Contrary to the propaganda from many funeral homes about having "better" caskets, that they claim only they can sell, the reality is that in today's marketplace, there are many fine, quality, specialty and custom caskets available from Independent sources at better prices.
Independent, online, or casket store caskets are superior to many of those found in most of the standard Funeral Homes because:
- Funeral Homes markup their prices from 300% to 1000%. The National Funeral Directors Association informs their members to have a 12-15% Cost of Goods - do the math! Most online and/or casket store caskets are priced at wholesale. So usually you receive a casket twice the quality for the same price, or the same quality for 1/2 the price.
- Funeral Homes are generally "locked in" to one supplier who controls their products, the pricing, and the availability. They are not permitted to buy better products from other sources leaving you with fewer choices.
- Funeral Homes sell "mass produced" standard line designs and styles. Thus, they can not, and most of the time, will not, accommodate custom requests.
Unfortunately the funeral industry has used fear, intimidation and lies to perpetuate the myth that buying your casket from another source will bring the following problems:
- It will arrive damaged and broken. This lie is contradicted by the reality of tens of thousands of "outside" caskets delivered successfully every day across the country. All deliveries are from major carriers and fully insured with guarantees!
- It will not be what you saw in the photo. This is interesting since many funeral homes are selling from photos only themselves because they have eliminated casket showrooms. Support your local casket store if you have one, or by ordering online from a trusted supplier like CASKET GALLERY, who has been supplying caskets since 1997 to 10,000's of customers with quality caskets and exceptional service.
- It will never make it in time for the funeral. While this may be the case rarely, when a family has not planned properly, the reality is that the deceased is placed into the casket only hours before any showing, viewing or service and it NOT needed days ahead as they are trying to persuade you not to purchase elsewhere.
Like many products purchased by consumers in America, the sources and availability for choice is sometimes overwhelming, especially at a time of grief. We recommend you do the following to make sure the casket you select, at the right price, is to your satisfaction:
- Review the products at the Funeral Home WITHOUT buying until you have fully shopped and reviewed other sources to determine what style, price and type you really want. Metal or Wood? Color? Religious or Military? Budget to spend?
- Remember that most casket stores and online suppliers are so much lower in price due to the outrageous and unethical markups from many Funeral Homes. The lower price is NOT a sign of a lesser quality product.
- Become an educated consumer by taking time to search the Internet for products, styles and types before you make a decision. Rushing into the decision by just taking the route - "well, we're here now, let's just buy it from the funeral home because we have the insurance money" and throwing away sometimes 1,000's of Dollars that could be used for something more beneficial, is wise. Overpaying for anything is something most people avoid. The funeral home doesn't make the caskets they sell. They must have them delivered also, and you will pay more.
Taking the time to determine your choices, exploring all the options, and finding a better product with a better price is what 1,000's of wise families are doing today. By purchasing a casket for your dear loved one, from an independent source like CASKETGALLLERY.COM, will not only save you $$$, but bring greater satisfaction with your final selection.