Merchandising/Management Terminology

Air seal

A method of closure that utilizes the air pressure created by placing the dome of the vault onto the base of the vault, often called the diving bell principle.

Air tray

A transfer container consisting of a wooden tray with a cardboard covering for the casket.

Alternative container

An enclosure for human remains in preparation for cremation.

Apron

The lining attached to the undersurface of the foot panel of the casket and/or a component part of the throw (overlay) which extends downward into the body of the casket.

Arm

The part of the casket handle that attaches the bar to the lug (ear).

Average (mean)

The sum of a group of numbers divided by the number of units.

Axed

A smooth non-polished finish for stone monuments and markers achieved by sandblasting a polished finish with steel shot or other abrasives.

Bail handle

A single handle in which the lug, arm, and bar are combined in one unit.

Bar

A part of the casket handle attached to the lug or arm and held by a casket bearer when moving and positioning a casket.

Base

The lower or supporting part of a monument. In some monuments, there may be a first, second, and third base.

Base molding

Molding along the lowermost edge of the body panels.

Bed

The portion of the casket upon which the human remains are placed.

Bench

A type of cemetery memorial consisting of a top piece supported by two standards; used to identify family burial plots or in conjunction with a family monument.

Bevel top marker

A small headstone, set above ground, with a slanting top.

Bier

A stand on which a casket is placed for funeral service display.

Bi-unit pricing

A method of price quotation showing separately the price of the service to be rendered and the price of the casket.

Block

A subdivision of a cemetery containing several lots.

Body

The lower portion of the casket shell containing the top body molding, body panel, base molding, and casket bottom.

Body ledge (top body molding)

A molding along the uppermost edge of the body panels.

Body ledge flange (top body molding flange)

The horizontal portion of the top body molding (body ledge) where the gasket is placed on gasketed caskets.

Body lining

Material which drapes the inside perimeter of the body of the casket.

Body panels

Compose the sides and ends of the casket shell.

Bridge (header, cap filler)

Component part of the cap (lid) on half couch caskets that provides support at the point of the transverse cut.

Broadcloth

A twilled, napped, woolen or worsted fabric with a smooth lustrous face and dense texture; a fabric usually made of cotton, silk, or rayon woven in a plain or rib weave with a soft semi-gloss finish.

Bronze

A metal alloy consisting of 90% copper with tin and sometimes zinc comprising the other 10%.

Brushed finish

Bare metal is scratched with an abrasive material and then finished until a smooth high gloss is obtained.

Burial casket

A casket for interring or entombing human remains.

Actuating

The process of guiding and/or supervising the activities of an organization to achieve plans and objectives.

Advertising

The art of making the public aware of the services or commodities that a business has for sale.

Aftercare

A means of supplying support after a death has occurred.

Business plan

A summary of how a business owner, manager, or entrepreneur intends to organize the business endeavor and implement the activities necessary for the venture to succeed.