By Casket Emporium.
Many people are unaware that they have the option to purchase funeral products such as caskets online. If you are comfortable with buying large items over the Internet, then buying a casket online may be a very viable option. Many of the big box retailers such as WalMart, CostCo, and Sam’s Club offer caskets and there are a number of large, reputable online retailers. Costs can be considerably lower than buying through a funeral home and the shopping can be done from the comfort of your own home.
As with any online purchase, especially big-ticket items, you want to do your homework to make sure that you are making a decision you will be comfortable with over time. With a little homework, purchasing online can be a great way to get a beautiful casket that fits your budget and honors your loved one.
How to Buy a Casket Online
- Set a budget:
Regardless of where you are purchasing the casket, it is always a good idea to set a budget. This will help you look at only those selections that fall within the price range you have in mind.
- Gather the necessary information:
Talk with your funeral director to find out where you should have the casket delivered and see if there are any special instructions you need to provide when you make the purchase.
- Visit a showroom or funeral home:
If you would like to get an idea of what the different types of wood and metal look like, take a visit to a casket retail showroom or ask your funeral director to show you their sample caskets.
- Look for a customer service number and contact information:
When buying anything online it is always a good idea to make sure that the vendor you are considering includes a telephone number where you can contact a customer service representative. This is especially true when buying a casket online. Stay away from any company that does not include information on how you can find them. You should also check to make sure that the vendor has a clearly stated privacy policy.
- Check for all costs:
You will almost always be required to pay a delivery fee but you also want to make sure that there are no hidden costs. Remember that under The Funeral Rule the funeral home cannot charge you a fee to accept the casket.
- Check delivery area and times:
Some online casket providers only deliver to a limited area. Check their site to make sure that they deliver to your city and state. You also want to make sure that they can deliver the casket in the timeframe you need it. Most online casket sites you’re the delivery area and how quickly they can deliver on their front page. Many providers will guarantee overnight delivery but they may charge an extra fee for this.
- Check for BBB complaints and reviews:
Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company you are considering has complaints lodged against them. You should also search for reviews of the company. While this is not foolproof, it can alert you to potential problems. If you have friends or family who may have made a recent casket purchase, ask for referrals.
Buying online is not for everyone. If, however, you are comfortable with Internet shopping, buying a casket online can be an easy and rewarding experience.
