At Trigard, empowering our valued dealer network, funeral home professionals, and the families they serve is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to providing the information needed for making informed decisions that affect both business and personal lives.
With that goal in mind, Jeff Miller, Vice President of Business Development, along with our dedicated customer service team, has teamed up with me to compile a list of frequently asked questions about Trigard Burial Vaults and helpful insights based on our collective experience.
So, whether you’re curious about the availability of Trigard products, the educational opportunities we offer, or what sets us apart, this guide has you covered. I invite you to read the entire blog or navigate to the sections that resonate most with your interests.
General Questions
Question: Who owns Trigard?
Answer: Trigard, established in the late 1960s, is a family-owned business based in Danville, Illinois. It is managed by the third and fourth generations of the Darby family. In addition to manufacturing burial vaults, the Darbys also use Trigard products in their nine funeral home operations.
Question: How many Trigard dealers are there?
Answer: Trigard currently supports over 200 certified dealers across the United States and Canada.
Question: Will Trigard ever transition to a licensed territory-based network?
Answer: No, Trigard firmly believes that the relationship between dealers and funeral practitioners should be directly negotiated rather than constrained by territorial boundaries.
Product Availability
Question: How do I find out if there is a Trigard dealer in my area?
Answer: You can visit Trigard’s “Find a Dealer” page to locate the dealer nearest you. Or, you can contact us directly.
Question: Can I buy products directly from Trigard?
Answer: Ordering Trigard products through a local dealer is the preferred method. However, if a dealer is not present in your service area, we can directly ship urn vaults, Serenity® casket vaults, and select funeral home products. Trigard full-size burial vaults are exclusively available through our certified dealers.
Question: Does Trigard offer products similar to those offered by other major vault brands under pre-planned funeral arrangements?
Answer: Absolutely, Trigard has a comprehensive selection of traditional burial and cremation products. This ensures a smooth transition for families seeking alternatives or equivalents to other brands.
Question: Does Trigard offer oversized lined and sealed burial vaults?
Answer: Yes, Trigard caters to specific needs by offering 34-inch lined and sealed vaults, which include options for specialty metal products. We also manufacture 29-inch units that meet the regulations of specific urban cemeteries in major cities, including Chicago, Illinois, Detroit, Michigan, and New York City, New York.
Partnering with Trigard
Question: Does Trigard offer any type of assistance with funeral home displays?
Answer: Absolutely, Trigard provides funeral directors and cemetery professionals with resources to enhance their burial vault presentations. Semi-customizable wall graphics featuring high-resolution images are available at no charge. Learn more about how Trigard can help create the perfect display.
Question: What type of digital tools does Trigard offer?
Answer: Trigard offers a variety of digital tools. Our latest platform, Trigard Connect, enables funeral directors and cemetery representatives to place new orders, add notes, update existing orders, and more. Personalization features and accessories can be viewed on any screen, giving families a visual so they can select a vault that meets their preferences. Trigard dealers also have access to an online portal that is equipped with a wealth of free resources.
Question: Can Trigard assist me in purchasing another vault company or in expanding within my surrounding area?
Answer: Yes, Trigard frequently learns of dealers looking to sell their business or who are interested in acquisitions. We can help coordinate introductions and facilitate communication to support a smooth and timely transition or acquisition process.
Education and Industry Outreach
Question: Does Trigard offer continuing education units (CEUs) and training opportunities?
Answer: Yes, Trigard provides CEUs through Trigard University and offers onsite training for both new clients and existing licensees. Learn more about the benefits of attending Trigard University.
Question: Does Trigard attend industry conventions and conferences?
Answer: Yes, Trigard attends, exhibits, and often sponsors at the major national industry conventions, as well as many state conferences. You can expect to see us at the yearly shows for the following organizations:
- National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
- National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc. (NFDMA)
- International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA)
- National Concrete Burial Vault Association (NCBVA)
- Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
Question: Does Trigard have regular dealer meetings or conferences?
Answer: Yes, we organize and host annual dealer conferences at convenient locations across the country. These events enable dealers to network with one another, share insights, and collaborate directly with the Darby family and Trigard leadership team.
Lead Times
The Trigard team frequently receives inquiries regarding lead times for our products. While we always recommend contacting us directly for the most accurate estimates, we have provided some general time frames for reference.
Burial vault liners: Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments typically require 4 production days, while full truckloads necessitate 7 business days.
Appliqués: In most instances, appliqués can be shipped on the same day, provided an approved proof is received before noon (CST). Once we are informed of the desired delivery date, we can explore possible expedited shipping options.
Serenity® Casket Vaults: Our Serenity® casket vaults for youth, toddler, infant, and preemie sizes are generally available for shipment within 1-2 business days.
Funeral Home Supplies: Depending on the quantity requested, funeral home products require a lead time of 4 production days.
We Are Here To Help
In closing, our commitment at Trigard extends far beyond our products. It’s about building lasting relationships within our industry. We understand that the decisions you make—be it for your business, the families you assist, or a loved one—have a significant impact on lives.
We trust this blog has been informative and want to reemphasize you that our team at Trigard stands ready to support you. Should you have additional questions that weren’t addressed here, please don’t hesitate to send us a message or reach out to one of our friendly Account Representatives at (800) 637-1992.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
4 Responses
Well written as always Jill, thanks for taking the time to tell your “story”
It is certainly important and not often easy to do!
Thanks so much, Greg! It’s always good to hear from our dealers. Take care, Jill
Are your vaults water proof. If not , I don’t understand ,other than looking good, why there any better than a cemetery cement vault.
Hi Bruce, This is a good question. While Trigard burial vaults do provide protection against the intrusion of exterior elements, they can’t be considered waterproof. Lined and sealed burial vaults offer several benefits, including increased strength and personalization options that can add meaning to a graveside service. Most burial vault liner manufacturers also provide a warranty on their products, giving consumers the peace of mind they deserve. I encourage you to read this blog if you want to find out more about the difference between burial vaults and cement liners. https://www.trigard.com/blog/grave-liners-vs-burial-vaults/ Take care, Jill