knowing THIS??????” Then after many words and empty words, to me that time, the paper-work had to be signed. I’m bokken, almost at tears, and I read the “contract” word for word…okay not every word…and my eye fall on the amount that I need to pay for a Cremation, as that is our wish. Following breakdown (AS on my final Invoice AND paid) PPE – R1 800.00 ……(Serious???) Coffin & Services F/L - R5 990.00 …….. (Serious???? A COFFIN????? My wife’s body was NOT at her memorial and I needed to arrange EVERYTHING!!!! . AND IT IS A CREMATION!!!! I know that we go “in naked’ ….. A COFFIN???? And when I asked about the coffin the person said…”Yes that is standard” – does he think I’m an simpleton” Oversize Charge – R1 500.00……(yes, with respect to my wife, she was “oversize’, however that amount is added to the coffin size…..)….. A COFFIN?????? Removal Fee (After Hours) – R850.00 (Understandable) Doctor’s Fee (Cremation) - R1 400.00 (Understandable) Total = R16 491.00