History of Casket Retailing

Unfortunately, most of us will be faced with the responsibility of making funeral arrangements, either planning ahead for ourselves or at the time of need for a loved one. Until recently consumers were left with no alternative other than relying on a funeral home for their service and merchandise needs. The late eighties and early nineties saw an increasing death rate as our aging population began to cross the threshold of mortality. Quite simply... death was becoming big business with big profits! By the mid nineties, the cost of the average traditional funeral had skyrocketed to between $6,000.00-$8,000.00, with up to 50% of that amount made up by the cost of the casket!  A landmark date for consumers was 1994 when the Federal Trade Commission amended its Funeral Rule. The resulting law prohibited Funeral Directors from charging a handling fee or penalizing the consumer in any way if they wished to exercise their right to freedom of trade by shopping for goods and or/ merchandise at a place other than a Funeral Home! The change in law, coupled with the exorbitant pricing of many Funeral Homes paved the way for the new industry of casket retailing. Today, there are hundreds of retail casket locations throughout the United States and Canada; many are geared toward meeting the needs of their specific community. While many locations vary in size and product offerings, most are able to save consumers up to 40% -70% off Funeral Home merchandise pricing. At Guardian Angel, whether it's an expertly crafted, hand polished hardwood design, bronze, copper or stainless steel, each of our products is created to exact industry standards.

The casket is frequently the single most expensive funeral item you may have to buy if you are planning a traditional funeral. Save hundreds or even thousands of dollars and place your savings back into the family estate.