;
  • Report:  #821813

Complaint Review: The Neptune Society - Sherman Oaks California

Reported By:
black eyed susie - Lancaster, California, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:

The Neptune Society
4312 Woodman Avenue, 3rd Floor Sherman Oaks, 91423 California, United States of America
Phone:
818-845-2415
Web:
Categories:
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
You expect to hear -
We are sorry for your loss...
Your Father had a pre-arranged contract with The Neptune Society, no worries!
I was told -
Because your dad didn't purchase...
I understand, but...
They don't know our contract.
We can't pay the mortuary.
You'll have to decide which is cheaper for you.

The Seller's (Neptune Society) contract provisions (a full legal-sized paper of 'fine print') state, among other things, that their agreement does not include services of other mortuaries and that if, for any reason, they don't perform the services contracted for, they will refund the trust principal.

What if the hospital doesn't know to call Neptune? You will be paying more money, and out of pocket.
What if it's an emergency situation? You will be paying more money, and out of pocket.
What is the Trust Principal? It is a fraction of the actual Total Contract Amount. Don't take my word for it, it's all right there in the contract. In our case, it is $529 out of $1499, not including taxes and finance charges. Seller keeps $970.


Is it a rip-off? Decide for yourself. Oh, and caveat emptor!


2 Updates & Rebuttals

FloridaRealtor78

United States of America
Not purchasing Travel / Relocation Protection

#2Consumer Comment

Sun, January 06, 2013

I am sorry for the loss of your father. However, I have used Neptune Society for my Mother. As well as have it for myself. I was specifically told that the local plan only covered me within 75 miles of my home. And travel and relocation plan was an extra approx $400. I did not purchase it for my mother as she was in Hospice, but did purchase it for myself. 
The counselor did make it very clear to me what was included in the local and the plan with the travel, and was my choice. If he did not chose to purchase it, Neptune Society should not have to be financially responsible for that. 
I am assuming you were not there at the one on one between your father and Neptune Society when he was told this and offered it, and declined it? 
As well as it is the law that the merchandise purchased be delivered when paid for. This applies to the entire funeral industry.
Unfortunately, Neptune Society, did not nothing wrong. They followed state law and your fathers requests.
I do not see how this is considered a ripoff.
They took care of my mother, and did an amazing job. I was so happy to not have to go through a traditional funeral home for MANY reasons (money, paperwork, etc). I was able to spend the day with my family upon her passing, not sit in a funeral home for hours. As well as it is a 1/3 of the price of funeral homes. 
If you travel or chance you could ever relocate, purchase the protection for $400 and you will be covered any where in the world. 


lostdutchmangold

Gold Canyon,
Arizona,
USA
Response to #821813 Kept 64% of Father's money

#3UPDATE Employee

Mon, May 21, 2012

The Neptune Society is the oldest and most trusted name in the US for pre-arranged cremations. Legally they did nothing wrong or they wouldn't be doing business for 40 years.

First of all I am very sorry for your loss. As for the hospital knowing who to call it is a card that is carried in the wallet near the drivers licence. It is always suggested that the one who signs up hands out the ID cards to family members so there is no question who to call when a death accurs. Simple enough to do wouldn't you think? Those cards are recognised by hospitals, police and any emergency personnel.

Here is what happened simply put, if the father did not purchase the Transportation and Relocation plan. That means anything outside of the 75 miles from his address he signed up with is not covered. The Neptune society IS required to release the funds from the trust account which it sounds like was done. The other % you are having trouble with is the memento package + the 15% (or whatever the state of CA requires) that is a service fee, non-refundable. The merchandise was delivered to him shortly after he signed up so it is in his possession, they can't refund that and obviously your father didn't let you know he had a Memento kit/urn/planning guide. Neptune Society did not Keep his money as he had purchased and received the items when he signed up. It would seem that it was not communicated to you that he had purchased only the Local plan. The local plan is designed for folks who are in nursing homes or who will stay in one town for the rest of their lives. He probably wanted to get the less expensive plan but ended up moving which was very unfortunate. Everything is there in the contracts. Separate one for Transportation/Relocation which he would have DECLINED.

Again sorry for your loss, I've been through these things with my own dad and sister.

Reports & Rebuttal
Respond to this report!
Also a victim?
Repair Your Reputation!
//