Discount death? Buying caskets online

Tools

Story Published: Nov 6, 2009 at 6:24 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 6, 2009 at 6:25 PM MST

By Jennifer McGraw

Video

Sam's Club, Walmart, Costco, you name it... They're all selling caskets, but for a discount price?

"They may think it's economical, but it's been my experience that it's not," says Doug Coltrin, with Coltrin Mortuary.

Some would think these sites are one upping local funeral homes, but what you'll find, their prices are almost alike.

"They've done a good job at branding themselves as the leading low price leader for consumerable goods and clothing and for things that they sell, but as far as caskets go, you can get it at the same price at any reputable funeral home," he adds.

Walmart's prices go as low as $895-dollars for the cheapest caskets. Local funeral homes can go as low as $1100, but that's including the service, the shipping, and a guarantee it's actually going to get there on time.

"We had a family that bought a casket online and it did not get here till the funeral was already over," says Coltrin.

So not only do they guarantee their product they're offering the same price.

"Usually if someone came to us and said we're going to buy this from online we can get them a similar casket for a similar price," he says.

During tough times it's almost easier to let someone else do the work, but if you order online right you just may save a few hundred bucks.

Current Weather

Current Temp 45.0 °F

Fair

Video

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.