A competitor website to RIP.ie set up by a well-known Cork businessman is now up and running.
The new website, eternal-rest, was set up by Leeside entrepreneur Colin Tobin after RIP announced they’d be introducing a €100 charge to submit a death notification.
Colin’s new website currently allows users to post death notifications free of charge. However, as the company expands, it will introduce a €25 fee. This money will be used to keep the website running and to pay the salaries of staff brought on to administer the platform.
Colin’s project—which was unveiled one day after RIP.ie announced the €100 charge—will also offer a memorial card service and a section to mark loved ones’ anniversaries. The website has its own dedicated Facebook page, where the team posts updates.
Colin himself was born and raised in Gurranabraher and is a well-known city businessman – recently opening a traditional butchers shop on the Northside. He said that while eternal-rest.ie is a new venture and a work in progress, he’s confident he’ll be able to keep costs low to save money for ‘your average punter.’
Speaking to CorkBeo in recent weeks, he said: “I’ve had a look at the numbers, already have the office space and plan on employing around 1 or 2 staff. I’m advised that we should be able to charge around €25 + VAT – I think we can do that or at least in that general ballpark.
“Obviously, right now, we don’t have the following, so we couldn’t possibly charge. For the next 8-12 weeks, it’ll be free of charge, and I’ll be dealing with any costs myself.
“I’m well aware that over the next couple of months of course we’re not going to have the same following of RIP, that’ll take time to build. The main thing is just getting it out there, which I know how to do.”
You can have a look at the new website here.