Memorial Headstone Business

The three main things essential for this business are access to granite suppliers, acquisition of an etching tool, putting up a workshop, and hiring personnel.

People don't often think of starting a memorial headstone business as a lucrative source of income.

memorial headstone business

And yet it is one of the more successful micro-businesses out there. The advent of more modern technology has only enhanced this sort of trade, technology like laser and online commerce.

There is no such thing as the commercial production and manufacturing of memorial headstones. Every piece must be custom-made. This is one property of this trade that makes it very valuable and highly in demand. Although manufacturing memorial headstones can be profitable on its own, many micro-entrepreneurs in this kind of business set-up also create and market granite-based products like cemetery monuments, memorial benches, or any product within that line.

History of Headstone

Although placing more permanent headstones on graves had been practiced since immemorial, it did not really “catch on” until the 7th century, particularly among the more influential names in Europe. Stonemasons became especially popular, and those who could make more intricate and exquisite headstones commanded the highest commissions.

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Competition among families to outdo each other in the graveyard scene became so much so that carved headstones carried not only the name of the deceased and his or her date of birth but also some form of biographical data, complete with chosen writing, symbols, and even the family’s coat of arms. When that could not “broadcast” the deceased supposed influence anymore, stonemasons were hired to create statues like weeping angels or grand stone effigies of the dead.

Initial Investment for Headstone Business

In this kind of business, you would, of course, need access to granite suppliers. Almost all modern memorial headstones are now carved in granite. This challenging but durable rock comes in an assortment of shades. Unless you intend to get a large workshop complete with stone-cutting tools, finding a supplier who also does the granite cutting, shaping, and polishing is essential.

The bulk of your investment will, of course, go into acquiring an etching tool for the headstone. Although hand-carving tools are the least expensive, you would still need a highly skilled and fully trained artisan to do the work. These days, lasers combined with software help make the etchings more intricate, even allowing for pictures to be fully detailed in the headstones.

A workshop is necessary, preferably with safety measures aptly installed in the entire area. Safety regulations are necessary for this line of work; you must acquire workshop permits, and health regulation permits from the local government.

It might also work to your advantage if you have personnel you can assign to different tasks like delivering your products, etching the stones, and receiving requests and catalogs from potential clients. Although, the last part is now being touted on websites, which makes this kind of business more accessible to more people, affording the clients more time to choose and possibly even giving them a more comprehensive selection of products.

The two current trends concerning this trade are ultra-personalized headstones (some with picture etchings, even music playing) and pet memorial headstones.

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155 Comments

  • Tony Thao said on January 7, 2009
    Hello, Can anyone help me or provide me with more information on how to start a Memorial Headstone Business. Please email me. Thank you for your time.
  • Judy Maki said on February 9, 2009
    I have been wanting to start my own business and have been told the headstone business would be lucrative.
  • sophia clive said on February 15, 2009
    hi, i've also been wanting to start a memorial headstone business. could you also advise me please? thanks for your time. regards sophia
  • Corteney said on February 25, 2009
    I need assistance in starting a headstone business. If anyone out there has any information, please email me. Thanks.
  • Corteney said on February 26, 2009
    I am resubmitting this. I need assistance in starting a headstone business. If anyone out there has any information, please email me @ ccallis8@comcast.net Thanks.
  • tony reed said on March 2, 2009
    i am already in the concrete statuary business, and would anybody have any info of how to get in the headstone, monument business, thank you.
  • Paul Ownbey said on March 17, 2009
    Hello,my sons are doing granite countertops and would like to look into the headstone business. They just finished their grandfathers headstone which came out fantastic. Any information into the trade would be helpful, thank you.
  • barry nikal said on March 23, 2009
    does anybody have any info on how to start a headstone business, monument business. is there schooling involved etc. please e-mail me: bnikal@hotmail.com
  • Cindy said on April 3, 2009
    Hi If you plan to start granite headstone, kindly contact me. We are manufacturer in China. You can source fine quality materials with good price from us. call me at 86-138 6016 5075
  • Cynthia said on June 3, 2009
    I've been looking into starting my own headstone business, I'm just totally fascinated with the whole idea of creating something special for the resting place of people's loved ones. I just have NO idea where to start. Please E-mail me with any info. Thanks!
  • troy said on July 4, 2009
    I would like some information on a headstone business, thanks.
  • ciaran said on July 6, 2009
    hi, i am looking into starting my own business selling headstones and to be honest i don't know where to start. i would be so grateful if anyone has any information for this if you do could you please email me at karen22xox@hotmail.co.uk
  • Gwendolyn said on July 15, 2009
    I would like to start my own headstone business, looking for someone with some insight as to how? your time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
  • Gwendolyn said on July 15, 2009
    Please contact me with any info GSteedle@msn.com. thanks for your time
  • Richard said on July 24, 2009
    Hi, i was looking into the headstone business and wanted to know if anyone could give me some direction. Thank You.
  • Richard said on July 24, 2009
    My email is fannin@fannin.com Thank You.
  • aaron said on July 24, 2009
    Hi, i was looking into the headstone business and wanted to know if anyone could give some direction. Thank you
  • aaron said on July 27, 2009
    my email is aaron69@peoplepc.com thank you
  • Amanda said on August 19, 2009
    My husband and I were looking into starting our own headstone business and wondering if anyone could give us some information. You can contact us fosterma@highland.net. Thank you!
  • mike said on August 30, 2009
    i would like to know where i can buy headstones in bulk in northeastern pa. i also would like to start my own business but it's hard to find any info. (thanks)
  • Martin Enriquez said on September 6, 2009
    I would like to start my own headstone business as well. Reading the above article, my question is, do you have to have a facility to start with? Also, can the distributor who supplies the stone also be the source to cut, shape and engrave the stone? If there is any other information any one can help provide me with. I'd certainly appreciate it, e-mail me at silver_tiger2@yahoo.com
  • noel said on October 1, 2009
    hi, i am involved in the stone business for 15 years in making headstones and other products from raw material. i cover all areas like making, polishing, lettering and fitting. my web site is nationwidememorials.org. you can contact me and i can help you with any queries.
  • DREWAN CASSELL said on November 26, 2009
    Good morning. TOTALLY ECO FRIENDLY TOMB STONE CONCEPT FOR SALE Since 1993 I have been working on a material which is alley to the building industry. I have called the product Dheranite,. It is S.A.B.S approved and has a quality stamp for 50 years. We are manufacturing Tomb stones from this eco friendly product. It has been approved by the Parks and Cemetery board of South Africa and the Environmental affairs.. We are all aware that Granite is becoming extinct and the mountains are being totally destroyed. Our tomb stones are totally Eco friendly. The Tomb stones are of a very high quality and look and feel like granite, once cured it is harder and heavier than granite. They are hollow core but at the grave side the soil from the grave is mixed with the formula and filled and your tomb stone once erected is virtually theft proof and can not be tampered with or removed. We are very proud of our invention and the approval it has been given. I am interested to sell the concept with all the molds and machines. The machines are designed in a way so that disabled people in wheel chairs can operate them. This concept can give employment to hundreds of unemployed people. I have designed other products and wish to move on with my other inventions. We are situated in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. I can be contacted on 012-5439603 Office - Drewan 0822933651 or Delwan 0795604737 or our email address is agrafica@mweb.co.za. I look forward to hearing from you for any suggestions. Best Regards, Drewan. Thanks Drewan Cassell
  • Michael said on January 19, 2010
    HI, My name is Michael, we are a professional manufacture of headstone with all kinds of granite and marble. If you have any need and question about the headstone. please send me -mail michaeldfstone@gmail.com
  • Thomas said on January 27, 2010
    Hello, I am also planning to start a monument business and am looking for more information and guidance. Any help will be appreciated. Thomas.
  • joe scrogham said on February 10, 2010
    I just franchised my headstone cleaning business and am offering it to the public around april 1st of 2010. I am negotiating a source for headstones and would be sold in each territory. Go to www.fiftyfiftycorp.com or email me at cbroadwayjoe@aol.com Thanks
  • joe scrogham said on March 2, 2010
    My name is joe scrogham jy, simpsonville ky, 502-608-3737, cbroadwayjoe@aol.com
    I have recently franchised a business called Always Remembered Gravesite Gardening Maintenance and Stone Restoration we also offer a line of high quality headstone and monuments. This business will be an online business and can be run from your home. let' talk
  • Brett Robbins said on March 7, 2010
    I am looking to start a Memorial headstone business in Utah but I can not seem to find any classes in the art of headstone engraving and getting started. Can someone out there give me some advise?
  • Martins said on March 14, 2010
    hi. i'm looking for a job. i have experience working with stone, i'm graver. martins.gertners@googlemail.com
  • Jack said on April 1, 2010
    I do many years of headstone. any questions, please send me email:xadjack@hotmail.com
  • nancy144@optonline.net said on April 13, 2010
    IS anyone selling their monument business in NJ? Please let me know. Also, did anyone find out how to start one? What is the laser engraving? Thanks, Nancy
  • MIKE said on April 20, 2010
    I LIVE IN ASHEVILLE NC WOULD LIKE TO START A MONUMENT BUSINESS NOT REALLY LOOKING TO DO IT ALL JUST THE SALES AND INSTALL I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CAN YOU BUY CHEAP ENOUGH WHOLESALE TO MAKE A LIVING WITHOUT THE INVESTMENT OF ALL THE LASERS AND ECT. IF ANYONE HAS BEEN IN THIS BIZ A WHILE PLEASE ADVISE ON THE DOS AND DONTS THE PROS AND CONS THANKS I NEED ADVICE
  • Stone Teacher said on April 27, 2010
    I can help anyone start their own monument company immediately. Free website packed with products so you can start making money today. Email me at cemeteryheadstones@lycos.com. I have over 17 years of hands on carving, marketing, selling, shipping etc with immediate resource information of suppliers in the U.S. and China.
  • Stephan said on April 29, 2010
    Interested in expanding business to include headstone monuments and grave markers. We currently do custom engraving and artistic sandcarving which includes pet memorials, grave markers, bluestone and granite carvings, signs, etc. Looking for quality wholesale suppliers of blank and or finished monuments.
  • Randy McCall said on May 7, 2010
    I am looking to start my own monument headstone business for both human and pets. I don't know where to start and would like some resources that might lead me in the direction to know more about this type of business and how to start this type of business.
  • katherine said on May 10, 2010
    I am interested in starting a headstone monument business in Alabama. Can anyone provide me with more information on how to get started.
  • Mia said on May 14, 2010
    Dear all, We have been quarrying and processing all styles of headstones for generations in China. Our highly skilled monumental masons can meet any special orders and can offer a whole range of manufactured stone materials and products. We can offer you competitive prices. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in this business. EMAIL: mia@xiduer.com/info@xiduer.com
  • Nathan said on May 19, 2010
    I have a pet memorial business for sale. I have all equipment and inventory needed to start business successfully. I have owned the business for 4 years and am interested in selling at this time. We have made thousands of Pet Memorials and have a lot of templates designed and ready for your use. Please contact me if you are interested. We are located in central PA.
  • Kim Mangum said on May 19, 2010
    I am also interested in starting a monument business in Utah. Please send advise.
  • Kathy Pena said on May 19, 2010
    Vandalia Mi. I am looking into starting a monumental business out of my home. I am looking for information on how to start my business. How profitable is the business? Where to buy supplies and how to sell Thank you. Can you please email me the information @ kathypena1965@aol.com Thank you
  • Chris M said on May 25, 2010
    Very interested in the business of monuments. I've got potential investors and many contacts in the granite business. I'd really like some help getting started in the Spokane, Wa. area
  • Mike Loos said on June 9, 2010
    I own a cemetery monument company and am looking to hire someone in Asheville, NC. I'd like to talk with Mike who emailed on 4/20/2010. Also, I would discourage anyone who lacks experience in our business from getting into the business. The industry has changed drastically over the last 20 years due to cremations, and cemeteries and funeral homes selling directly to families. Also, finding reputable suppliers is not easy if you don't have contact.
  • James said on June 20, 2010
    To anyone that may be interested in sales. You can make very good money and stay clean selling only. I have been doing so for 15 years. And at one time I ran profits in the upper 10,000 per month my profit after wholesale costs. I know everything there is to know about the industry. jamescross36@yahoo.com
  • Tom said on July 15, 2010
    Feel free to contact us regarding starting a monument biz. We are looking for sales reps in various states. This is a very lucrative business and stable income. Many blanks to choose from we will walk you through the entire process. Artisan and Stone Ctaftsman Marco Jette LLC 860-398-5452 eastern standard time zone
  • Jackie Baldwin said on July 19, 2010
    Pittsfield, Illinois. My husband and I are wanting to start our own headstone business. Where do we start in accomplishing this? Are there classes to take on this???
  • Paul Huber said on July 23, 2010
    Baltimore, Md My company is Omega international. We are a direct importer who sells monuments, benches, statues, columbaria, slabs, furniture and Mausoleums to large contractors, distributors and all types cemeteries. We are looking for outlets to sell our products retail and sales people to sell on a commission basis to these large customers. Contact Paul by email Hubeyland@aol.com
  • Marisa said on July 28, 2010
    Our factory is the largest granite factories in China, with the most advanced machines imported from Italy and Japan. There are 32 gang saws machines,5 automatic polishing lines, 2 tile production lines, 4 flamed machines, 15 sets of block cutters, 30 sets of bridge cutting machines,4 sets of NC machines equipped in factory. We can process products various kinds of stone production including monument items ,big slabs, Cut to size for project, tiles, counter top, paving stone, landscaping, tombstone and ETC, with various surface polished, honed, flamed, sandblasted, natural split, antique, bushhamered,water-jet and so on. email: granite@tts-stone.com, Material China granite, Products Granite, Trader Marissa zhou, Estabished in 1994
  • Pat Hagarty said on August 5, 2010
    Those needing some basic info on starting a monument business feel free to email me and I'll help you out. hagartymonuments@cfu.net
  • scott said on August 10, 2010
    Sherman, Tx., Established in 1902. I am looking for experienced shop help. Computer skills, sales ability all a plus. You must be willing to relocate to the the Lake Texoma area. NEED SHOP HELP
  • Rita said on August 14, 2010
    I am interested in making pet markers any information on supplies and molds, also how to make them I have no experience in this, need help, any info would be appreciated.
  • jennifer Chen said on August 23, 2010
    I am a professional stone-product supplier, especially headstone that is our main product, so if anyone who need some basic information about starting a tombstone business, please feel free to contact me, and i will try my best to help you. yirun@yirunstone.com.cn
  • Frankie said on August 26, 2010
    If you are interested in starting a monument business or just need to find good suppliers I can probably help you out with all your needs. I was born and raised in the industry and have seen the many changes over the years. There is no part of this industry that i am not familiar with. I am still involved in the industry after 30 years. Feel free to contact me if you are looking for tools of the trade or supplies of any kind and i can put you in touch with all the right people after all I live in the granite capitol of the world. This industry has been in our family and its great to see people still interested in the trade.
  • Pete said on September 10, 2010
    We are interested in acquiring a pre-existing memorial company in the midwest. We have over 85 years of experience designing, manufacturing, importing, and setting memorials and custom granite products in the midwest. Please contact us if you or someone you know is interested. pjk2u@hotmail.com
  • conrad r devries said on October 9, 2010
    frankie, you sound like one of the people i would like to contact about info & supplies. you did not leave a way to get in touch with you. my e-mail is conrad49442@comcast.net if you or anyone who knows the monument business has helpful info it would be great to hear from you. thank you
  • Kim said on October 12, 2010
    I am interested in buying an established small monument business in Maine. Being a single person just starting out what can I expect? I read that getting monument material is the hardest part of the business? With increasing cremations and funerals homes selling monuments direct what is the future of monuments? Thank you. My email address is socksgandy@live.com
  • Don Beach said on October 25, 2010
    We are a laser etching business operating out of the Orlando, Florida area and are currently looking for a granite headstone/marker supplier that we can order our blanks from. Thanks Don Beach President MEMORIES IN STONE INC.
  • sherry said on October 25, 2010
    I'm having a hard time trying to find granite headstone/marker supplier that I can order blanks from. Thanks sherry
  • karl said on October 25, 2010
    this article is nice but doesnt tell you how to actually get started i really want to get started is there any classes sources that tell you step by step where to get the equipment you need etc,etc please email me at jkwagner1@comcast.com thank you so very much
  • Ryan Miller said on October 27, 2010
    Hello all!!! If anyone can help me, please do....if you know someone that can do this, please tell me who!!!! I own a small monument company in NJ and am looking for someone to teach my brother how to carve a "Deep Carved Rose".....any help? We are willing to pay!!! Please contact NJHeadstones@gmail.com THANKS!!!
  • susie said on December 1, 2010
    I am wanting to start a business in La. I would like to work with someone and learn how to work and do all of the monuments are go to classes. I have been in retail sales most of my life. If anyone can help me please email me.
  • Chris Kwok said on December 20, 2010
    This is Chris Kwok in Monument exporting business and we are the monument fabricator in China from 1992. If anybody wants to start monument business, you could email me. I will offer the related information to you as soon as possible. Chris Kwok, 0086-13400 611 744, jmstone@yahoo.cn
  • Dan Bridle said on January 2, 2011
    For anyone who has a monument dealership or looking to start one, I own and operate a death date service...I may be able to help you. danbridle@yahoo.com
  • Marc Boucher said on January 13, 2011
    I see, by reading all the above responses,there is still an interest in the ever changing monument trade. I have owned a setting company, three retail stores, set up and ran a sandblast shop for a large importer and was their main sandblast carver. I have done cultivated roses, calla lillys, rustic and scallop crosses, bread and butter sandblast carvings as well as monument designing. I specialize in custom cemetery work (raised lettering,V-sunk, shape carving, repairs, etc.) along with adding names and DOD's. I have also worked in the burial vault business and have worked for several large cemetery's digging graves, mowing, marking out graves, etc., so my knowledge of cemetery's is thorough. If it looks like I could be of assistance to any start-ups or established shops I can be reached at: Marc@journeysend.co
  • DENISE ROBINSON said on January 20, 2011
    Hello I am interested in setting a headstone/monument business in the carribean. I very little knowledge of what is entailed, except for what I have researched via internet. Materials that I would be using would be mainly granite and marble. I would appreciate advice on setting up this business and initial equipment i would need to start.
  • Tojo said on January 24, 2011
    Hello to all, I'm a third generation granite worker in Barre,VT the granite capitol of the world. We have every shape,size, color,you could dream from desk plaques to buildings.Imports are the hot thing the price matters but service and quality is a must have! I sell granite,design it,sandblast & carve,etch, polish,cut,wash & box, set stone in cemetery & or ship. I have knowledge,ability and a love for the industry and would like to help any way I can business wise or advise wise.
  • denise robinson said on January 25, 2011
    Hi Tojo, you left no email address, please contact me to discuss further, or any one else who may able to assist in giving advice for setting up this business. Many thanks
  • Luke Brown said on January 26, 2011
    My e-mail is lukeb@selectafee.com and my phone # is 708-536-3490. I am trying to find out which are the largest headstone companies in the US. I have something one of them might want. If somebody knows the answer, please contact me. Thank you very much.
  • VJ said on March 1, 2011
    NJ wholesale granite distributor for monuments. If anyone interested to learn to setup a monument business kindly leave your contact information.Thanks VJ. My email ID is vmgstones@aol.com
  • Cindy Herring said on March 5, 2011
    163 Goodman Rd, Kinston NC 28504. I would like to retail or resale them not make them get them already made. If you could give me info on what kind of license I need and who to contact to buy some to resale. Thanks Cindy
  • Colin said on March 24, 2011
    Hebei Maplestone Industry Co.,Ltd. is an industrial and commercial company authorized by government with the right of import and export. We own three stone processing factories and more than 120 professional craftsmen finishing every stone order with strictly quality control and management systems. We are major in stone carving, architecture stone material, culture stone, bronze arts etc.
  • Dan said on April 3, 2011
    I have been in the monument industry for 30 years and would like to expand my services to others. I am offering custom designs for customers and monument companies. If you have a design that needs to be hand drawn, please feel free to contact me at my e-mail, rockedziner@yahoo.com. I have the best quality of drawings that you would need. Thanks, Dan
  • John Williams said on April 8, 2011
    I am from a small town in ontario and am looking to find out more about the headstone business. What tools, etc I would need and exactly how to start it. Any information anyone would could give will be greatly appreciated.
  • darren said on May 3, 2011
    i am from a small town needing to know how to start my on monument business. what to get maybe franchising please email me
  • Ted Kinnari said on May 14, 2011
    I developed D/2 Biological Solution and am looking for distributors. It is used around the country for removing biological growth from headstones, monuments and buildings. Users include: National Park Service, Chicora Foundation, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Arlington Cemetery, Georgia Municipal Cemetery Association, Texas Historical Commission, all Civil War cemeteries, The White House, The Alamo, U.S. Capitol, etc. The list is endless
  • Ramotsotwana Mokoena said on May 28, 2011
    Hi,i am in need of stating a monument business, i have some equipments, i only dont know where to find saw machinery for granite slabs and head stone and polishing machine. Please anyone with information can contact me on email address llefu@yahoo.com THANKS RAMOTSOTWANA
  • Earl Brantner said on June 3, 2011
    I am a Disabled Veteran and live in the FingerLakes area in Western Upstate New York. I have some ideas since a did a work study at the National Riverside Cemetery, Riverside, CA. I am looking at a Non-Profit Company pride in assisting all Veterans and their family. Since I left the Military in June 2005 and obtain my Bachelor Degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Please give me additional information in starting a Headstone Business. Thanks Earl
  • Shakes Dwangu said on June 13, 2011
    Hi I would like to start a headstone business in Cape Town. Are there any courses in the Western Cape.Where do I start start. There's a huge market for affordable headstones especially for the low income group. What start up equipment is needed and the equipment cost estimate etc.
  • lincoln taylor said on June 16, 2011
    i would like to train or on the job in the monument business to start a small business in the east texas area, thanks for any advise or comments
  • lincoln taylor said on June 16, 2011
    i am in tyler,texas between dallas and shrevport,my e mail is lincolntaylor@att.net
  • Lungisa said on July 7, 2011
    Me and my brother would like to start a micro tombstone business in Eastern Cape.We would like to get training and information on how to start,the equipment and cost involved and what would be the best approach. If you are willing to assist us please contact lungisa_m@yahoo.com
  • Frankie said on July 17, 2011
    I recently started a monument business in Columbus, Ohio and can help you get started also. Please contact me at: BlankenshipPFS@yahoo.com to learn how
  • Deborah said on July 24, 2011
    I would like to learn to engrave granite I live in Washington State. Can someone tell me where I could go to school to learn this trade? Please email me at 4sadierose@gmail.com. Thanks you your help Deborah
  • Silvian said on July 27, 2011
    I am about to start a monument business with my bestfriend and need some info on renting engraving and sandblasting equipment. can anyone help me? i can reached at silvian.lopez@gmail.com
  • Eva said on August 4, 2011
    We started a new business and have created an alternative way to handle cremated remains. The problem is advertizing and marketing. Because of the nature of the business, the main challenge has been recognizing when and how to reach people during their most difficult time. Thank you for any advise or comments. restinstone@shaw.ca
  • Butch said on August 7, 2011
    I am in the Geanite and grave / headstone business. Anybody interested can contact me via my email address. I am situated in Pretoria, South Africa. butchmahomed@yahoo.com
  • Peggy Dalton said on August 15, 2011
    Hello Butch Mahomed. My name is Peggy Dalton and I am interested in starting a headstone business in Kentucky. There are 2 local funeral homes, but no headstone business. I had searched the internet and it said that I needed access to granite supplier, and also a supplier to do granite cutting, shaping and polishing for me. But what about the etching? Can I be trained to do my own etching after the headstone shipped, cut, shaped and polished, or does someone else need to do it. Thanks! If you could e-mail me it would be greatly appreciated.
  • Germaine Dimond said on August 18, 2011
    I am interested in establishing a monument/headstone business in my home. I am interested in only the sales end of it. If anyone has any suggestions please e-mail me. Any suggestions would be helpful! dimond983@yahoo.com
  • D.B. said on August 19, 2011
    I will give you a hint as to what is needed to start a monument company. Firstly let me start by saying that you must know that the monument industry is a very hard industry to get into, but if you're a true business man then I would say jump right in and go for it. Be warned that if you don't know what you're doing you will fail at this business. First you will need to research the monument industry. Know where to go to get your granite, how to produce a monument,(sandblasting, shape carving, designing, stencil cutting, flashing...)There's a lot to learn in just monument production alone. You will need to know what equipment will be needed to produce a monument. (sandblasting booth, air compressor, stencil cutting knives, stencil, glue, a special type of sand for the sandblaster, monument designer software, a computer...)There's much, much more that you'll need to produce a monument. You have to know how to cut stencil. This is not an easy task. It takes practice, lots of it. After production of a monument it must be set in the cemetery. You must have a setting truck with a hoist, and a setting crew. Most cemeteries require concrete pads so you'll need them also. You will need to learn how to set a monument in a safe way without getting yourself, or your help hurt. You will also need to know the requirements/regulations of the cemetery. Some cemeteries will not allow upright monuments in their cemetery, while others may have a certain section just for the upright monuments, still others may have no regulations at all. If you're going to be a full service monument company which produces a monument and sets it then you'll want to rub elbows with the funeral homes in your area. If you can get their business it really helps. Just depending on walk in clients will starve you out if you're just getting started. The monument industry is a very competitive industry. This is just a hint as to what you'll need. I have the names of monument distributors, where to buy all monument tools/supplies, companies to design your brochures, sales books, order forms... in depth details about starting a successful monument business, diamond tipped ethings, inventory, sells display, psm photos, cemetery lettering, how to order granite by size, shape, color, and more. For those of you who are very serious about investing your future in the monument industry then you'll want to be counseled by someone with expertise in this business. E-mail me today and purchase your copy of "Memorialist" unlocking the secrets of the monument industry. A copy will be e-mailed to you as soon as the purchase has been made via google checkout. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have. E-mailed copy is 25.00 U.S. funds. E-mail me at memorialist@live.com
  • Cindy said on August 27, 2011
    We have a complete monument business for sale, including a Stone & Tile Laser. Reply to acmonuments@yahoo.com
  • Siseko said on August 31, 2011
    Hi. I've been having this dream of starting a memorial headstone business but not knowing where to start. Please help me with all the info you have. More specially where to get the skills and training. I'm from Port elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Please email me smagaqa@live.com
  • Robert said on September 6, 2011
    My wife and I have a turn key monument business for sale in Northeast Kansas. We would sell it to anyone interested in relocating here or we would entertain keeping the property and selling inventory, equipment and one on one training to show you everything you need to know in order to relocate it elsewhere. If interested please contact us at headstone.memorialist@gmail.com
  • Stephen Sparks said on September 8, 2011
    Hi I'm an excellent Hand etching artist for 16 yrs looking for work when on vacation - I'm taking vacations in Feb. to various locations trying to relocate. I live now in Marion,Ohio. I can send samples of my work. Many of my current clients in central Ohio prefer my work over Laser because I'm able to do alterations & work from inferior photo & my creativity. Please contact in interested - will be in South Florida area in FEB. Thanks!! Steve Sparks. Owner of Sparks Etchings.
  • Robert Vasquez said on October 3, 2011
    I have been making Ceramic coated steel Portraits for a hand full of customer for a little while now but times are tough for me right now and I need to bring in more income so I purchase some used equipment and I just started selling a package stone & portrait combo. But now I am having trouble finding a supplier for my 16" x 28" x 3" Black Granite Flat stone. I have sold about 10 so far and one of my customers have been selling me the black granite stones, but now he change his mind doesn't want to supply me anymore. Anybody know where can I get wholesale blank stones in the USA. I am in Southern Calif. Thank You. Vasqles@earthlink.net
  • Lynsey said on October 4, 2011
    I am from Louisiana, where we live there aren't very many monument/headstone companies around. Most people go into Mississippi to get them. I am a pretty good artist and my husband and i are very business orientated. We would love to start a monument/ headstone business in our area, but it is very hard to find information on how to get licensed, extra training, etc. I would also like info on suppliers. If anyone has any information please email me at lynseyfoil.ebarb@yahoo.com Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Lynsey
  • Mongeze said on November 1, 2011
    i will like to design headstone so i will like you to assist me with the Quotations.
  • elijah parker said on November 20, 2011
    I have an Idea that will virtually revolutionize the HeadStone Business, this idea will completely eliminate the granite headstone making industry. if anyone is interested in buying this idea please contact me at elijahp733@gmail.com
  • elijah parker said on November 20, 2011
    I dont have a business but I am located in springfield illinois.
  • cindy evans said on December 11, 2011
    Was wondering if anyone in the monument business in south Fl. needs an artist. I am relocating from costa rica and need work. I owned and operated a glass etching co. for 22 years. I have a lot of experience in layout, stencil cutting and light and heavy blasting. can be reached puravida2202@hotmail.com
  • Linda said on January 21, 2012
    What a joke! I can't believe that educated people can actually think that they can start a memorial headstone business without any experience.
  • Pastor Michael M. Kuni said on January 30, 2012
    I am from Papua New Guinea. A month ago I lost my 4year old only boy in the family. In honor of him I would like to start a headstone business but I dont not know how I can start. Anyone out there around the world who want to help me start these business please contact me. I will very much appreciate and looking forward.. Thank you.

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