Buying a Casket Online: Everything You Need to Know

Buying a casket online has become an increasingly popular option for families looking to manage funeral costs without sacrificing quality. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a casket purchased through a funeral home is approximately $2,500 — and premium models can cost $5,000 or more.

When you purchase a casket from an online retailer, you are buying directly from the manufacturer or a specialized dealer, bypassing the traditional funeral home markup. Online caskets of comparable quality typically range from $799 to $1,500, representing savings of 50-85% on one of the largest line items in a funeral bill.

Beyond the cost savings, shopping online gives you access to a much wider selection. Instead of choosing from a handful of display models at a funeral home — often presented in a showroom designed to encourage higher-priced purchases — you can browse hundreds of styles, materials, colors, and price points from the comfort of your home. This allows you to make a thoughtful decision without the pressure of an in-person sales environment.

It is worth noting that online casket retailers often source their products from the same manufacturers that supply funeral homes. The materials, craftsmanship, and quality standards are the same. The difference is simply in the distribution model and the markup applied.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted the Funeral Rule in 1984 to protect consumers from unfair practices in the funeral industry. This federal regulation is one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the end-of-life services space, and it directly supports your right to shop for funeral goods independently.

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, you have these specific rights regarding casket purchases:

• Right to buy from any source: You may purchase a casket from any retailer you choose — online, from a warehouse store, from a local craftsperson, or from any other third party. The funeral home cannot restrict your options.
• No handling fees: Funeral homes are prohibited from charging any additional fee for accepting and using a casket you purchased elsewhere. They cannot add a "handling fee," "receiving fee," or any other surcharge.
• No requirement to be present: The funeral home cannot require you to be present when a third-party casket is delivered. They must accept delivery on your behalf.
• No disparagement: Funeral home staff cannot make false or misleading claims about the quality or safety of caskets purchased from outside sources.
• Right to a General Price List: Before discussing any arrangements, funeral homes must provide you with a written General Price List (GPL) showing prices for all goods and services, including caskets.

If a funeral home violates any of these provisions, you can file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

Shopping for a casket online requires some of the same considerations as any significant purchase, along with a few factors specific to funeral planning. Here is what to evaluate:

• Material and construction: Caskets are typically made from metal (20-gauge steel, 18-gauge steel, stainless steel, copper, or bronze) or wood (pine, poplar, oak, cherry, mahogany, or walnut). Metal caskets are generally more durable and are required by some cemeteries for in-ground burial. Wood caskets offer a warmer, more natural appearance and are suitable for both burial and green burial options.
• Interior lining: Look for quality interior materials such as crepe, velvet, or satin. Some retailers offer customizable interior colors and pillow designs.
• Dimensions: Standard caskets accommodate individuals up to approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and 200 pounds. If the deceased was taller or larger, you may need an oversized casket. Confirm dimensions carefully and check that the casket will fit in the cemetery's burial vault or mausoleum niche.
• Shipping and delivery timeline: Most reputable online casket retailers offer overnight or next-day delivery nationwide. Confirm the delivery timeline with the retailer and coordinate with your funeral home to ensure the casket arrives before the service.
• Return policy: Understand the retailer's return and refund policy before purchasing. Most reputable sellers accept returns on unopened, unused caskets within 30 days, but custom or personalized caskets may not be returnable.
• Customer service: Choose a retailer with responsive customer support, ideally available by phone 24/7. During a difficult time, you want to be able to reach someone quickly if questions arise.
• Warranty: Some caskets come with a manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Ask about warranty terms before purchasing.

We have researched and evaluated the leading online casket retailers based on selection, pricing, shipping reliability, customer service, and consumer reviews. Below are our findings on three well-regarded options.

Each of these retailers operates in compliance with the FTC Funeral Rule and ships directly to funeral homes nationwide. Prices and availability are subject to change; we recommend verifying current pricing directly with each retailer.

Choosing a casket is a deeply personal decision, and there is no single right answer. Here are some factors to consider as you make this choice:

Budget: Determine how much you are comfortable spending on a casket before you begin shopping. Having a budget in mind helps narrow your options and prevents emotional overspending during a vulnerable time. Remember that a casket is just one component of the total funeral cost.

Type of service: If you are planning a traditional burial, you will likely need a full-size casket. If you are choosing cremation, many families opt for a less expensive cremation casket or rental casket for the viewing, followed by a simple cremation container. If you are considering a green burial, look for biodegradable options such as wicker, bamboo, or unfinished wood.

Personal preferences: Consider what the deceased would have wanted. Some families choose caskets that reflect the person's personality — a favorite color, a military theme for a veteran, or a simple, understated design for someone who valued simplicity.

Cemetery requirements: Some cemeteries have specific requirements regarding casket materials or dimensions. Check with the cemetery before purchasing to avoid compatibility issues.

Timeline: If the funeral is scheduled within the next day or two, confirm that the retailer can deliver in time. Most major online retailers offer overnight shipping, but availability depends on your location and the specific casket model.

Once you have chosen and purchased a casket online, you will need to coordinate delivery with the funeral home. Here is how to make this process smooth:

• Notify the funeral home: Let the funeral director know that you will be providing your own casket and share the expected delivery date and tracking information.
• Provide the funeral home's address: When placing your order, ship the casket directly to the funeral home — not to your home address. The retailer will handle delivery logistics.
• Confirm delivery window: Coordinate with both the retailer and the funeral home to ensure someone will be available to receive the delivery during business hours.
• Inspect upon arrival: Ask the funeral home to inspect the casket upon delivery and notify you if there are any issues. Reputable retailers will resolve shipping damage promptly.

Remember, under the FTC Funeral Rule, the funeral home is required to accept your casket and cannot charge you for receiving it. If you encounter any resistance, calmly remind the funeral director of this legal requirement.