Buying a casket is one of those purchases most people don’t think about until they really have to. Funeral homes often offer a quick, packaged solution, but that speed and convenience can come with a price tag that’s a lot higher than necessary. Ordering a casket direct, without letting the funeral home act as the middleman, can save you thousands of dollars and give you a lot more control over the process.
Let’s check out the real savings, what to expect when ordering online, and some practical tips to help you make sure it all goes smoothly.
Why Casket Prices Are So High at Funeral Homes
Funeral homes typically mark up caskets quite a bit because it’s one of the core ways they make a profit. It’s not unusual to see prices that are double or even triple what you’d find from a direct supplier. For example, a metal casket that costs $1,300 if you buy direct can easily be listed for $3,500 or more at a funeral home. That price hike is mostly a matter of tradition and convenience; it’s rarely based on higher quality or unique features.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires funeral providers to accept caskets bought elsewhere. This isn’t something a lot of people realize. So, if you’re getting pressure to buy from the funeral home, remember that the law is on your side. The savings you can get by skipping the middleman are real, and they can go far beyond caskets—urns and other funeral items work the same way.
Average Casket Prices: Funeral Homes vs. Direct Suppliers
How Much Does a Casket Cost Through a Funeral Home?
Casket prices from a funeral home tend to start around $2,000 for a basic steel model. For something made of solid wood, or with added design touches, prices often jump to $5,000 or $10,000, and sometimes more for luxury or custom models.
- Basic steel casket: $2,000 to $3,200
- Solid wood casket (like oak or mahogany): $4,000 to $10,000
- Ecofriendly/biodegradable casket: $2,500 to $5,000
How Much Does a Casket Cost When You Order Direct?
Ordering a casket from a direct retailer, either online or through a warehouse club, usually means much lower prices. Depending on the supplier and the style you want, here’s what to expect:
- Basic steel casket: $800 to $1,400
- Solid wood casket: $1,700 to $3,000
- Ecofriendly/biodegradable casket: $900 to $2,500
Even for high-end models, ordering direct often saves you $2,000 or more. That’s especially true if you shop larger suppliers like Costco, Titan Casket, or Trusted Caskets, which post pricing online and handle shipping arrangements for you.
Example Savings of Ordering a Casket Direct
The savings become pretty noticeable as soon as you compare side by side. Here’s a typical example I’ve seen in recent years:
- A simple 18gauge steel casket from a big funeral chain: $2,800
- The same or better casket from a national online seller: $1,200 (including delivery)
That’s $1,600 saved with basically the same product. For higher end wood caskets, the gap can be $3,000 to $7,000, especially with more decorative options. If you’re open to an ecofriendly or biodegradable option, ordering direct can mean prices about half of what the funeral home typically charges. These numbers aren’t just hype. I’ve personally helped friends and readers through this, and the difference is very real.
How Ordering a Casket Direct Works
The process for buying a casket direct is actually pretty simple. Most online retailers post detailed photos, specs, and delivery options. You pick the model you want, pay online, and set the delivery location, often the funeral home.
- 1. Research casket styles – Decide if you want steel, wood, or something unique. Most suppliers have clear pictures and details to help you make the choice.
- 2. Check delivery times – Most casket sellers ship to funeral homes in about 1-3 days. Some offer rush shipping for a fee if you need it faster.
- 3. Tell your funeral director – They are legally required to accept third party caskets with no added handling fees. Give them the tracking info if needed.
- 4. Confirm delivery and inspect – When the casket arrives, make sure it’s in good shape. Most reputable retailers offer no-hassle replacement if there’s a problem.
Ordering direct takes a bit more planning, but saves a big chunk of money and lets you choose exactly what you want instead of whatever happens to be in stock at the funeral home. If you need advice for picking the right style, many suppliers have helpful customer support or FAQ sections to smooth the way.
Other Costs to Watch For
Shipping can sometimes affect the final price. Many national companies build standard ground shipping into the listed price, but if you need overnight or weekend delivery, an extra fee (often $150-$500) isn’t unusual. It’s still far less than the funeral home’s markup. Double-check whether your supplier guarantees on-time delivery and if they have any added fees before placing your order. Some sellers also offer white glove services or extra insurance for high value caskets, so read the terms closely if you’re ordering something special.
The Pros and Cons of Cutting Out the Middleman
Pros:
- Substantial savings, often $1,500 to $5,000 per casket
- A bigger selection, including unique, eco, or custom options
- The ability to shop around and read reviews
- Transparency—see prices up front without highpressure sales tactics
Cons:
- Requires a bit more advance planning (shipping, confirming delivery)
- Some funeral homes may not offer much help or guidance for third party caskets, even though they have to accept them
- Need to pay attention to delivery time, especially for urgent situations
What Real Customers Say About Ordering Direct
- Most buyers point to the quick delivery and autoflow online shopping experience.
- Reviews often mention saving several thousand dollars, even after paying for expedited shipping and taxes.
- There’s a sense of relief at being able to control choices, skip the sales pitch, and know exactly what’s being delivered. This helps families feel lifted up during a stressful time.
- Some buyers wish they’d known about direct ordering sooner, since traditional funeral home markups feel a bit like pricegouging when seen side by side.
Wrapping up: Ordering a casket direct can add up to huge savings, less sales stress, and more transparent options compared to using a funeral home as the middleman. Careful research helps buyers make the most of their money and ensures the casket fits their needs and budget. If you want more control over the process and want to avoid unnecessary markups, checking out direct casket sellers is a smart move, especially in a time when every decision can feel overwhelming.