Wal Mart is now selling caskets & urns online. Good idea?

Question

Wal Mart is now selling caskets & urns online. Good idea?

Answer 1

As long as they're of the same quality as what you'd find elsewhere, why not? Selling caskets is the best game in town, how do you know if one isn't working a few weeks after you use it? And they certainly don't have a money-back guarentee! Walmart got to where they are being smart. They have our bodies when we're alive, they might as well have them when we're dead too!

Answer 2

All that will be left is the shell of who I was.

Put what's left of me in a temporary Tupperware container as an expensive coffin or urn isn't what I want before I'm scattered at sea.

Quality of workmanship: how could any of us know.

Answer 3

That is a great idea. I have never understood why people pay so much for their final party. Funeral homes should be ashamed for the way they take advantage of people.

Answer 4

I don't see why it isn't a good idea as competition is good for the customer.

Answer 5

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12569168

I like this urn.

It would not hold all of my ashes. Don't know if family members even want them. (We're not cemetery visiting folks & don't keep remains around. That's how we were raised. The "memorial" is in the heart.)

But I would like to get my family some of these matching urns & fill them with personal items that have meaning to each, individually.

I like the polished & unique look.



EDIT: It's gleaming brass w/ mother of pearl inlay around center. It's $33 each. -- I like that all the urns & caskets I viewed said "Made in USA" -- It's a need we'll all have one day. Why not get a good price & support American companies?

Answer 6

If they start doing funerals, will everyone have to wear Wal-Mart blue...

Answer 7

Not a new idea - Costco has been doing this for sometime

Answer 8

Just another case of Wal Mart trying to ruin another business. I hope old Sam Walton is happy how he is helping China out more than the USA. I will get mine from my local guys.

Answer 9

Now tell me this: what Funeral Home is going to go along with

using a casket or urn supplied by Wal-Mart? It's like going to a Shell service station for an oil change-and giving the mechanic the oil you want to use.

Still, if this idea flies, I'm all for cutting the high cost of dying. The

money thus saved can bet better spent providing hot fudge sundaes for those who attend the memorial service.

Answer 10

There have been other 'online' vendors for caskets and urns for many years. These vendors advertise lower prices, same quality. There is a U.S. FTC rule, the funeral rule, that requires funeral homes to accept caskets and urns from outside sources. I'm not at all surprised that Walmart has joined in the selling......Walmart can now say they have us covered from cradle to grave and everywhere in between.....;) Costco is also selling caskets.



My plans are to be cremated after any useful organs are harvested, have my ashes placed in a wood or cardboard container, then buried under an oak tree in our local cemetery; with a small marker. Simple and sweet; I like the idea of my ashes fertilizing a live oak tree.

Answer 11

I worked for one of the best funeral homes in our province.

I'll tell you that the mark-up on caskets is huge.

The urn that's pictured from Walmart for $33.00 would retail for about $500.00 in any funeral home. Keeping in mind, that you can't fit a whole persons cremains in it. That strikes me as bizarre. Walmart has picked these up cheap because of this error in manufacturing. It would be good if you split the remains (as some families do), or wanted a pet urn.

Many people choose their own urn or even make them.

Anything can be used; a favourite jewelry box maybe.

Keep in mind that you'll need at least the size of a 4 litre milk jug, or a 1 gallon jar of pickles.

We've had carpenters that have made caskets for family members.

No problem. It was very nice.

Caskets at Walmart make me nervous.

There's a few ways to cut corners in every manufacturing business, that the customer can not see.

Maybe use 1" nails instead of 3" screws in the construction.

Just imagine the pall bears carrying the beloved from the coach to the grave, and the bottom of the casket lets go.

I guarantee you, this will not happen if you deal with a funeral home.

(The handles on one side of a casket came off once, at the cemetery.

The company recalled every one of this particular model, across North America. The family received a very large settlement without even having legal representation.)

I think I would pay more for a casket and be sure everything went off without a hitch.

Answer 12

Why not and who really cares at this point......do they still have blue light specials?





Wal-Mart has started selling coffins on its Web site at prices that undercut many funeral homes, long the major seller of caskets.



The move follows a similar one by discount rival Costco, which also sells coffins on its site.



Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Ark., quietly put up about 15 caskets and dozens of urns on its Web site last week. Prices range from $999 for models like "Dad Remembered" and "Mom Remembered" steel caskets to the mid-level $1,699 "Executive Privilege." All are less than $2,000, except for the Sienna Bronze Casket, which sells for $3,199.



Caskets ship within 48 hours. Federal law requires funeral homes to accept third-party caskets.



The coffins come from Star Legacy Funeral Network, Inc., a company based in McHenry, Ill., that sells the same caskets for about the same price - some less - on its site, along with many others. Part of the business model is to get people to plan ahead: Walmart.com is allowing people to pay for the caskets over a period of 12 months for no interest.



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Answer 13

From who I know in the funeral business, I would have no problem buying a casket from Wal Mart. I think the price would be a lot cheaper, plus the funeral home charges up charges for everything. Cutting a dollar here and there is in everyones best interest. Could you imigane going to Wal Mart to pick up a casket? Sure, can I have some help loading my casket in my pick up?

Answer 14

Probably made in China, so I will say no. If I had a choice I'd rather have something made in the US, preferably wood and not fancy. I can just picture cargo containers full of caskets and urns being unloaded and shipped to local Wal-marts.

Answer 15

I don't think that Wal-Mart has any qualms about what they sell anymore and I know that many of the stores already sell gasoline. The gas is provided by a supplier named Murphy where I live but I've noticed that Wal-Mart gas stations are cheaper than if you buy fuel at some place like Shell, Exxon or Chevron. Whether their gasoline is same quality as other places, I don't know. Wal-Mart has always claimed to be a 'family-oriented' business and I know that they don't sell CD's that are labeled "explicit content." So, I don't think hookers will be Wal-Marts next thing to add. But I also remember that Wal-Mart used to advertise that they bought mostly American made products. But right now, Wal-Mart buys from the cheapest source possible and they've had to abandon that 'made in the USA' philosophy they used to advertise to the public. Many Wal-Mart Super Centers already seem to have hair and nail salons, banks, delicatessens, pharmacies, automotive repair, portrait and vision services. Many Wal-Marts have floral and garden centers in them, as well as, fast ffod joints McDonalds. I'm thinking that maybe discount weddings or funeral services might be the next 'gimmick' that is added to your local Wal-Mart.

Answer 16

We have a family member that is a mortician and owns a funeral home. Yes, the prices are expensive, but at the time of death he will give a 10% discount for walk ins. (Sorry, just a little humor, no offense meant.)

For those that are concerned about the quality of caskets after they or loved ones are buried, the concern should not be for the casket itself, but the quality of the vault that protects the casket. The vault is what preserves the casket. The casket being displayed in front of friends and family, tell the busy bodies show how well you are burying your loved ones. Sad, but true. You know how people talk and judge, and this is no different than who has the latest designer dress, etc.



I like the link urn in the link E-ma posted. I would bet if you know the size urn it takes, the funeral home would no doubt have any qualms about you bringing them an urn from anywhere you purchase one. Some people have beautiful urns they display in their homes and may wish to use one of them. I say, why not? Funeral homes do have quite a monopoly. I see nothing wrong with competitition, but Walmart? lol I just hope the choices they have do not reflect the some of the people that shop there, (referencing the circulating pictures of the infamous 'WalMart people' in emails.) Can't you see caskets painted in camoflauge, Elvis' picture, or comes with it's own 18 pack of Budweiser. Some things just need to be left alone. For me and my sweety, my step son will take care of our cremation and scattering of ashes in the place of our choice. But until that time, we will keep each others ashes with us. That is our choice. No matter what choice you make, please note, seniors and everyone that is in a state of mourning, please have someone help you. This is not the time to be taken advantage of and to also be taken in by scams artists that offer less expense, but may also be offereing less quality for your money. True there are sites online, and approach with caution and questioning. Be aware of what you are purchasing and what you are actually paying for, no matter where you buy.

ADDED NOTE: Just as I clicked submit on this answer, Bill Hemmer on America's Newsroom, is coming on with the story of WalMart selling urns and caskets, where I assume you probably got this story. I've got to hear this. To each his own. If you like the idea of purchasing from them, it is your business. :)

Answer 17

I just heard about it today on the Noon News. I did not even know that Costco sold them as well. For allot of people it would be more affordable but are they built right or doing the funeral would the casket break and the body ends up on the floor or the Urn cracked, I have to let this one soak in for awhile. I to hope they are made in U.S and not China,

Just seems a might weird to me right now. I guess when it really comes down to it, it is the Living who will have to decide where they make their purchase. Of course now with two lower priced stores the Funeral Parlor may drop their prices as well.

Answer 18

I understand that Wal-Mart will deliver within 48 hours, two days is a long time to have Dear Aunt Rossie sitting or lying around waiting for a box. Here in Honduras we have regular stores that only sell caskets and urns. They are cash and carry. You put Dear Aunt Rossie in the front seat,stop to buy the casket, and dump her off at the cemetery.

Answer 19

Although is was not from Walmart, I viewed Urns online when I lost my husband. If this had not been possible, I would never have found what for me was perfect. A biodegradable urn made of birch bark and inlay-ed with flowers. It is an urn for two, and when my ashes join his, the urn will be buried on family land under a large healthy tree.

Answer 20

Considering the sizes of the Super Walmarts and all the people who shop there, It is almost like everyone lives there. So the extension would be to die there too? It would be likely that they maybe selling mobile or modular housing in the future. I must admit to visiting Walmarts as I drive across the country in my RV. Its my favorite place to visit when I am on the road for finding just about anything we need. AND now I can get a casket or urn on the road too. Who would have thought...

Answer 21

Funeral homes make a lot of money upselling you on caskets. However, many of them will allow you to bring your own casket or urn. I'd suggest that you make arrangements ahead of time and have it waiting in your garage or basement for when the time comes. You'd hate to have to hold the funeral because they were currently out of stock or there was a shipping problem. As for quality, who really cares. Its not like you are on display in the living room for eternity. Once I'm gone I dont care if the family puts me in a cardboard box.

Answer 22

Personally----Just another issue for the Senate and Congress to decide even if it`s legal.

The Funeral industry are going to try and keep it from happening. Shouldn`t take too many years to decided.

Maybe Obama will get involved after everything else is out of control now. Hell, maybe we can strt another conflict somewhere on this old Earth where we need more caskets made in North Korea.

Answer 23

I YURN 4 AN URN..OR A CASKET OR 2..

Answer 24

It is a bit creepy but anything for a buck is the American way ! Funeral homes charge too much so this is really a good idea. I did this before and was able to buy directly from the manufacturer and save hundreds of $$.

Answer 25

Wow. Didn't see that one coming O_o



Personally I would rather go to a mortuary and have somebody who knows about caskets and urns standing there to help come to a decision, rather than go to an e-outlet and left to flounder with so many options as well as hidden charges.

Answer 26

since a minimum funeral today is $6,000. I would be very interested in finding out more information on buying from Wal Mart. I could tell you horror stories in dealing with a funeral home.

Answer 27

As a woman of 83 years old, I come online to cheer myself up. People asking questions about caskets and urns does not help!

Answer 28

What next, for gosh sakes ? I don't think that I will be shopping Walmart for such an item. The mortuary where we have paid for our funeral and two spaces with markers now in place will do fine.

Answer 29

good question...go to jokes and riddles ethel..good idea..walmart! funerals are for the living anyway and the less burden we take from them the better off they are. personaly i dont care if they put me in a hefty bag...i have looked at other coffins onlline before and stones too. I may buy one and put it in my shed.

Answer 30

Yeah I saw that on the news. I didn't even know what to make of it. I don't know, I mean I think it sort of immortalizes things. I mean really.

Answer 31

Wonderful! Maybe next they can open some maternity wards and start delivering babies.

Answer 32

Could be a good idea I hope they are made in the USA not china. lol

Answer 33

Costco sells them too.

Answer 34

EEwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Way to go Ethel, you said it all!

Answer 35

Can't hurt.