Ok, so does it feel strange leaving a review for a cremation service provider? Yes. Does the technology that surrounds us help to make informed decisions? Yes (for the most part). I want to share my positive experience with Alpha in case someone else finds themself in the situation I was in a few weeks ago when my dad unexpectedly passed away. My dad passed away on a Saturday night so I had to start making arrangements on Sunday morning. He had a will so I knew what his wishes were. To make logistics a bit trickier, I don't live in Oregon. I did some research and came across a few cremation service providers. I called them, but since it was Sunday, no one answered the calls except for Alpha (24 hour availability). I left a message with the service receptionist and she said someone would call me right back. I figured that I wouldn't hear from anyone until Monday because it seems like no one returns calls anymore. Sure enough, about 10 minutes later I got a call from Alpha. They offered condolences and explained how this works. This was the first time I've had to arrange services so I had lots of questions each of which was answered. I arranged the services on-line and Alpha took care of the rest. The hospital called me early Sunday morning to ask if I had made arrangements and I told them I was working with Alpha. The hospital lady said something like, "Oh sure! We know Alpha. I'll give them a call and coordinate the transfer". She made it sound as though Alpha was reputable and knows the procedure which was comforting. Alpha remained responsive and communicative throughout the entire process. They secured death certificates and notified the social security office for me. I had nothing but a positive experience with Alpha. read more

This was a weird experience. I mean, besides having to make arrangements after the death of your only parent. But there were some extra odd elements, and my sister had the same thoughts when we discussed things after leaving so I know I didn't imagine it. It was kind of weirdly unprofessional. The woman we met with just didn't give off an air of someone who knew what she was doing or was familiar with stuff. She gave us her condolences when we entered, but then she spent most of the rest of our time there complaining about the software they make them use. Based upon what I saw I agree that something's off, either they're using crappy software or their computer system is outdated (could be both), but I really didn't need to hear her grumbling about it the whole time. My sister used the excuse of taking my toddler out for a bit of a walk because she was getting irritated by it. Their business model and services are sketchy. When we were looking for a place a few days ago this seemed the most reasonably priced. However, when we met with the representative yesterday the costs were different than what we'd seen online Saturday and what I looked up whilst we were sitting in the office with this woman. My sister was asking what all the stuff she was doing on the computer was because she was trying to understand what the discrepancy was, and I asked what the "package" was that she was setting us up with because there was a less expensive option on their website. Her answer? "That's when people itemize, and it ends up more expensive anyway." That just really doesn't make sense to me: Itemize what? If we don't need an urn, why can't we do the lesser package that doesn't include urn allowance? And when she mentioned the urn we said we didn't know if we'd need one, asking if we could choose one later if our other option didn't materialize, but apparently not--you have to select an urn then and there or you don't get one at all. No explanation as to why, much like our other questions. When my sister spoke to her Monday to make an appointment for the following day, she asked about an obituary and was told that they didn't provide that. Yet a "self serve" obituary was listed on the package she sold us, and she gave zero information about what that was or meant. I'd already found another place to do an obituary because they'd previously said they didn't provide one, but again, that was an item we didn't need in a package that was a bit more expensive than what their webpage was showing and all that just feels REAL bait-and-switch like. Filing fee and death certificates would be a separate cost anyway. Although we weren't really getting much from this woman I had a toddler with me and we just wanted to get out of there and decided a difference of $100 was not worth spending more time there and forcing answers from the person. They had us over a barrel anyway. I wouldn't recommend them, but I know options are limited and especially in times like this. read more

This was the easiest process and the employees have been to nice and respectful. As our mom was on hospice, we set up services through Alpha's website. Very easy to navigate. Paperwork/contract came via email for e-signature. Staff returned a phone with questions well after hours and were very kind and helpful. When she did pass, the employees arrived well dressed and were very kind and respectful to both our mother and the family. They answered questions, asked if we would like a moment of silence in respect before taking her body and said a prayer with the family. Could have not asked for a better experience. 10/10 recommend! read more

This business is just that a business which cares only about how much money they can make off of the loved ones left behind. The only customers they have any compassion for are that pay for it. When my Grandmother died I was unable to see her before they took possession of her body. The only way I see her body and say goodbye was if I paid them $327. Take my advice and avoid using this business. They are heartless and truly only care about money. They over charge for the services they provide. They are horrible people should not in this line of business. They should be selling cars instead read more

Death, and sudden death in particular, is not time for "shopping" for funeral service providers......If we could do this all over again, this is NOT a place we would go to. Some basics.... * Business hours are business hours. If you have posted business hours, then save for a real emergency, do not leave early. People will show up 20 minutes before the end of your hours of operation. * It is (somewhat) understandable that this is business for you, but for your customer base, a life-altering event has just taken place. Dress professionally, don't be attending to the "business" of burial and cremation with the grieving family, while your associate is sitting at the conference table playing with her phone. * DO NOT have pet memorial products mixed in with human memorial products in your display! I should not need to explain why. * Most importantly, MAKE AN EFFORT to give the impression you care. At the very least, scan the file of the decedent BEFORE a scheduled meeting with the family. It became very apparent within the first minute, based on the cause of death, that you were making up answers as to what procedural items you did after taking possession of the body. That is alarming! How do you ensure the family that chain of custody of each and every decedent is absolute??? * IF you say you will call with follow up information on transfer of cremains, THEN DO SO !! (You never did.) read more

They were very supportive and professional. They offered a wide range of options and did not try to up sell or over charge me. I am very happy with the service. They helped to simplify things during a very difficult time. read more