In these hard economic times it’s a relief to know that there are still some services that aren’t too expensive. Metro Embalming & Crematory of Conyers is one of them.

In business for several months now, Metro Embalming is a funeral home and a crematory that is becoming known for its low prices.

"You can come in and get the same service that you would have paid $8,000 or $10,000 for $3,000," said William Ellenberg, funeral director of Metro Embalming.

Ellenberg said the business philosophy of the funeral home is not to maximize profits but to help people.

Metro Embalming offers direct cremation services for anyone located within 50 miles of the crematory’s onsite business location on Gees Mill Business Parkway. The all-inclusive fee for a cremation is $695.

A poor economy has resulted in an increase in the popularity of cremations which are much less expensive than traditional burial funerals said Ellenberg.

While the industry average for a traditional funeral in the area is around $8,000, Ellenberg said an average traditional funeral at Metro Embalming with an 18-gage casket and concrete vault is only $3,500.

"We’re just trying to help you," said Ellenberg, 51, who first began working in the funeral business while learning the practice from his father at 16. "Another thing our firm will never do; we will never turn you away just because you don’t have money. We’re here to help you. We’re not here to hurt you."

Metro Embalming has drop-in hours around the clock.

"You can call us 24/7," he said. "We do not use an answering service because I personally want to talk to the families when they call."

The funeral home also employs a Spanish speaking counselor to work with Hispanic clients.