Don’t Get Ghosted: How to Avoid Scams When Buying a Tombstone
Buying a tombstone is one of the most significant emotional purchases you will ever make. It is a permanent tribute to a loved one. Unfortunately, because families are grieving and vulnerable, scammers often see this as an opportunity to make a quick buck.
At Forever Stone, we believe in total transparency. We’ve heard too many horror stories of families losing their hard-earned money to “fly-by-night” operators. To help you protect your legacy (and your wallet), here is our guide on how to spot a tombstone scammer.
1. The “Parking Lot” Meeting
If a salesperson insists on meeting you at a street corner, a coffee shop, or even at the cemetery gate to sign paperwork and take cash, run. Legitimate businesses have a physical footprint—a place where you can find them if something goes wrong.
The Forever Stone Difference:
We have established showrooms in Pretoria (Silvertondale) and Johannesburg (Risidale). You can walk in, shake our hands, and see the quality of our granite with your own eyes. If a company can’t give you a verifiable address, they can’t give you peace of mind.
2. The “Too Good To Be True” Price
Real granite is a natural resource; it has a cost to mine, cut, and polish. If someone offers you a full memorial for a fraction of the market price, they are likely cutting corners. They might be using “compressed stone” (cement mixed with granite dust) that will crack within a year, or they simply plan to take your deposit and disappear.
The Forever Stone Difference:
We use premium granite and provide transparent pricing. We also offer a Lay-Buy option, allowing you to pay off a high-quality stone over time rather than risking your money on a cheap, inferior product just to save cash upfront.
3. No Permits, No Paperwork
You cannot simply place a tombstone on a grave; you need municipal permission. Scammers will often say, “Don’t worry, I’ll install it this weekend,” without asking for a Grave Number or Death Certificate. This is illegal. If the municipality finds an unauthorized stone, they have the right to remove it.
The Forever Stone Difference:
Professional installation is included with every order we process. We know the bylaws, and we follow the rules. We ensure that when your loved one’s stone is erected, it stays there.
The Bottom Line
Trust your gut. A reputable tombstone manufacturer will be patient, professional, and transparent. They will answer your questions and invite you to their showroom.
Don’t risk your loved one’s memory on a chance. Choose a partner who will be there for you long after the stone is laid.
Visit Us Today:
- Pretoria: Unit 7-123 Mosaic Rd, Silvertondale | 083 893 6462
- Johannesburg: 216 Beyers Naudé Dr, Risidale | 078 059 9790
Browse our catalogue online at www.foreverstone.co.za
