Opal Cremation vs. Omega Society: Which is the Best Choice for Your Family?

This article compares Opal Cremation vs. Omega Society so you can determine which is best for your family’s needs.

Table of Contents

• Opal Cremation vs. Omega Society: A Pricing Comparison
• Omega Society vs. Opal Cremation: Hours and Availability
• Location: Which is More Accessible?
• Website Design: An Internet Perspective
• Local vs. National Ownership
• Transparency: The Ultimate Deciding Factor
• Opal is a Top Choice for Direct Cremation Near Me
• FAQs
• Additional Resources

Key Takeaways

• Opal Cremation and Omega Society are Los Angeles cremation providers claiming to offer transparent pricing and comprehensive service, but which is best?
• Navigating the funeral industry can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time handling a loved one’s passing. Some families may encounter unexpected fees from cremation providers, which can increase costs during an already difficult time.
• While costs are a factor, families must also choose a cremation provider based on service, reputation, and availability.
• When compared based on transparency, overall pricing, and accessibility, Opal Cremation comes out on top.

Finding a cremation provider is not easy. Most people don’t have experience with the industry, making it difficult to know what to look for. They must navigate carefully to find the best option based on service and reputation and avoid hidden fees, which are unfortunately all too prevalent in the funeral industry.

Comparing providers can help you become more familiar with what to expect. This article compares Opal Cremation vs. Omega Society so you can determine which is best for your family.

“It’s unfortunate that consumers need to comparison shop during an already stressful and upsetting time in order to avoid being fleeced. However, we recommend that consumers do just that and begin with homes that prominently post prices.”

Alegra Howard, Consumer Action’s policy advocate in the article California Funeral Homes Hiding Prices Charge More Than Home Prominently Disclosing Prices

Opal Cremation vs. Omega Society: An Overview

Let’s start by looking at what both companies offer.

Opal Cremation

Opal Cremation is a direct cremation provider that serves Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Our services include:

• Direct Cremation (with all permits and certificates): This is the simplest type with no service beforehand. Family members can plan a celebration of life at some point after the process. It’s an inexpensive, eco-friendly, low-stress option that gives families freedom in how they say goodbye.
• Cremation with Viewings: Families can schedule a viewing before the cremation, giving them time with their loved one before the final farewell.
• Various cremation packages range from direct to traditional options.
• Referrals to Ash Scattering Services: We offer referrals to ash scattering companies throughout Southern California and can assist with planning, providing a seamless process.
• Referrals to Eterneva and Parting Stone: We connect you with companies that can help you do something unique with your loved one’s ashes. Our team handles all planning, ensuring a seamless process.
• Planning Consultation (Pre-need or At-Need): We help individuals preplan cremation services to relieve family stress. Our team can also help families through the post-cremation planning process.
• Hand Delivery of Ashes: Our compassionate staff can hand-deliver ashes to families, giving them one less thing to worry about.
• Remote Planning: Cremations can be planned by phone, simplifying the process.

Customer Review

“Opal Cremation of Southern California provided thorough, compassionate services and helped us every step of the way through the cremation process, including paperwork and answering all of our questions. They went above and beyond, and there were no surprises at any point in our journey with them. They are affordable, kind, and we highly recommend them.”

-Nancy, Los Angeles

Omega Society

Omega Society provides both cremation and burial. They serve the Orange County area.

• Direct Cremation: This simple, inexpensive process involves cremation without any services, although families often host a celebration of life at a later date.
• Direct Burial: Like direct cremation, direct burial does not include formal services. Bodies are buried rather than cremated.
• Funeral Services: If families choose, they may have a service prior to a cremation or burial.
• Prepaid Cremation: Individuals may plan and pay for their cremation ahead of time.
• Aftercare and Grief Support: This may include referrals to grief support services. Contact Omega for more information.
• Identification Viewings: Family members may confirm a loved one’s identification prior to cremation or burial, giving them a chance to say goodbye.
• Priority Mail of Ashes: Omega will ship ashes to families via priority mail.
• Online Arrangement: Families can make all funeral or cremation arrangements online, reducing the hassle.
• Free Online Obituary: Omega’s website lists obituaries for those who use their services.

Customer Review

“The first time I had to make arrangements, but the amount of kindness and patience and professionalism that Omega Society has shown is astounding. I recommend them to anyone that has to go through the process of honoring the wishes of cremation and funeral. I will miss my mom with all my heart and Omega made sure that I will keep her with me forever close to my heart.”

-Gouken Long

Opal Cremation vs. Omega Society: A Pricing Comparison

Cost is typically the first thing families look for when choosing a direct cremation service. So how do Opal and Omega compare?

So far, Omega has come out ahead. However, if you look closely at what’s included in each package, you will notice Omega omits several services that make Opal’s package more worthwhile. Here’s what’s not included:

Omega’s Hidden Fees

To give you a better idea of how expenses add up, let’s focus on delivery fees. Omega charges $5 a mile for delivering remains beyond 20 miles of their facility in Orange, CA. Any deliveries, even 10 miles outside that radius, can easily add $50 to your bill. Imagine how other costs can add up.

With Opal, these services are included in our $1295 fee with no additional charges. This chart reveals what you might end up paying based on the extra services and how Opal compares.

Direct Price Comparison

Omega Society vs. Opal Cremation: Hours and Availability

Unfortunately, death happens around the clock. Families want someone to be there for them during this difficult time. Opal’s certified funeral directors and arrangers are available  24/7, 365  to provide the answers you need and offer the necessary services.

Omega’s hours are limited. You can only talk to a company representative from 8:00 to 4:30 Pacific time Monday through Friday. They have a 24/7 answering service set up to provide service when live agents aren’t available, but we know from firsthand experience that these services rarely offer knowledgeable information and can’t do much to serve your family.

Location: Which is More Accessible?

Omega serves one area, Orange County. This greatly limits who they can serve. It also leads to more extensive transportation fees outside the OC area.

Opal offers direct cremation in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, covering a wide service area.

Website Design: An Internet Perspective

Rather than having its own website and domain, the Omega Society shares space on the Altogether website, a network of local funeral service providers. Although the partnership helps Omega gain the support of Altogether’s nationwide structure, it offers just one page of website space, which is limiting. Visitors can’t find much out about the company before being taken to a page that forces them to enter their personal information for a callback.

Meanwhile, Opal’s comprehensive website offers extensive information about our business, with price lists, blogs, resources, FAQs, area pages, and more. You can learn a lot about our company, allowing you to make an informed decision before you get in touch.

Opal also provides a link to our General Price List (GPL) on our website. To find Omega’s price list, you must Google it online, and it is still difficult to find.

Local vs. National Ownership

As previously mentioned, Omega is now under the Altogether umbrella, a trade name for a network of funeral, cremation, and cemetery providers associated with the Foundation Partners Group. While Omega may benefit from the nationwide structure, customers must consider how this impacts their service.

Rather than getting advice from local experts, your questions may be answered by representatives around the country or even around the world who may not be familiar with local regulations. Similarly, they will be unable to guide you to the best local places to host a celebration of life event, have ashes integrated into jewelry and stones, or provide similar services.

What may be even more concerning is a recent press release from Foundation Partners, which announces plans for growth. It mentions a need to upgrade facilities, improve workflows, and invest more in training. Although these measures could be a step in the right direction, they indicate previous subpar services and troubles within the organization that may or may not be addressed.

Transparency: The Ultimate Deciding Factor

Transparency is vital in a cremation provider. It’s imperative to work with a trusted company during this difficult time.

However, Omega’s indirect pricing structure and salesy approach might make you think twice about using their services. With so many hidden fees and a lack of information on their website, you have to wonder if they are the best choice for this sensitive and meaningful service.

One particularly concerning aspect is the unclear GPL. For example, in some spots, it lists an additional fee of $5 per mile for shipping cremated remains outside the city of Orange, CA, where their facilities are located. In other areas, it mentions the same additional per-mile fee for funeral remains for areas outside Orange County.

It’s unclear why transportation of funeral remains would be less expensive, with transportation services covering a wider area, as it’s generally a more intensive process. However, the bottom line is that the GPL has confusing language, causing customer confusion.

Opal prides itself on transparency. In fact, we conducted a study to expose and eliminate funeral industry companies that take advantage of customers. Read our article “The Real Cost of Direct Cremation in Orange County” to learn more.

Opal is a Top Choice for Direct Cremation in Los Angeles and Orange County

We know the competition is stiff, but this article positions Opal as the best cremation company in Southern California due to our transparent pricing and accessible services. Opal’s compassionate Los Angeles and Orange County representatives can guide you through every step of the process, reducing stress during difficult times.

We offer comprehensive service, including a death certificate, guidance on scattering laws, disposition permits, planning support, care for your loved one’s ashes, and hand delivery. Our ongoing communication offers peace of mind. We can answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.

Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer.

FAQs

What is the most inexpensive cremation?

Direct cremation is the most inexpensive type of cremation. It does not involve any services before the body is cremated. Families also save on the cost of the casket and the burial process.

What is the average price of cremation in the United States?

According to Choice Mutual, the average cost of cremation with a viewing is $6280, and the average price for direct cremation is $2202. Meanwhile, traditional funeral and burial services typically cost around $8300.

What is the average price of direct cremation in Orange County?

According to Opal’s article “The Real Cost of Cremation in Orange County,” the average cost of cremation in the area is $1727. However, due to hidden fees, most families pay more than the quoted price, bringing the average final cost closer to $1946.

What hidden fees are related to direct cremation?

Families often pay more for additional delivery fees, shipping, pacemaker removal, death certificates, permits, urns, credit card fees, and extra services.

What are the three types of cremation?

The three types of cremation are traditional cremation, which involves services before the body is cremated, cremation with memorial service, in which a service takes place after the cremation, and direct cremation. Although direct cremation does not necessarily involve any service, families often host a celebration of life at a later date.

What body parts don’t burn in cremation?

The bones and hard enamel of the teeth do not burn in cremation. They remain while other body parts are processed into a powdery substance called cremains. Metallic implants and other medical devices are removed before cremation to avoid explosions.

What does God say about cremation?

The Bible does not prohibit or endorse cremation. Although burial was common in Biblical times, it was not mandated. Over the years, religions have discouraged cremation, stating the body should remain intact for the afterlife. However, in modern times, people are getting less religious, making cremation a more popular option.

Additional Resources

Opal’s Cremation FAQs

Opal Cremation Price Page

Opal General Price List

The Real Cost of Cremation in Orange County

E-Commerce and the End-of-Life Industry