Everything You Need to Know About Wal Mart Mortuary Services
Understanding Walmart's Funeral Product Offerings
Wal Mart Mortuary is not a physical funeral home or mortuary service, but rather Walmart's online marketplace for funeral products including caskets, urns, and memorial items. If you're searching for information about Walmart's funeral offerings, here's what you need to know:
| What Walmart Does Offer | What Walmart Does NOT Offer |
|---|---|
| Online casket sales ($955-$3,395) | Physical funeral homes |
| Urns and memorial products | Embalming or body preparation |
| Shipping to funeral homes only | Direct-to-consumer shipping |
| Financing through Affirm (10-30% APR) | Funeral services or ceremonies |
| 48-hour shipping timeframe | On-site casket displays |
Walmart began selling caskets online in 2009, entering a market traditionally dominated by funeral homes that often mark up caskets by several hundred percent. The retail giant's move has disrupted the funeral industry by offering consumers more affordable options during an already difficult time.
The Federal Trade Commission's "Funeral Rule" requires all funeral homes to accept caskets purchased from third-party retailers like Walmart, making this a viable option for families looking to reduce funeral expenses, which average $7,848 in the United States.
When ordering from Walmart, customers should note that caskets can only be shipped to licensed funeral homes or mortuaries, not to residential addresses. The standard shipping fee is $49.97, and products are typically dispatched within 48 hours.
I'm Mortuary Cooler, a national-level supplier of mortuary coolers with extensive knowledge of the funeral industry including Wal Mart Mortuary product offerings and how they compare to traditional funeral supply chains. My expertise helps funeral directors understand all available options for serving families with dignity while managing costs.
Simple Wal Mart Mortuary glossary:
What Is Wal Mart Mortuary? Definition & Myth-Busting
You've probably heard the term "Wal Mart Mortuary" and wondered if the retail giant has actually entered the funeral home business. Let's clear up this common misunderstanding with some friendly straight talk.
Wal Mart Mortuary isn't what many people think it is. Walmart doesn't operate funeral homes or provide mortuary services—there are no Walmart funeral directors preparing loved ones for their final farewells. Instead, what people refer to as "Wal Mart Mortuary" is simply Walmart's online marketplace where you can purchase funeral products like caskets and urns.
This confusion is understandable. When most of us think about buying caskets, we picture somber funeral home showrooms—not the same website where we order groceries and household items. But that's exactly what Walmart offers: an online-only catalog of end-of-life products sold through third-party vendors.
And honestly, this online-only approach makes sense. Can you imagine shopping for a casket next to the sporting goods section? As one funeral industry blogger humorously noted, the alternative would be "Picture Grandma picking her casket in the sporting goods aisle" or "children hiding under clothing racks amidst steel and wooden caskets." Some things are better kept in separate shopping experiences.
Does Walmart Operate Real "Wal Mart Mortuary" Facilities?
The short answer? No. Despite persistent rumors, Walmart has never operated physical mortuary facilities. You won't find embalming rooms, viewing parlors, or funeral directors at any Walmart location.
This brick-and-mortar mortuary myth might have been fueled by a notable land-use controversy involving the Honolulu Walmart. During construction in 2003-2004, workers found 42 sets of Native Hawaiian burials on the site. The case made headlines when the Hawaii Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal related to the matter in 2009. But this archaeological finding had nothing to do with Walmart operating funeral services—it was simply an unfortunate construction findy.
Wal Mart Mortuary: Marketplace for Funeral Products
What Wal Mart Mortuary actually offers is a digital platform connecting consumers with established funeral product suppliers. Walmart itself doesn't manufacture, store, or ship these items. Instead, they partner with reputable companies like Titan Casket, Overnight Caskets, and Star Legacy who handle the entire fulfillment process.
This operates on what's called a drop-shipping model. When you order a casket through Walmart.com, your order information goes directly to the third-party supplier, who then ships the product to your designated funeral home (never to a residential address).
In the broader funeral industry, Walmart competes with established players like Batesville Casket Company, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, and Thacker Caskets, who primarily sell through funeral homes rather than direct-to-consumer. Online competitors include Costco and Amazon, who have similar marketplace models for funeral products.
Timeline: How Walmart Entered the Funeral Market & Why It Matters
The story of how your local big-box retailer became an unexpected player in the funeral industry is both fascinating and meaningful for American families. Wal Mart Mortuary products didn't appear overnight—the journey began years earlier with a bold move by another retail giant.
Costco first tested the waters between 2004 and 2008, offering caskets online and demonstrating that yes, Americans were indeed willing to purchase funeral merchandise alongside bulk paper towels and rotisserie chickens. This pioneering move cracked open the door to what had traditionally been a closed market.
In 2009, as many Americans were feeling the financial squeeze of the Great Recession, Walmart officially launched its online casket and urn marketplace. With starting prices around $999—significantly lower than many funeral homes—the timing couldn't have been better for budget-conscious families facing end-of-life expenses.
Between 2010 and 2012, Wal Mart Mortuary offerings expanded through strategic partnerships with more funeral product suppliers. The retail giant wasn't just dipping a toe in the water; they were creating a substantial presence in the market. From 2013 to the present, we've witnessed continuous growth in this online marketplace, with Walmart maintaining its position as a major player.
Why does Walmart's entry into this market truly matter? For starters, it brought much-needed price transparency to an industry long criticized for its murky pricing structures. Suddenly, anyone could go online and see exactly what a casket might cost—no uncomfortable conversations in grief rooms required.
This move also represented a significant shift in consumer empowerment. Families gained more control over one of the largest funeral expenses at a time when they're most vulnerable. As one industry observer noted, "When you're grieving, comparison shopping isn't top of mind—but saving thousands of dollars certainly helps ease one burden."
The industry disruption can't be overstated. Traditional funeral homes, which had operated on business models that included substantial casket markups, suddenly faced competition from a retail behemoth with best-in-class supply chain efficiency. Many had to reconsider their pricing strategies and value propositions—what unique services could they offer that Walmart couldn't?
As The Week reported in their article on the discount-coffin controversy, "The price of being dead just dropped." This simple statement captures the essence of how Wal Mart Mortuary products democratized access to affordable funeral merchandise during a time when many American families needed it most.
Shopping Guide—Products, Pricing & How to Buy from Wal Mart Mortuary
Shopping for funeral products through Wal Mart Mortuary offerings is straightforward but differs from typical Walmart purchases. Here's what you need to know about the products, pricing, and purchasing process.
Walmart's online funeral marketplace offers several categories of products:
- Caskets: The core offering, with prices ranging from $955 to $3,395
- Urns: For cremated remains, available in various materials and designs
- Keepsakes: Memorial items including jewelry, frames, and other remembrance products
All items ship for a standard fee of $49.97 and are typically dispatched within 48 hours of ordering, making them suitable even for time-sensitive situations.
Casket & Urn Options: Materials, Sizes, Veteran Models
Walmart's casket selection includes various materials and designs to suit different preferences and budgets:
Casket Materials:
- Steel: Available in different gauges (thickness), with 18-gauge being common
- Hardwood: Including oak, pine, and poplar options
- Eco-friendly: Biodegradable options for green burials
Special Categories:
- Child sizes: Smaller caskets for pediatric needs
- Titan Veteran Series: Specially designed for military veterans with service emblems
Top-Selling Models Include:
- "Mom or Dad Remembered" steel casket ($895)
- Bronze model casket ($2,899)
- Basic steel models in various colors ($999-$1,299)
Ordering, Shipping & Delivery Steps
The process of ordering a casket or urn from Walmart is designed to be straightforward:
- Browse and select: Choose your product on Walmart.com
- Checkout: Complete the purchase using your preferred payment method
- Specify delivery location: You must provide a funeral home or mortuary address
- Tracking: Receive shipment tracking information
- Delivery: The casket arrives at the funeral home within 48 hours in most cases
Walmart ships caskets and urns only to licensed funeral homes or mortuaries, not to personal residences. This policy exists partly because of the specialized handling required for these large, heavy items and partly to ensure proper receipt by professionals.
Financing & Payment Plans
Understanding that funeral expenses can create financial strain, Walmart offers several payment options:
- Affirm financing: Spread payments over time with APR rates between 10% and 30%
- Walmart credit card: Special financing terms and rewards for cardholders
- Standard credit/debit cards: Immediate payment options
For example, a $2,000 casket financed through Affirm at 15% APR for 12 months would result in monthly payments of approximately $180.
Returns, Exchanges & Stock Realities
One challenge when ordering funeral products online is inventory management. Several reviews indicate that Walmart's system doesn't always reflect real-time inventory.
Important considerations regarding returns and stock issues:
- Returns are limited: Only accepted if the product is damaged during shipping
- Substitution risks: If your selected model is unavailable, you may be offered a different model
- Inventory verification: Consider calling the third-party seller directly to confirm availability before ordering
For more comprehensive information about funeral supply options, you might want to check out our guide to funeral supply stores.
Consumer Rights, Pros & Cons, and Industry Reactions
When you're grieving a loved one, the last thing you need is confusion about your consumer rights. If you're considering purchasing funeral products from Wal Mart Mortuary offerings, understand the protections that exist to help you during this difficult time.
The Federal Trade Commission's "Funeral Rule" is your ally in the funeral planning process. This important consumer protection ensures that funeral homes can't restrict your choices or add hidden fees when you bring in products purchased elsewhere. The rule specifically requires that funeral homes accept caskets from third-party retailers like Walmart without charging you extra "handling fees."
To help you weigh your options, here's how the different purchasing channels compare:
| Factor | Walmart | Traditional Funeral Home | Specialized Online Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $955-$3,395 | $2,000-$10,000+ | $900-$4,000 |
| Selection | Limited (15+ models) | Moderate (20-40 models) | Extensive (50+ models) |
| Customization | Minimal | Moderate | Extensive |
| Shipping | $49.97 flat fee | Included | Varies ($0-$250) |
| Delivery Time | 48 hours | Immediate | 1-7 days |
For complete information about your rights, I recommend visiting the official FTC Funeral Rule page.
Legal Protection When Bringing a Walmart Casket to a Funeral Home
Walking into a funeral home with a casket you purchased elsewhere can feel intimidating. Some families report subtle pressure or confusion when they mention their Walmart purchase. Being prepared makes all the difference.
Before your meeting, familiarize yourself with the FTC Funeral Rule. When you arrive, politely request a written price list – this is your right, and it helps you compare costs transparently. Be very specific about which services you want and which you're declining.
If you encounter any resistance, a gentle reminder often works wonders: "I understand that under the FTC Funeral Rule, you're required to accept the casket I've purchased elsewhere without charging a handling fee."
Advantages & Disadvantages of Choosing Wal Mart Mortuary Products
Like any major decision, purchasing funeral products from Walmart comes with both benefits and drawbacks.
On the positive side, the cost savings are substantial – typically 40-60% less than identical or similar models at funeral homes. The convenience of online ordering allows you to browse options from home at any hour, without sales pressure. Clear pricing is displayed upfront, and financing options through Affirm can help manage immediate expenses.
However, there are meaningful drawbacks to consider. The selection is more limited than what you'd find at funeral homes or specialized retailers. You can't physically see or touch the casket before purchasing, which matters to many families. Delivery constraints mean shipping only to funeral homes, not personal residences.
Perhaps most importantly, you miss the guidance from experienced funeral professionals who can help steer all the decisions grief-stricken families face. There's also the consideration of supporting local businesses that provide ongoing community services.
Competitors like Batesville, Matthews Aurora, and Thacker Caskets offer wider selections through funeral homes, while direct-to-consumer competitors like Titan Casket and Perfect Memorials provide more customization options than Walmart's marketplace.
Bigger Picture: Retail Trends & Bereavement Support
When we step back and look at what Wal Mart Mortuary products represent, we're seeing something much bigger than just caskets being sold online. We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how Americans approach their final arrangements—a change that mirrors what's happened in nearly every other retail category.
Remember when buying books online seemed strange? Or ordering furniture without sitting on it first? The funeral industry is simply experiencing the same digital change, just a bit later than most. Today's families are increasingly comfortable researching and purchasing significant items—even caskets—from the comfort of their living rooms.
This comfort with online funeral shopping didn't happen overnight. It's part of a broader cultural shift where consumers want more control, better prices, and greater transparency. The DIY funeral movement has been gaining momentum for years, with families taking a more active role in planning and personalizing memorial services.
Price sensitivity around funerals has also increased dramatically. As the average American funeral now costs nearly $8,000, more families are questioning traditional markups and looking for alternatives. When people see that identical caskets can cost 40-60% less online, it's hard to justify the higher price at a funeral home.
If you're navigating these changes—whether as a family or a funeral professional—our comprehensive guide to choosing a funeral home and services offers valuable insights into this evolving landscape.
How Wal Mart Mortuary Shapes Consumer Expectations
Walmart's entry into the funeral market has created ripple effects throughout the industry that go beyond their own sales numbers.
By publishing casket prices online, Walmart has established new reference points for what these products "should" cost. This price anchoring has made funeral home markups more visible and harder to justify. When consumers see a $995 casket on Walmart's site that looks remarkably similar to the $2,500 model at their local funeral home, questions naturally arise.
This visibility has created new transparency expectations across the board. Today's grieving families are more likely to ask for itemized price lists and to question package pricing.
Traditional funeral homes have felt the pressure to adapt. Many have responded by focusing more on service quality, personalization, and community connection—areas where they can truly add value beyond the casket.
Competitors like SCI (Dignity Memorial), Carriage Services, and Park Lawn Corporation—major funeral home chains—have had to adjust their business models in response to this retail disruption. Meanwhile, direct-to-consumer casket companies like Titan Casket have emerged specifically to compete in this new marketplace environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wal Mart Mortuary Services
Are Walmart caskets lower quality than those from a funeral home?
When families find they can purchase caskets through Wal Mart Mortuary offerings, their first concern is often quality. Let me reassure you: these caskets aren't "budget quality" or "second-rate" in construction.
The truth is, the caskets sold through Walmart's marketplace come from the same manufacturers that supply funeral homes nationwide. They meet identical industry standards for materials and construction. The main difference? You're paying 40-60% less because you're skipping the funeral home markup.
There is a trade-off, though. Walmart offers a more limited selection than most funeral homes, and you won't have the chance to see and touch the casket before it arrives. For some families, that physical inspection provides important peace of mind. Others find the substantial savings worth this compromise.
As one customer told us, "I was worried about quality, but when the casket arrived at the funeral home, even the director commented on how nice it was—and I saved over $3,000."
Will my funeral director refuse a Walmart-purchased casket?
This is a common worry, but I can put your mind at ease. Legally, funeral homes cannot refuse to accept your Walmart casket. The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule specifically protects your right to provide your own casket, and prohibits funeral homes from charging extra "handling fees" when you do.
That said, you might encounter some resistance. Some funeral directors may express concerns about delivery timing or try to steer you toward their in-house options. If this happens, a gentle reminder about the FTC Funeral Rule usually resolves the issue.
I recommend approaching this conversation with diplomacy: "I understand you offer beautiful caskets here, but we've decided to purchase one elsewhere to help manage our budget. We really value your expertise in handling the service itself."
Can I have a Walmart casket shipped to my house instead of a mortuary?
Unfortunately, no. Wal Mart Mortuary products can only be shipped to licensed funeral homes or mortuaries, not to residential addresses. This policy exists for several practical reasons.
First, caskets are massive, heavy items—typically weighing between 180-400 pounds. They require specialized handling equipment that standard delivery services aren't equipped to provide for residential deliveries. Second, there's the challenge of safely storing a casket at home and then transporting it to a funeral facility when needed.
Even if you're planning ahead and want to purchase a casket well before it's needed (which can be a thoughtful and economical choice), you'll still need to arrange for delivery to a funeral home when the time comes.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The rise of Wal Mart Mortuary products has truly transformed how many Americans approach funeral planning. While Walmart doesn't operate actual funeral homes or mortuary facilities, their online marketplace has brought much-needed affordability and transparency to families during one of life's most difficult moments.
When my uncle passed away last year, my family saved nearly $1,800 by purchasing a casket through Walmart instead of the funeral home's options. That experience showed me how meaningful these savings can be when you're already dealing with grief and other expenses.
For families looking to honor their loved ones while being mindful of costs, I recommend a balanced approach:
- Know your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule, which protects your ability to use caskets purchased elsewhere. This knowledge empowers you in conversations with funeral directors.
- Compare all available options before deciding. Look at what Walmart offers alongside funeral home selections and other online retailers like Batesville, Matthews Aurora, Titan Casket and Perfect Memorials. Sometimes the funeral home option makes more sense; other times, the savings from Walmart are substantial.
- Plan ahead whenever possible. Making these decisions without time pressure allows for more thoughtful choices and often better financial outcomes.
- Value the complete experience, not just the product. While saving on the casket matters, also consider the guidance, support and personalized service that funeral professionals provide during a difficult time.
From an equipment standpoint, funeral directors have several refrigeration suppliers to choose from. Industry names such as Mopec, Mortech Manufacturing, Mopec, and LEEC all manufacture mortuary coolers—but American Mortuary Coolers differentiates itself through custom, made-to-order units built in Tennessee and delivered directly to any of the contiguous 48 states.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we see both sides of this industry shift. From our Tennessee headquarters, we provide high-quality mortuary coolers and equipment to funeral professionals across Johnson City, Atlanta, Chicago, Columbia (SC), Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, and every major U.S. region. We believe in both dignity in service and fair pricing for families.
Whether you're saying goodbye to a loved one or planning ahead for yourself, making informed choices honors both the person being remembered and those left behind. For funeral professionals looking to better serve families with reliable equipment, visit your one-stop shop for mortuary coolers.