The process of buying a casket for a funeral is something most people don’t deal with very often, which is one reason funeral homes usually handle the details. Even though federal law gives us the right to buy a casket from any supplier (not just the funeral home), a lot of folks still go through the funeral home every time. I got curious about how many people are actually taking the direct route, and how much money all of us could save as a country if more people skipped the middleman.
Prices for caskets might surprise you. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average cost of a casket bought from a funeral home is between $2,500 and $5,000, but some get as expensive as $10,000. When you compare that to prices from online casket retailers, you start to see just how big the markups can be.
Here, I’ll break down the facts about who eliminates the middleman, why most people don’t, and a few reasons direct casket buying is worth checking out if you’re hoping to save money and make funerals more affordable. Plus, I’ll offer some practical tips for anyone looking to sidestep unnecessary expenses during a tough time.
1. How Many People Actually Buy Caskets Direct?
Most Americans still let the funeral home arrange the casket purchase. According to a 2023 Consumer Reports study, fewer than 20% of people buy their casket directly from an outside seller or online retailer.[1] In fact, recent numbers from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) show that the majority, over 80%, of caskets are still purchased directly through the funeral home.
Even though laws protect your right to buy a casket anywhere you want (the FTC Funeral Rule), most people don’t take that route, often because they aren’t sure how or they feel pressured by time or emotions to just get it done where the funeral home recommends. Grief makes it tough to shop around, and a lot of funeral homes don’t really highlight alternative options in their packages.
2. The Cost Difference: How Much Markup Are We Actually Paying?
The markup on caskets at funeral homes is pretty shocking when you put the numbers next to each other. A 2024 Funeralwise.com survey found the typical markup ranges from 100% to 400% compared to wholesale or online prices.[2] For example, basic steel caskets (which can be found online for $800 to $1,200) are often sold at funeral homes for $2,500 or more.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Average casket from funeral home: $2,500 – $5,000
- Average casket online: $800 – $2,000
- Typical markup: $1,700 to $3,000 per casket
If you multiply that markup by the 1.7 million Americans who pass away and have a funeral with a casket each year (based on 2021 CDC data),[3] that’s billions spent that could have been left in family savings accounts.
These price differences add up quickly, especially when you consider that casket purchases are a major part of funeral costs overall. The markups often cover the funeral home’s overhead, but for many families, paying thousands more adds financial strain during a very tough period. This is why understanding how casket pricing works and knowing your options can have a big impact on your wallet and peace of mind.
3. What America Could Save By Cutting Out the Middleman
Americans spend between $2.5 billion and $4 billion every year on caskets, according to Funeral Consumers Alliance statistics.[4] If everyone bought their casket directly from an independent retailer or online, we’d save close to $2 billion as a nation every single year. That kind of savings could make a serious dent in funeral debt or let families spend that money on things that matter a lot more than a box.
I’ve seen families spend way more than they planned, sometimes going into debt just to keep up with what’s expected. Cutting the middleman isn’t just about price; it’s about making funerals less stressful and a little easier on everyone left behind. Besides the financial relief, families also get more choices and control over the process, which can bring comfort during an otherwise difficult time.
4. Why Most People Still Buy from Funeral Homes
Even with the chance to save money, there are a few reasons people don’t cut out the funeral home when buying a casket:
- Convenience: Grief is overwhelming, and a onestopshop is tempting.
- Lack of awareness: Not everyone knows they can legally buy elsewhere.
- Sales pressure: Some funeral homes steer people toward inhouse options and downplay outside choices.
- Timing: Most funerals happen quickly; the fear of shipping delays worries families.
It’s not always easy to challenge tradition, especially during an emotional time. The pressure to act quickly and the emotional toll can push families toward sticking with whatever’s presented as easiest, even if it isn’t the most cost effective option.
5. How to Eliminate the Middleman, And What to Watch Out For
Anyone planning a funeral can buy a casket online or from a warehouse club (like Costco, Walmart, Amazon, or independent casket companies). By law, the funeral home has to accept the casket you choose, and they can’t charge handling fees or refuse delivery. This protection gives you the right to put your money where it matters to you.
Steps for Direct Casket Buying:
- Shop around online, compare products, prices, and shipping times.
- Ask the funeral home for their casket price list (they’re legally required to give it to you).
- Arrange delivery straight to the funeral home (most online sellers are used to this process).
It’s a good idea to doublecheck delivery timelines with your seller before committing to any purchase. Most companies offer overnight or two day shipping if needed. In some cases, you may want to coordinate with your funeral director to ensure smooth arrival and avoid any lastminute surprises.
Also, consider reading online reviews or asking others about their experiences with various sellers. Customer service and shipping reliability can vary, so a few minutes of research can help prevent headaches later on. Lastly, make sure you inspect the casket on delivery if possible so any issues can be addressed right away.
6. High Casket Prices Are Changing How We Say Goodbye
The cost of burial is sky-high and climbing. That’s one reason so many Americans are choosing cremation. The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) reports that the cremation rate in 2023 hit 60.5%, with projections showing it could reach 80% or more by 2040.[5] Only about 35% of people still choose full body burial with a traditional casket.
Cremation is often half the price of a standard burial, mostly because you’re skipping the casket expense and lowering the cost of the entire event. And with less pressure to buy a high priced product, families are able to focus more on personal tributes and memory making. It’s not just about preference; it’s about what people can actually afford in today’s economy.
Because of these high costs, memorial alternatives are becoming more popular. Some families are holding more intimate services, choosing ecofriendly options, or simply gathering for a celebration of life without a full funeral. Each of these choices can help families find meaning without spending beyond their means.
7. Affordability and the Reality for American Families
When I think about this topic, I’m struck by how many families can’t even consider a traditional burial because of the cost. Caskets are almost always the single largest expense in a funeral, and higher prices can force families into uncomfortable choices. Many people I’ve heard from say they had to choose cremation because paying thousands for a box just wasn’t in the budget.
Direct buying can definitely make a difference here, giving people options that keep funerals respectful, but not outrageously expensive. Careful research helps buyers make informed decisions so they aren’t pressured into a pricier choice than they want or need. By understanding your rights and the range of options available today, you can better manage these costs and still honor your loved one in a way that feels right for your family.
Keep in mind that the funeral industry is slowly shifting, as more families research and share their experiences. By spreading the word, we can push for more transparency, more choices, and ultimately, lower prices for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The number of people who cut out the middleman when buying a casket is growing, but most still pay the extra cost at the funeral home. Knowing your rights and understanding the options can seriously shrink funeral expenses and make planning less stressful, not just for you, but for your whole family. If even 1 in 3 Americans chose to buy caskets directly, it could mean billions in personal savings nationwide and keep the focus where it should be: honoring your loved one, not worrying about the cost.
If you ever have to plan a funeral, keep this in mind. Research pays off, and it’s totally okay to put your wallet first during a tough time. You have more choices than you might realize, and taking time to explore them can make a meaningful difference when you need it most.