The touchscreen video system that allows funeral and visitation guests to record personal sympathy messages has been a quick sales success. The innovative proprietary hardware-software combination from Then & Forever Tributes records videos of condolence, reminiscence and fond wishes for client families, which the funeral director presents to them on a keepsake DVD.

According to Then & Forever Marketing Director, Tara Soderstrom, the system—introduced last fall at the NFDA Convention—is already being used in Funeral Homes from Minnesota to Connecticut. "Sales have been very strong throughout Chicago and its suburbs because we're located here" she said, "but in the last month we've been successful selling in Pennsylvania and Ohio and we're currently talking to funeral directors from coast to coast."

"It's definitely an idea whose time has come," said Marquita Johnson, senior funeral director at Gatling's Chapel in Chicago. "The videos are easy and satisfying for friends and relatives to make, the DVD is a permanent keepsake very appreciated by the immediate family," he continued, "and the system is creating positive word of mouth for our business."

"The visitation time is invaluable to the families we serve, but more often than not the stories people share become blurred and sorrowfully forgotten" said Jon Kolssak of Kolssak Funeral Home in Wheeling, IL. "There must be a better way to capture those wonderful memories forever," he continued. "We discovered Then & Forever Tributes, installed the sleek mobile video kiosk and made it fun and interactive. The addition of this software enhanced our service options, raised expectations and helped us become the primary funeral resource in our local communities."

Edward Bergin, Founder of MortuaryMall.com, online supplier of funeral products to the industry, said, "Then & Forever's Video Condolence System is one of most innovative products we have ever seen and we are excited to be offering it on our site. It provides such amazing value to families that this system truly deserves to be in every funeral home."

Among other recent Then & Forever buyers were Chicago Jewish Funerals in Buffalo Grove, IL; Howard K. Hill Funeral Home in New Haven, CT; Roberts Family Funeral Home in Lake Forest, MN; Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral Home in Schaumburg, IL; McDermott Funeral Home in McKees Rocks, PA and Simkins Funeral Home in Morton Grove, IL.

Funeral Homes may choose one of two ways of acquiring the Then & Forever system

1. They may purchase the system, comprised of a touchscreen television monitor with built-in computer and the proprietary software program for $3,995 plus shipping and any applicable taxes.

2. Or, they can arrange for the use of the system at no cost other than a refundable $500 security deposit and pay Then & Forever $100 per funeral at which it is used.

Some Funeral Homes are including the service in their premium package while some, according to Ms. Soderstrom, are charging $200 and more for the Video Condolence package.

She said many feel the most exciting feature of the Then & Forever software is its ability to receive emailed videos or even phone messages from those not attending the chapel visitation or funeral and to include them on the commemorative DVD. "At this time when families are splintered by those serving overseas, the collection of these comments completes the memoir in a meaningful way."

Those involved in the funeral business may see the product demonstrated on the web at www.thenandforevertributes.com. Ms. Soderstrom can be reached by email at tsoderstrom@thenandforevertributes.com or by phone at 630 205-8272

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