Walmart

[steve w]

this was from the bbc

Wal-Mart starts selling coffins
Mom Remembered Steel Casket (Wal-Mart website)
The caskets can be dispatched to buyers within 48 hours

The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, now plans to hold on to customers even after they die - by selling coffins.

Prices range from a "Mom" or "Dad Remembered" steel coffin for $895 (£540), to a bronze model at $2,899.

The retailer is allowing customers to plan ahead by paying for the caskets over 12 months for no interest. They can be dispatched within 48 hours.

Catering for cradle-to-grave needs, Wal-Mart already sells everything from baby wear to engagement rings.

A spokesman for the supermarket giant, Ravi Jariwala, said the new coffin range was "a limited beta test to understand customer response".

The retailer is offering caskets at prices that undercut many funeral homes, say correspondents.

But an industry spokesman said it was not unduly concerned about Wal-Mart's move, because he said the firm could not offer bereaved families the human touch.

Pat Lynch, of the National Funeral Home Directors Association, told AP news agency: "There's no question in my mind as a funeral director for nearly 40 years that the most critical element is the human contact."

[Robin G]

LOL, I can tell this post is gonna be as unpleasant as a camping in walmart parking lot post would be..........


( Ok, I am not putting down "getting off the road" walmart parking so don't throw darts, I just don't understand "camping" at walmart! and find it just weird that someone would enjoy it. And find it weird that Walmart wants to get into the business venture of where/what I might spend my after life in......... just tooooooooo weird ) LOL

[Casita Greg]

Do they offer one in basic white fiberglass?

Happy Halloween!

[Vivian]

Costco also sells caskets.

[Greg A]

Costco also sells caskets.

And Urns!!

[Chester Taje]

This subject is getting to be a downer.

[peterh]

And with that, a Halloween short story.

"Well, it's different."

"I wanted something unique in the living room. It's a coffee table and conversation piece all in one. See, you and I are already talking about it!"

"But, Jake, an empty coffin?"

"Who said it was empty?"

[steve w]

so i said to the wife,honey why dont you get in and try it out!!mabye take it for a test ride!!wonder what kind of warranty and the return policy

[Robin G]

so i said to the wife,honey why dont you get in and try it out!!mabye take it for a test ride!!wonder what kind of warranty and the return policy

And your still here today? She is a very patient women! Me be thinking she's planning revenge! LOL..............

[bobinyelm]

this was from the bbc

Wal-Mart starts selling coffins
Mom Remembered Steel Casket (Wal-Mart website)
The caskets can be dispatched to buyers within 48 hours

The world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, now plans to hold on to customers even after they die - by selling coffins.

Prices range from a "Mom" or "Dad Remembered" steel coffin for $895 (£540), to a bronze model at $2,899.

The retailer is allowing customers to plan ahead by paying for the caskets over 12 months for no interest. They can be dispatched within 48 hours.

Catering for cradle-to-grave needs, Wal-Mart already sells everything from baby wear to engagement rings.

A spokesman for the supermarket giant, Ravi Jariwala, said the new coffin range was "a limited beta test to understand customer response".

The retailer is offering caskets at prices that undercut many funeral homes, say correspondents.

[b]But an industry spokesman said it was not unduly concerned about Wal-Mart's move, because he said the firm could not offer bereaved families the human touch.

[b]Pat Lynch, of the National Funeral Home Directors Association, told AP news agency: "There's no question in my mind as a funeral director for nearly 40 years that the most critical element is the human contact."

Speaking from the personal experience when my mom, then my wife died, the funeral homes (in vastly different parts of the nation) were callous and cruel (and even telling sarcastic "jokes"), using guilt and intimidation and belittlement in order to get me to pay for far more expensive funerals than I could afford. I'd frankly rather have a WalMart funeral in contrast to the ones I've experienced.

I have NOTHING but disdain for those leeches who prey on those who have lost loved ones.

SHAME on them, though I suspect they are unable to feel shame! (that said, I am sure there ARE some good folks in the business)

Bob

[Donna D.]

I'm certainly not going to excuse bad behavior in any profession, but have some personal experience with the funeral services. My ex's entire family is involved in some manner. Starting with First Call where they pickup and transport bodies to the funeral home to officiating at the services. It's a strange profession. And probably justifiably so, since these people only deal with death. Did you ever see the TV show "Six Feet Under." It's was actually fairly accurate (from my understanding). People who deal in death are a pretty warped bunch. It's not a profession I'd want anything to do with. I understand that there is a huge problem with invoice collecting on funeral services. Like my ex would say... what are we going to do, go dig up grandma because the family won't pay the bill? If anything could be learned from bad experiences it's to preplan your own death, at the very least by writing down your own wishes.

Now back to your regularly scheduled topic.

[Frederick L. Simson]

If anything could be learned from bad experiences it's to preplan your own death, at the very least by writing down your own wishes.

I am opting out of the whole funeral thing. I'm leaving my body to the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine. I get my health care at the San Diego VA medical center which is on the UCSD campus, so my wishes are in my records.