October 22, 2025
When families begin the process of selecting a memorial, they expect the experience to be straightforward and respectful. Grave markers are more than stone; they are lasting tributes that carry deep emotional meaning.
Unfortunately, many families are drawn to internet sellers that advertise lower prices and quick delivery, only to find that the reality is far different from what was promised.
Ordering a grave marker online often creates unexpected challenges that turn a difficult time into an even more stressful one. From limited design options and poor granite quality to lack of installation support and no long-term service, the risks can be overwhelming.
Families frequently discover that the marker they purchased cannot be used, does not meet cemetery regulations, or arrives with no guarantee of durability.
This blog explores the top problems families face when purchasing grave markers from internet sellers. It also explains why choosing a professional local monument company is the best way to ensure a memorial that stands the test of time.
Families want grave markers to reflect the personality and legacy of their loved ones. Internet sellers usually offer a limited catalogue with generic shapes and fonts.
A local cemetery monument company like Summit Memorials provides a wide range of options, including upright monuments, pillow markers, custom artwork, and shadow-toned engravings. This level of personalization ensures every memorial is unique.
Granite is the preferred material for grave markers due to its strength and durability. However, internet sellers often rely on bulk shipments of lower-quality granite, sometimes treated with chemicals to enhance appearance.
On the other hand, local providers like Summit Memorials offer premium granite sourced globally and ensure every piece meets Canadian cemetery regulations before installation.
One of the most meaningful aspects of a memorial is the ability to add custom artwork, from family crests and religious symbols to etchings of hobbies or landscapes. Internet sellers rarely accommodate this.
By contrast, professional headstone makers at Summit use advanced techniques such as sandblasting and impact etching to deliver intricate, lasting designs that truly honour a loved one.
Perhaps the most damaging issue is that internet sellers often provide no guarantee. Families risk receiving a marker that chips, fades, or becomes illegible with no recourse.
Summit Memorials’ written guarantee ensures:
Memorials require ongoing care. Families may later wish to:
Internet sellers cannot provide these services. Local providers, however, are available long after installation to maintain and restore memorials, ensuring they remain dignified for generations.
Grave markers can weigh hundreds of pounds and require specialized equipment to install. Online purchases are shipped to homes or depots, leaving families responsible for unloading and transport.
Without proper installation:
Summit Memorials provides safe, professional installation that complies with cemetery regulations and ensures long-term stability.
Families often plan for shared monuments or wish to add details later. Internet sellers rarely provide this service.
Local headstone companies can return to the cemetery to engrave names, dates, or epitaphs directly on site, preserving design integrity and continuity.
Every cemetery has specific requirements regarding marker size, thickness, materials, and design. Internet sellers do not know these rules and often ship non-compliant products.
If a cemetery rejects the marker:
However, local providers work directly with cemeteries, ensuring compliance from the start.
Internet sellers typically require full payment upfront without providing samples, proofs, or in-person consultations. Families are left with no way to verify quality until delivery.
Local companies, by contrast, show granite samples, design proofs, and offer face-to-face consultations before finalizing. This transparency ensures families know exactly what to expect.
Grave markers are not just purchases; they are legacies. Internet sellers may appear to save money, but families often encounter hidden costs, poor quality, and a lack of service. By working with a trusted local headstone monument company, families gain:
Choosing a local provider ensures the memorial reflects dignity, respect, and permanence, values that cannot be guaranteed online.
Summit Memorials is a Canadian-owned cemetery monument company serving families in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and communities across Western Canada. The company provides custom headstones, upright monuments, pillow markers, grave marker restoration, and cemetery engraving services. Every memorial is crafted with care and backed by a written guarantee of durability and legibility.
If you are considering a memorial for your loved one, contact us today. Visit Summit Memorials to learn more or book a consultation with one of our experienced memorial counsellors.
