Buying caskets online isn't anyone's idea of a fun time. But thanks to the internet, it's now easier than ever to find the right casket without leaving your home.
Still, there are a lot of myths floating around about buying caskets online. Let's bust those myths wide open, shall we?
Myth 1: You Have to Buy a Casket from a Funeral Home
This is completely false. You are not required to purchase a casket from the funeral home handling the services. The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule explicitly protects your right to buy a casket from other sources.
Key points about this myth:
- The Funeral Rule states that funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without charging extra fees.
- You can buy caskets online from retailers like Costco, Walmart, or specialized online casket sellers.
- Funeral homes are prohibited from refusing to use a casket you purchased elsewhere.
- They also cannot charge you a "handling fee" for using an outside casket.
- You are not required to be present when a third-party casket is delivered to the funeral home.
- Funeral homes must provide you with a Casket Price List before showing you any caskets.
Many people choose to buy caskets online or from other retailers because:
- It can result in significant cost savings, often thousands of dollars.
- There's a wider selection of styles and materials available online.
- You can take your time researching options without pressure.
- It allows you to compare prices easily across multiple vendors.
While funeral homes may try to steer you towards their own casket offerings, remember that you have the legal right to provide your own casket from any source you choose. Don't let anyone pressure you into thinking otherwise during this difficult time.
Myth 2: Online Caskets Are Cheap and Flimsy
This myth couldn't be further from the truth. Online casket retailers offer the same high-quality caskets you'd find at funeral homes, often at much lower prices. Here's why this myth doesn't hold up:
Quality Standards:
- Online casket retailers must meet the same quality standards as traditional suppliers.
- Many online caskets are made by the same manufacturers that supply funeral homes.
Material Options:
- You can find caskets made from various materials online, including:
- Hardwoods like mahogany, cherry, and oak
- Metals such as bronze, copper, and stainless steel
- Eco-friendly options like bamboo or seagrass
Construction:
- Online caskets are built to last. For example, steel caskets are welded to support up to 10 times the weight of even the heaviest individuals.
- Handles are securely fastened with high-gauge steel fasteners, making them extremely durable.
Brand Names:
- Many well-known casket brands are available online.
- Even retail giants like Costco and Walmart now offer caskets, lending credibility to online sales.
Customer Satisfaction:
- Many customers report being pleasantly surprised by the quality of online caskets.
- Some even find the quality equal to or better than what they saw at funeral homes.
Cost Savings:
- Lower prices don't mean lower quality. Online retailers can offer better prices because they have lower overhead costs.
- Customers often report saving thousands of dollars compared to funeral home prices.
Customization Options:
- Many online retailers offer customization options, including personalized embroidery and engraved nameplates.
Myth 3: Buying Caskets Online Is Unsafe
This myth is outdated and simply not true. Purchasing caskets online can be just as safe as buying from a funeral home, if not safer. Here's why:
Secure Transactions:
- Reputable online casket retailers use encrypted, secure payment systems to protect your financial information.
- Many offer trusted payment options like PayPal or major credit cards, which have built-in fraud protection.
Customer Protection:
- Online retailers are subject to the same consumer protection laws as brick-and-mortar stores.
- Many offer money-back guarantees or satisfaction guarantees to ensure customer confidence.
Verified Reviews:
- Online casket sellers, like Overnightcaskets often have customer reviews and ratings available, helping you make an informed decision.
- These reviews can provide insights into the quality of the product and the reliability of the seller.
Customer Service:
- Many online casket retailers have dedicated customer service teams to address any concerns or issues.
- They often provide multiple ways to contact them, including phone, email, and live chat.
Delivery Guarantees:
- Reputable online casket sellers offer guaranteed delivery dates to ensure the casket arrives on time for the funeral.
- Some even offer expedited shipping options for urgent situations.
Quality Assurance:
- Online casket retailers often provide detailed product descriptions and photos, allowing you to make an informed choice.
- Many offer high-quality caskets that meet or exceed industry standards.
Tips for Safe Online Casket Shopping:
- Research the company thoroughly before making a purchase.
- Look for contact information and a physical address on the website.
- Read customer reviews and testimonials.
- Verify the company's return policy and warranty information.
- Ensure the website is secure (look for "https" in the URL).
- Use a credit card for added protection against fraud.
Myth 4: Online Caskets Are More Expensive
This myth couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, buying caskets online is often significantly cheaper than purchasing from a funeral home. Let's break down why:
Price Comparison:
- Funeral homes often markup casket prices by 300% to 500%.
- Online retailers can offer the same caskets at much lower prices due to lower overhead costs.
Actual Savings:
- The average price for an oak casket at funeral homes was $3,488, compared to $1,195-$1,295 from online retailers.
- Some customers report saving $2,000 to $3,000 by purchasing online.
Price Ranges:
- Online casket prices typically range from $699 to $1,999, with some premium options costing more.
- Funeral home caskets often start at $2,500 to $3,000 for basic models.
Retail Giants:
- Even large retailers like Walmart and Costco offer caskets online at competitive prices:
- Walmart: $1,000 to $2,700
- Costco: $900 to $1,500 (with some premium options up to $13,000)
Quality for Price:
- Online retailers often offer caskets of equal or better quality than funeral homes at a fraction of the cost.
Additional Savings:
- Many online retailers offer free shipping directly to the funeral home.
- Some provide price matching or guarantees to ensure you get the best deal.
Negotiation Power:
- Knowing online prices can help you negotiate better with funeral homes if you prefer to buy locally.
Consumer Rights:
- The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to accept caskets purchased elsewhere without charging extra fees.
Myth 5: Funeral Homes Can Refuse Outside Caskets
This myth is completely false. Funeral homes cannot legally refuse to use a casket you've purchased elsewhere. Let's break down the facts:
The Funeral Rule:
- The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Funeral Rule explicitly protects your right to provide your own casket.
- This rule is federal law, ensuring your rights are protected across the United States.
What Funeral Homes Must Do:
- Accept any casket you've purchased elsewhere, including online retailers, local casket stores, or other sources.
- Use the casket you provide without charging any additional fees.
- They cannot require you to be present when the casket is delivered.
What Funeral Homes Cannot Do:
- Refuse to handle a casket you've purchased elsewhere.
- Charge a "handling fee" for using a casket you've provided.
- Require you to purchase a casket from them as a condition of using their other services.
Consumer Rights:
- You have the right to purchase your casket anywhere you choose.
- Funeral homes must give you a Casket Price List (CPL) before showing you any caskets.
- You can even use an "alternative container" for cremation instead of a traditional casket.
Potential Challenges:
- While it's illegal, some funeral homes might still try to discourage you from using an outside casket.
- You might encounter some resentment, as the funeral home loses a significant profit opportunity.
- Being aware of your rights and the Funeral Rule can help you overcome any resistance.
State Exceptions:
- In a few states (Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Virginia), only licensed funeral directors can sell caskets due to state laws.
- However, even in these states, funeral homes must accept caskets purchased out of state or online.
What to Do If Refused:
- If a funeral home refuses to use your casket, remind them of the FTC Funeral Rule.
- You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission if they persist.
Remember, the law is on your side. Funeral homes are required to respect your choice of casket, regardless of where you purchased it. Being informed about your rights can help you navigate this aspect of funeral planning with confidence and potentially save you a significant amount of money.