Buying online is a convenient option for many purchases, but when it comes to big-ticket items such as funeral caskets, you may want to stop and think before putting down your credit card information. You may believe that buying a casket from an online retailer instead of a funeral home will be more cost-effective and timely, but there are important things to consider before purchasing one on the web.

What to Consider Before Purchasing Caskets Online

Casket Size

When emotions are running high and time constraints add pressure, it can be difficult to make decisions for funeral arrangements. Purchasing caskets online will likely lead to overlooked details such as size, even if the retailer indicates measurements. Be aware that you will only receive a partial impression of how big or small the caskets are, making it hard to determine if it will fit the person it’s intended for and if it’s a proper fit for the plot. Keep in mind that an oversized casket will require a larger plot, spiking funeral expenses even higher.

Casket Material and Quality

Casket quality largely depends on who makes it and what materials are used to assemble it. Online stores usually work with manufacturers based overseas, while funeral homes tend to work with local manufacturers. Funeral homes are able to customize and make stylistic changes to their caskets, giving you more options, while online stores may only offer stock color and material items. Workmanship can be seen and examined closely when purchasing from a funeral home but becomes less personal and vague when shopping online.

Non-returnable, Non-refundable Purchase

Due to the nature of caskets, online stores will typically have a non-returnable or non-refundable policy in place. If you purchase the wrong size or the material is not what you expected, there’s no choice but to keep the casket. In some cases, you may even need to purchase another one. 

Arranging funeral services for a loved one is emotionally stressful and demanding. Allow Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors in McDonough, GA, to help your decision-making process and assist in choosing a casket, planning a memorial service, or funeral pre-planning. For 75 years, they’ve helped hundreds of families say goodbye to loved ones in personalized services. Call (770) 914-1414 today for a free quote or pre-planning consultation, or visit their website for more information.