Ordering a casket is something many people only think about when they really have to. The traditional route has always been through funeral homes, but online options and direct-to-consumer casket suppliers have started to change things in a big way. More people are skipping the middleman and ordering their caskets directly, which can lead to big savings. In some cases, families are saving thousands of dollars simply by checking out online options or retailers instead of using the funeral home’s in-house selection.
How Many People Actually Order Their Caskets Direct?
Up until recently, it was rare to hear of anyone buying a casket outside a funeral home. Today, while funeral homes still handle most casket sales, direct ordering is on the rise. Data from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) suggest that about 80% of Americans still purchase their caskets through a funeral home, but the other 20% are finding their own sources, usually online or from big box retailers. That number is way up from a decade ago, and some industry experts believe it will keep growing as more people get comfortable shopping online and learn about their rights under federal regulations.
A 2023 study featured by Courthouse Wood Caskets estimated that nearly one in five families now orders a casket directly. This might not seem huge at first, but in a country with over three million deaths each year, that’s still hundreds of thousands of people sidestepping funeral home markups year after year. As people continue to spread the word, these numbers are expected to increase further.
Why More People Are Ordering Direct
The big change is partly thanks to rules from the Federal Trade Commission. The Funeral Rule (FTC Funeral Rule) guarantees that families can bring in their own casket, and funeral homes can’t refuse or charge extra for it. This law stepped in to stop funeral homes from pressuring people to overspend during a stressful, emotional time. According to the FTC, the Funeral Rule was created to “protect consumers’ right to choose only the goods and services they want or need” (source).
Many folks are still not aware that they can actually shop around for a casket, let alone have one shipped directly to the funeral home. This right has substantially helped families avoid the steep price increases that funeral homes usually add—which can be several times the wholesale price of the very same casket you can find online.
Understanding the Big Savings
Caskets can get expensive quickly. A typical casket at a funeral home costs anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, according to the NFDA. Yet when you order the same or similar casket online, the price is usually around $800 to $3,000. Shopping direct often means a casket gets shipped straight from the manufacturer or a warehouse using a standard model. Not only is this cheaper, but you also avoid paying hidden handling or inventory costs that funeral homes roll into their sticker prices.
It’s common to hear stories of families paying $5,000 for a casket at a funeral home—sometimes while grieving, under time pressure, and without being fully informed—only to find out later that the same model was available directly for under $1,500. This price transparency is making a real difference in how families approach funeral costs these days.
The Reason for Rampant Markup and the Push for Reform
Funeral homes have long made the bulk of their profits from casket sales. For decades, families didn’t know they could shop elsewhere and many didn’t want to make waves during an emotional moment. From firsthand experience, trying to push back when you’re vulnerable can be difficult. Markups of 300% or more are not uncommon. Some consumer groups, like the Funeral Consumers Alliance, have pointed out that these prices add up to a massive industry-wide burden on families every year.
This is exactly why the Funeral Rule was put into place. The FTC intervened because funeral homes had such tight control over the process and consumers had little opportunity to shop around, compare, or negotiate. Now, you can have a casket delivered from anywhere in the US and the funeral home must accept it. No more mystery fees, resistance, or stalling allowed. Taking advantage of this rule has saved many families a substantial amount of money and ensured they get exactly what they want.
Barriers That Still Remain
- Lack of awareness: Many people simply don’t know about their rights or options. Most learn about the Funeral Rule only after reviewing a breakdown of charges or hearing from someone in their circle who’s been through the process.
- Pressure tactics: Occasionally, funeral homes may use subtle pressure by suggesting there could be delays or complications if you don’t purchase everything in-house.
- Short timelines: The reality is, many deaths require quick decisions, and the urgency can lead buyers to choose the default (and costly) funeral home route.
- Emotional strain: Managing strong emotions while dealing with arrangements often makes it tough to shop around or challenge prices.
Even with these issues, more families are catching on. Sites like Costco and Amazon now sell caskets, making the option more visible for everyday customers. The surge in online information is helping families feel comfortable exploring direct purchase options for themselves and their loved ones.
Pie Chart: Who Orders Direct vs. Through the Funeral Home?
NFDA statistics and recent consumer surveys show that about 20% of casket sales now come direct (either online or from a retailer), while 80% are still managed through funeral homes. This pie chart above illustrates how funeral homes still handle most of the market, but that direct 20% grows every year as people learn about their options and see the savings for themselves.
Who Benefits Most from Ordering Direct?
Ordering a casket direct is usually a great fit for families who want more control over costs, wish to avoid hidden fees, or prefer preplanning. Planning your funeral in advance is more common than you might realize—and it gives you the freedom to research and choose what’s best.
- People comfortable shopping online or families who ask for help during arrangements
- Anyone organizing a funeral from out of town (ordering online means delivery anywhere)
- Families sticking to a clear budget without surprises
- Those who value transparent product information and upfront pricing
I’ve chatted with friends who’ve taken control of the process this way. Many say knowing they avoided massive markups brought peace of mind. It’s not just saving money; it’s about keeping control and making personalized choices at a sensitive time.
How Much Could Be Saved Per Year If Everyone Ordered Direct?
If you crunch the numbers—using about 3.3 million deaths per year in the US (per the CDC) and counting $2,000 or more in average casket markups—the savings could add up to billions each year if every family bought direct. Even a $1,000 average savings multiplied by half of all funerals would mean over $1.5 billion saved by families year after year. This extra money could help families in countless ways during challenging times, covering celebration of life events, travel, or other burial expenses.
Questions People Ask About Ordering a Casket Direct
Is it really legal to order my own casket?
Yes, you absolutely can. Thanks to the FTC Funeral Rule, you have every right to purchase a casket from any source, and the funeral home cannot stop you or tack on additional charges.
What if my funeral home says they won’t accept it?
If they refuse, they’re breaking federal law. Show them the relevant portion of the Funeral Rule. In practice, most funeral homes know and respect the law, though you might sense some reluctance from staff.
How do I make sure my casket arrives on time?
Most major online suppliers offer quick shipping and will coordinate directly with your funeral home. Always verify delivery guarantees and make sure your funeral director is in the loop to avoid last-minute hiccups.
Is quality an issue with direct-ordered caskets?
Direct-ordered caskets are usually made by the same companies that supply funeral homes. Read reviews, check return policies, and approach the purchase the same way you would any major purchase for peace of mind.
Getting the Word Out
The direct casket purchase movement is on the upswing, but there’s still much progress to make. Spreading the word and having candid talks with family and friends helps everyone make smarter decisions and avoid being taken advantage of. Resources such as the Funeral Consumers Alliance provide information about your rights and smart shopping tips.
Ordering a casket direct isn’t just about financial savings—it’s also about reducing stress and empowering families during a tough time. If more people understood their choices, funeral home markups would lose their grip on grieving families. That’s a change everyone can support for a more fair and transparent funeral industry.