Online casket and urn store

Families arranging a funeral, and sometimes people pre-planning, who want more choice or lower prices than the funeral home offers.

You buy at a wholesale price and sell at a markup. Each sale is a larger ticket, so a handful of orders a month can cover your costs.

• Compassionate, patient customer service
• Building and running a simple online store
• Handling logistics and delivery deadlines

• Funeral homes generally must accept caskets bought elsewhere under the FTC Funeral Rule, but check your state's rules on casket sales and any licensing
• Check with your state revenue department about sales tax on caskets and shipping
• Delivery is time-critical, so a late or damaged casket is a serious problem. Agree clear delivery and returns terms with suppliers
• Sales are emotional and sensitive, so be honest and avoid pushy marketing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your website build, supplier arrangements and marketing. Because orders are usually drop-shipped, you generally hold no stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your pricing, the range you offer and how many families find your store. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours of work a week.

Funeral homes generally must accept caskets bought elsewhere under the FTC Funeral Rule, but check your state's rules on casket sales and any licensing. Ask your state revenue department about sales tax, and agree clear delivery and returns terms with suppliers.