9+ Pet Cremation Machine Costs & Prices 2023


9+ Pet Cremation Machine Costs & Prices 2023

Buying a cremation unit designed for animal stays represents a major funding for veterinary practices and pet cremation companies. Elements influencing the ultimate expenditure embody the unit’s measurement, capability, options (akin to automated operation and emissions management), producer, and any obligatory set up or coaching companies. A small, single-chamber incinerator could be appropriate for particular person pet homeowners or small clinics, whereas bigger, multi-chamber models are required for higher-volume operations.

Providing cremation companies permits veterinary professionals to supply a compassionate and respectful possibility for pet homeowners dealing with loss. The provision of in-house cremation can streamline the method, offering consolation and closure. Traditionally, outsourcing this service was the first method, however the growing demand and need for extra customized choices have pushed progress available in the market for personal cremation models. This shift allows practices to supply a broader vary of aftercare companies and probably generate further income streams.

This text delves additional into the specifics of choosing and buying such tools. Matters coated embody numerous unit sorts and their operational necessities, regulatory concerns, return on funding estimations, and obtainable financing choices.

1. Preliminary Buy Value

The preliminary buy value types a considerable part of the general price related to buying a pet cremation machine. This value level varies considerably relying on a number of key components, together with the producer, unit measurement and capability, options (akin to automated loading techniques or superior emissions management expertise), and whether or not the unit is new or refurbished. A small, single-chamber incinerator appropriate for a low-volume veterinary follow might need a decrease preliminary buy value than a bigger, multi-chamber unit designed for a high-volume pet cremation service. As an example, a fundamental mannequin would possibly begin round $10,000, whereas extra superior, high-capacity models can exceed $50,000. Understanding this preliminary funding is essential for budgeting and monetary planning.

Cautious consideration of the preliminary buy value alongside projected operational prices and anticipated income era is crucial for assessing the long-term monetary viability of the funding. The next preliminary buy value for a extra environment friendly or higher-capacity unit would possibly provide a higher return on funding over time in comparison with a cheaper, lower-capacity unit. For instance, a higher-capacity unit permits for elevated throughput, probably producing extra income and offsetting the upper preliminary price. Moreover, options like automated techniques, whereas growing the upfront price, can scale back labor prices and enhance operational effectivity in the long term.

In abstract, the preliminary buy value represents a major however not sole determinant of the general pet cremation machine price. Balancing preliminary funding with long-term operational prices and income projections is essential for making knowledgeable buying selections. Evaluating options, capability, and producer fame in opposition to the preliminary value supplies a complete understanding of the worth proposition and permits for a extra correct evaluation of long-term monetary implications. Thorough analysis and comparability buying are important steps on this course of.

2. Set up Bills

Set up bills signify a significant factor of the entire pet cremation machine price. These bills lengthen past the preliminary buy value and embody a number of essential points. Elements influencing set up prices embody the unit’s measurement and complexity, the required website modifications, and native laws. Bigger, extra complicated models necessitate specialised tools and experience for set up, probably growing prices. Web site modifications, akin to bolstered flooring, devoted air flow techniques, and fuel line installations, contribute considerably to the general expense. Moreover, adherence to native zoning laws and environmental permits could necessitate further expenditures.

For instance, a small, single-chamber incinerator would possibly require minimal website modifications and a less complicated set up course of, leading to decrease set up prices. Conversely, a bigger, multi-chamber unit with superior emissions management techniques necessitates extra in depth website preparation, specialised set up crews, and probably longer set up timelines, resulting in greater total bills. Ignoring these related set up prices can result in inaccurate budgeting and unexpected monetary challenges. A complete understanding of those bills permits for correct price projections and facilitates knowledgeable decision-making.

In abstract, precisely accounting for set up bills is essential for a sensible evaluation of the entire pet cremation machine price. These bills range considerably based mostly on unit complexity, website necessities, and native laws. Failing to include these components into funds planning can lead to price overruns and jeopardize the challenge’s monetary viability. Subsequently, thorough planning, session with skilled installers, and cautious consideration of native laws are important for profitable challenge implementation.

3. Operational Prices

Operational prices signify a recurring expenditure related to pet cremation tools and contribute considerably to the entire price of possession. These prices embody numerous components, together with gas consumption (pure fuel, propane, or electrical energy), routine upkeep, alternative elements, emissions monitoring and management, and disposal of residual waste. The dimensions and kind of cremation unit straight affect gas consumption; bigger models designed for greater throughput usually eat extra gas per cycle. Common upkeep, together with inspections, cleansing, and part alternative, is crucial for optimum efficiency and longevity however provides to operational bills. Emissions management techniques, whereas environmentally obligatory, additionally contribute to ongoing prices by way of filter replacements and system upkeep.

For instance, a small, single-chamber incinerator serving a low-volume veterinary clinic can have decrease gas and upkeep prices in comparison with a big, multi-chamber unit operated by a high-volume pet cremation service. Nonetheless, even smaller models require common upkeep, together with refractory brick alternative and burner inspections, which contribute to operational bills. Moreover, the price of emissions monitoring and adherence to environmental laws represents an ongoing operational consideration. Understanding these recurring prices permits operators to precisely challenge long-term bills and set up acceptable pricing constructions for cremation companies. Failing to account for these operational prices can result in inaccurate monetary projections and probably unsustainable enterprise practices.

In abstract, operational prices represent a vital issue within the total pet cremation machine price. These recurring bills affect long-term profitability and needs to be rigorously thought-about through the preliminary funding analysis. Elements akin to gas sort and consumption, upkeep necessities, emissions management, and waste disposal contribute considerably to operational bills. Precisely projecting and managing these prices is crucial for sustaining monetary stability and making certain the long-term viability of pet cremation companies. Common assessment and optimization of operational procedures can assist mitigate these prices and maximize effectivity.

4. Upkeep Charges

Upkeep charges signify a recurring operational expense straight impacting the long-term price of proudly owning and working a pet cremation machine. These charges cowl important companies required to keep up the tools’s performance, security, and regulatory compliance. Common preventative upkeep, together with inspections, cleansing, and part alternative, mitigates the danger of main breakdowns and extends the operational lifespan of the cremation unit. Ignoring routine upkeep can result in pricey repairs, downtime, and potential security hazards, considerably growing the general price of possession. For instance, neglecting common refractory brick alternative in a cremation chamber can result in warmth loss, decreased effectivity, and in the end, untimely tools failure. Conversely, proactive upkeep, akin to common burner inspections and cleansing, optimizes combustion effectivity and reduces gas consumption, contributing to long-term price financial savings.

A number of components affect the magnitude of upkeep charges. The unit’s complexity, measurement, and utilization frequency straight correlate with upkeep necessities. Extra refined models with superior emissions management techniques usually require extra specialised upkeep in comparison with easier fashions. Increased utilization frequency necessitates extra frequent inspections and part replacements, impacting upkeep prices. Moreover, the chosen upkeep supplier and repair contract phrases affect total bills. Impartial service suppliers would possibly provide aggressive pricing, whereas manufacturer-authorized technicians usually present specialised experience and entry to authentic tools producer elements. Evaluating service contracts, together with coated companies, response occasions, and preventative upkeep schedules, empowers knowledgeable decision-making and value optimization.

In abstract, upkeep charges represent an integral part of pet cremation machine prices. Proactive upkeep planning and budgeting are important for mitigating long-term bills and making certain uninterrupted operation. Neglecting routine upkeep can result in escalated prices and security dangers. Cautious consideration of things akin to unit complexity, utilization frequency, and repair contract phrases permits for knowledgeable decision-making and optimized price administration. Integrating upkeep bills into monetary projections supplies a complete understanding of the entire price of possession and contributes to the sustainable operation of pet cremation companies.

5. Gas Consumption

Gas consumption represents a major recurring operational price straight linked to pet cremation machine bills. The kind of gas usednatural fuel, propane, or electricityand the unit’s effectivity considerably affect operational expenditures. Bigger cremation models designed for greater throughput usually eat extra gas per cycle. Furthermore, operational practices, akin to preheating the cremation chamber and optimizing cremation cycles, affect gas utilization. As an example, a unit working at most capability for prolonged intervals will eat significantly extra gas than one working intermittently at decrease capability. Moreover, older, much less environment friendly models usually eat extra gas than newer fashions incorporating superior combustion applied sciences. The escalating price of gas itself additional amplifies the affect of gas consumption on total operational bills. Consequently, understanding and managing gas consumption is essential for controlling operational prices and making certain the monetary sustainability of pet cremation companies.

Deciding on a fuel-efficient cremation unit and implementing operational methods to reduce gas consumption can considerably scale back operational prices. Common upkeep, together with burner inspections and cleansing, optimizes combustion effectivity and minimizes gas waste. Investing in a unit with superior temperature management techniques and automatic cycle administration options can additional scale back gas consumption. For instance, a cremation unit outfitted with a modulating burner system adjusts gas enter based mostly on real-time temperature necessities, minimizing gas waste through the cremation course of. Furthermore, analyzing cremation knowledge, akin to gas consumption per cycle and common cremation time, permits operators to determine potential inefficiencies and implement corrective measures. Such data-driven insights empower knowledgeable decision-making relating to tools upgrades, operational changes, and pricing methods.

In abstract, gas consumption is a vital issue influencing pet cremation machine prices. Cautious collection of gas sort and cremation tools, coupled with environment friendly operational practices, performs a vital function in minimizing gas consumption and controlling operational bills. Common upkeep and the utilization of superior applied sciences additional improve gas effectivity. Analyzing gas consumption knowledge and implementing data-driven methods present alternatives for steady enchancment and contribute to the long-term monetary sustainability of pet cremation companies. Finally, efficient gas administration interprets straight into price financial savings and enhances the general viability of those important companies.

6. Emissions Management

Emissions management constitutes a major issue influencing pet cremation machine prices, encompassing each preliminary funding and ongoing operational bills. Environmental laws mandate the implementation of emissions management techniques to reduce the discharge of pollution, akin to particulate matter, mercury, and dioxins, generated through the cremation course of. These techniques, starting from easy afterburners to stylish multi-stage filtration techniques, add to the preliminary buy value of a cremation unit. Extra superior techniques, whereas simpler at decreasing emissions, usually come at the next price. For instance, a unit outfitted with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and a catalytic converter can have the next preliminary price than a unit with a fundamental afterburner. Moreover, the continuing upkeep and periodic alternative of elements inside these emissions management techniques contribute to operational bills. Common filter replacements, system inspections, and efficiency testing are obligatory to make sure compliance with environmental laws and keep optimum working effectivity. Failure to adjust to these laws can lead to hefty fines and operational disruptions, impacting the long-term monetary viability of pet cremation companies.

The stringency of native environmental laws straight influences the required degree of emissions management and, consequently, the related prices. Areas with stricter laws could necessitate extra superior and expensive emissions management techniques. As an example, laws in densely populated city areas usually mandate extra stringent emissions limits in comparison with these in rural areas. This disparity in regulatory necessities interprets into various prices for emissions management tools and ongoing compliance. Moreover, developments in emissions management applied sciences affect prices. Newer, extra environment friendly applied sciences could provide improved efficiency however usually come at a premium in comparison with older, much less refined techniques. Evaluating the long-term price advantages of investing in superior emissions management applied sciences, akin to diminished upkeep necessities and improved regulatory compliance, is essential for knowledgeable decision-making. Balancing environmental accountability with monetary concerns is crucial for the sustainable operation of pet cremation companies.

In abstract, emissions management represents an integral facet of pet cremation machine prices, impacting each preliminary funding and ongoing operational bills. Adhering to environmental laws shouldn’t be solely ethically accountable but in addition important for avoiding penalties and sustaining operational continuity. The complexity and value of emissions management techniques range based mostly on regulatory necessities and technological developments. Cautious consideration of those components, alongside a complete cost-benefit evaluation, is essential for making knowledgeable selections relating to emissions management investments and making certain the long-term monetary viability and environmental accountability of pet cremation companies.

7. Unit Capability/Measurement

Unit capability and measurement straight affect pet cremation machine prices. Bigger models designed for greater throughput command greater buy costs. This correlation stems from elevated materials prices, extra complicated manufacturing processes, and the inclusion of superior options usually built-in into bigger fashions, akin to automated loading techniques and multi-chamber designs. For instance, a small, single-chamber incinerator appropriate for particular person pet cremations will usually price lower than a big, multi-chamber unit designed for high-volume operations. This distinction displays not solely materials and manufacturing prices but in addition the inclusion of options akin to automated loading mechanisms, superior temperature management techniques, and complex emissions management applied sciences usually present in bigger models. Capability necessities straight dictate the mandatory funding; selecting a unit exceeding precise wants will increase upfront prices unnecessarily, whereas choosing an undersized unit limits operational effectivity and potential income era.

Past the preliminary buy value, unit measurement influences ongoing operational bills. Bigger models usually eat extra gas, growing operational prices. Additionally they require extra in depth set up, together with specialised foundations, air flow techniques, and utility connections. Moreover, upkeep bills usually correlate with unit measurement; bigger models have extra elements requiring common inspection, cleansing, and eventual alternative. As an example, a bigger unit with a number of burners and chambers would require extra frequent upkeep and alternative of refractory supplies in comparison with a smaller, single-chamber unit. These ongoing prices should be factored into long-term budgetary concerns. Deciding on the suitable unit measurement based mostly on projected cremation quantity optimizes useful resource allocation and contributes to the long-term monetary sustainability of cremation companies.

In abstract, cautious consideration of unit capability and measurement is crucial when evaluating pet cremation machine prices. Balancing capability necessities with budgetary constraints and projected operational bills is essential for knowledgeable decision-making. Selecting a unit appropriately sized for anticipated cremation quantity optimizes each preliminary funding and long-term operational prices. Overestimating capability results in pointless expenditures, whereas underestimating capability limits operational effectivity and potential income era. An intensive evaluation of present and projected wants, coupled with a complete understanding of the connection between unit measurement and related prices, ensures a financially sound and operationally environment friendly funding.

8. Coaching Necessities

Coaching necessities signify an usually missed however important part of pet cremation machine prices. Correct coaching ensures protected and environment friendly operation, minimizes the danger of apparatus harm, and promotes compliance with environmental laws. Investing in complete coaching applications contributes to long-term price financial savings by stopping pricey errors, decreasing upkeep bills, and avoiding potential fines related to non-compliance. Ignoring coaching wants can result in operational inefficiencies, tools malfunctions, and potential security hazards, in the end growing total prices.

  • Operator Coaching

    Operator coaching focuses on the protected and environment friendly operation of the cremation tools. This coaching covers matters akin to pre-cremation procedures, loading protocols, cycle administration, temperature monitoring, and post-cremation processing. Correct operator coaching minimizes the danger of apparatus harm attributable to improper operation, reduces gas consumption by way of optimized cremation cycles, and ensures the respectful dealing with of stays. For instance, understanding correct loading methods prevents harm to the cremation chamber, whereas information of optimum cremation cycles minimizes gas waste. Investing in complete operator coaching reduces the chance of pricey errors and promotes environment friendly, respectful operation.

  • Upkeep Coaching

    Upkeep coaching equips personnel with the talents to carry out routine upkeep duties, akin to tools inspections, cleansing procedures, and fundamental troubleshooting. This coaching reduces reliance on exterior service suppliers for minor upkeep duties, minimizing downtime and related prices. As an example, skilled personnel can carry out routine inspections, determine potential points early, and tackle minor repairs, stopping extra in depth and expensive harm. In-house upkeep capabilities contribute to price financial savings and guarantee immediate consideration to upkeep wants, maximizing tools uptime and operational effectivity.

  • Security Coaching

    Security coaching addresses potential hazards related to cremation tools operation, emphasizing protected dealing with procedures, emergency protocols, and private protecting tools utilization. This coaching mitigates the danger of office accidents and accidents, decreasing potential legal responsibility prices and making certain a protected working setting. Understanding correct security protocols, akin to emergency shutdown procedures and the usage of acceptable private protecting tools, minimizes the danger of accidents and ensures compliance with occupational security laws. Investing in sturdy security coaching applications protects personnel and reduces the potential for pricey accidents and related liabilities.

  • Emissions Monitoring and Regulatory Compliance Coaching

    Emissions monitoring and regulatory compliance coaching focuses on understanding and adhering to environmental laws governing cremation emissions. This coaching covers matters akin to emissions monitoring procedures, record-keeping necessities, and greatest practices for minimizing environmental affect. Correct coaching ensures compliance with native laws, avoiding potential fines and penalties. For instance, understanding correct emissions monitoring procedures and record-keeping necessities demonstrates compliance with environmental laws, minimizing the danger of penalties and sustaining a optimistic environmental footprint. Investing in complete coaching on emissions management and regulatory compliance protects the setting and safeguards the monetary stability of cremation companies.

In conclusion, coaching necessities represent an integral a part of pet cremation machine prices. Investing in complete coaching applications for operators, upkeep personnel, and employees answerable for security and regulatory compliance ensures protected, environment friendly, and compliant operation. These proactive investments in coaching decrease long-term prices by stopping operational errors, decreasing upkeep bills, avoiding potential fines, and selling a protected working setting. Integrating coaching prices into budgetary planning ensures a complete method to price administration and contributes to the sustainable and accountable operation of pet cremation companies.

9. Return on Funding

Return on funding (ROI) represents a vital monetary metric for evaluating the viability of buying a pet cremation machine. Calculating ROI includes assessing the profitability of the funding by evaluating the preliminary price, together with buy value, set up, and coaching, in opposition to the projected internet earnings generated by providing cremation companies. Elements influencing ROI embody the amount of cremations carried out, pricing methods, operational effectivity, and ongoing operational prices akin to gas consumption, upkeep, and emissions management. The next cremation quantity, coupled with environment friendly operational practices and aggressive pricing, contributes to a quicker ROI. For instance, a high-volume veterinary follow or pet cremation service working a fuel-efficient, multi-chamber unit would possibly obtain a quicker ROI in comparison with a low-volume clinic working a smaller, much less environment friendly unit. Conversely, underestimating operational prices or overestimating cremation quantity can result in inaccurate ROI projections and probably unsustainable monetary outcomes.

Analyzing potential ROI requires growing reasonable projections of cremation quantity, working prices, and pricing constructions. Market analysis, competitor evaluation, and demographic knowledge inform these projections. Understanding native market dynamics, aggressive pricing, and pet possession developments supplies insights into potential demand for cremation companies. Moreover, precisely estimating operational prices, together with gas consumption, upkeep bills, and emissions management necessities, is essential for reasonable ROI calculations. As an example, a follow positioned in an space with stringent environmental laws would possibly incur greater operational prices related to emissions management, impacting ROI projections. Sensitivity evaluation, exploring numerous situations based mostly on totally different cremation volumes, pricing methods, and operational price estimates, enhances the accuracy and reliability of ROI calculations.

In abstract, assessing the potential ROI is crucial earlier than investing in a pet cremation machine. Correct ROI projections require a complete understanding of market dynamics, operational prices, and pricing methods. Real looking projections inform knowledgeable decision-making, mitigate monetary dangers, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of pet cremation companies. Elements akin to cremation quantity, operational effectivity, and native market situations considerably affect ROI. Thorough market analysis, meticulous price evaluation, and reasonable projections are essential for maximizing the chance of a profitable and financially sustainable funding.

Often Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the monetary points of buying and working pet cremation tools.

Query 1: What’s the typical value vary for a pet cremation machine?

Costs range considerably based mostly on measurement, capability, options, and producer. Small, single-chamber models could begin round $10,000, whereas bigger, multi-chamber models with superior options can exceed $50,000. Refurbished models provide a probably lower-cost different.

Query 2: What further prices are related to pet cremation tools past the preliminary buy value?

Set up bills, together with website modifications, air flow techniques, and utility connections, contribute considerably to the general price. Ongoing operational bills embody gas, upkeep, emissions management, waste disposal, and employees coaching.

Query 3: How do operational prices range between differing kinds and sizes of cremation models?

Bigger models usually eat extra gas and require extra frequent upkeep. Superior emissions management techniques additionally contribute to operational prices. The chosen gas sort (pure fuel, propane, or electrical energy) additional impacts operational bills.

Query 4: How can one estimate the potential return on funding for a pet cremation machine?

Projecting cremation quantity, establishing aggressive pricing, and precisely estimating operational prices are essential for calculating potential ROI. Market analysis, competitor evaluation, and native demographics inform these projections.

Query 5: Are financing choices obtainable for buying pet cremation tools?

Varied financing choices, together with tools loans and leases, are usually obtainable by way of producers, monetary establishments, and specialised tools financing corporations. Evaluating phrases and rates of interest is crucial for securing favorable financing.

Query 6: What are the important thing regulatory concerns relating to pet cremation tools operation?

Native zoning laws, environmental permits, and emissions management necessities range by jurisdiction. Compliance with these laws is crucial for avoiding penalties and sustaining operational legality. Consulting with native authorities is essential for understanding particular necessities.

Cautious consideration of those ceaselessly requested questions supplies a extra complete understanding of the monetary implications related to pet cremation tools. Thorough analysis and planning are important for making knowledgeable selections and maximizing the chance of a profitable funding.

The following part explores particular forms of pet cremation machines and their respective options.

Ideas for Evaluating Pet Cremation Machine Prices

Cautious consideration of assorted components ensures knowledgeable decision-making and optimizes useful resource allocation when investing in pet cremation tools. The next ideas present steering for navigating the complexities of cremation machine prices:

Tip 1: Conduct Thorough Analysis: Complete analysis into obtainable producers, fashions, and options is crucial. Evaluating specs, pricing, and person opinions permits for knowledgeable comparisons and ensures collection of a unit assembly particular wants and budgetary constraints. Consulting with skilled operators supplies priceless insights and sensible views.

Tip 2: Contemplate Lengthy-Time period Operational Prices: Focusing solely on the preliminary buy value can result in inaccurate price projections. Factoring in ongoing bills akin to gas consumption, upkeep, emissions management, and waste disposal supplies a extra reasonable evaluation of complete price of possession. Estimating these prices based mostly on projected cremation quantity and native utility charges enhances accuracy.

Tip 3: Consider Set up Bills: Set up prices can signify a considerable portion of the general funding. Contemplating website modifications, air flow necessities, utility connections, {and professional} set up charges ensures correct budgeting and avoids unexpected bills. Acquiring quotes from certified installers supplies a clearer understanding of those prices.

Tip 4: Consider Coaching Necessities: Sufficient coaching for operators and upkeep personnel is essential for protected and environment friendly operation. Factoring in coaching prices, whether or not offered by the producer or third-party suppliers, ensures complete price evaluation and contributes to long-term operational effectivity. Evaluating obtainable coaching applications and their respective prices informs funds planning.

Tip 5: Analyze Potential Return on Funding: Growing reasonable projections of cremation quantity, pricing methods, and operational prices permits for correct ROI calculations. Understanding market dynamics, competitor pricing, and native demographics informs these projections. Sensitivity evaluation, exploring numerous situations, enhances the accuracy of ROI estimations.

Tip 6: Discover Financing Choices: Varied financing choices, together with tools loans and leases, are sometimes obtainable. Evaluating phrases, rates of interest, and compensation schedules permits for knowledgeable collection of probably the most appropriate financing association. Consulting with monetary advisors supplies priceless steering in navigating financing choices.

Tip 7: Contemplate Emissions Management Laws: Environmental laws relating to cremation emissions range by jurisdiction. Understanding and complying with native laws avoids potential penalties and ensures accountable operation. Researching native emissions management necessities and incorporating related prices into funds planning facilitates compliance.

By contemplating the following pointers, potential buyers could make knowledgeable selections, optimize useful resource allocation, and make sure the long-term monetary sustainability of their pet cremation companies. These concerns contribute to accountable and environment friendly operation, minimizing monetary dangers and maximizing the chance of a profitable funding.

This complete understanding of the prices related to pet cremation tools supplies a stable basis for making knowledgeable selections. The concluding part summarizes key takeaways and affords remaining suggestions.

Conclusion

Pet cremation machine prices signify a major funding for veterinary practices and devoted pet cremation companies. Understanding the varied contributing components, from preliminary buy value to ongoing operational bills, is essential for knowledgeable decision-making. Tools measurement and capability, options, set up necessities, gas consumption, upkeep wants, emissions management techniques, and obligatory coaching all affect the general monetary dedication. Precisely assessing these prices, coupled with reasonable projections of cremation quantity and pricing methods, permits for knowledgeable analysis of potential return on funding and long-term monetary sustainability.

Cautious consideration of those components empowers knowledgeable funding selections, fostering accountable and sustainable pet cremation companies. Thorough analysis, complete price evaluation, and reasonable projections are important for maximizing the chance of a profitable and financially viable enterprise. Finally, a complete understanding of pet cremation machine prices contributes to offering compassionate and respectful aftercare companies for pet homeowners whereas making certain the monetary well being and longevity of the companies providing them.