If you need to plan a funeral, one of your biggest single expenses will be the casket. On average, a metal casket costs $2,400. However, if you opt for high-end materials, such as bronze, copper, or mahogany, the price can skyrocket, reaching up to $10,000.
While Costco is known for offering a wide variety of good at affordable prices. Many customers don’t realize the full scope of what the company provides. The store’s website is vast, so it’s unrealistic to explore everything that is available until there is a need.
However, since Costco tends to have reasonable prices. Many turn to the retailer when they need to save. And, if you need to prepare a funeral service. You may find yourself wondering, “Are there Costco caskets?”
Does Costco Sell Caskets?
In short, yes, there is such a thing as Costco caskets. The store’s selection is fairly minimal. They usually only comprise of a few options. However, they do have the potential to meet the needs of most people. There are a few colors and styles from which to choose.
Are Costco Caskets Affordable?
In comparison to the $2,400 average for a metal casket. The ones available through Costco are affordable. You can find a metal casket on Costco’s website for under $1,000, though some options are closer to $1350.
Costco also has a solid wood casket on their website. The price is around $1,800.
All of the prices for Costco caskets include shipping and handling. The only additional charge would potentially be sales tax.
How Do You Order a Casket from Costco?
One of the easiest options is to complete your purchase online. However, the order completion process is a little different from a standard one.
First, Costco requests that you contact the casket manufacturer before making a purchase. This allows you to confirm the availability of your selection in advance. Then set up a delivery option. To make this process easier, Costco has the number listed on their website.
Once you confirm availability, there are other steps that vary from a traditional order experience. For example, when you enter the shipping information, you need to use the first and last name of the deceased. Additionally, you place the mortuary or funeral homes name in the “company name” area. Also include their address in the “address” section, and their phone number in the “phone number section.”
The billing address information needs to match the person who is making the purchase.
How Long Does It Take to Arrive?
If you order a Costco casket before 10:00 am Pacific Time, it will arrive by 5:00 pm in your time zone after three business days. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding any holidays.
For example, if you order a casket before 10:00 am Pacific Time on Tuesday, it will arrive by 5:00 pm local time on Friday. If you place the same order after 10:00 am on Tuesday, the casket won’t arrive until Monday.
Additionally, someone must be present to accept the delivery when it arrives. Typically, if you are using a funeral home, an employee will be able to handle the incoming delivery. However, if you are sending the casket to another location, you may need to set someone up to be available when the delivery arrives.
Can Anyone Buy a Costco Casket?
Sadly, no, not everyone can buy a casket from Costco.
First and foremost, the purchaser’s address and shipping address must be in one of the 38 states where Costco is allowed to sell caskets or in the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.). Here is a full list of the eligible states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This means both your bill-to and ship-to addresses must be in one of those areas. However, they don’t have to be in the same one. For example, your bill-to address could be in Washington while your ship-to address could be in Texas.
Additionally, to purchase a Costco casket, you must be a Costco member.
Can a Funeral Home Refuse to Let You Use a Costco Casket?
In short, no. Funeral homes must adhere to rules outlined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), including that they must accept any casket a family buys, including those from outside sources. Additionally, they cannot charge you a fee solely for not purchasing a casket from the funeral home.
However, it is wise to inform the funeral home of your purchase within one business day, especially if they will be receiving the delivery. This ensures someone will be available and that they no to anticipate its arrival.
Can You Return a Costco Casket?
Costco will only accept casket returns if the item was damaged during shipping. If that occurs, you have to contact Costco customer service to make arrangements, as caskets cannot be returned at warehouse stores.
However, if there is no damage, you cannot return the casket to Costco.
Is Ordering a Casket for Preplanning Allowed?
No, the manufacturer cannot support preplanning orders. They cannot hold a shipment until a future date, so they will only accept orders that can ship to a funeral home, mortuary, or other approved location immediately.
Should You Buy a Costco Casket?
Ultimately, choosing a casket is a very personal experience. Only you can decide if what they have available is right for you, your dearly departed, and your family.
Before you decide, explore what Costco has to offer. Read the casket specifications to make sure the size and weight limits meet your needs, and even read reviews left by other buyers.
You should also feel free to comparison shop. While Costco caskets are affordable, there are a variety of options out there, including many online.
For example, you can also buy caskets from Amazon, and many of their offerings are reasonably affordable.
As with any online shopping experience, make sure to read the descriptions thoroughly, especially since returning a casket usually isn’t a possibility unless there is shipping-related damage. If, after reviewing the information, you believe you found a suitable option, then don’t hesitate to move forward with your purchase.
Have you ever purchased a casket from Costco? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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