Can you supply a casket or urn on short notice?
Yes. I always have several completed caskets and urns on hand for immediate use. However, due to limited storage capacity, I cannot guarantee availability of particular models. Delivery times vary according to distance from Winnipeg.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Payments may be made with cash, credit card, Interac E-transfer, or cheque. Urn shipments must be paid for in advance.
Do you pre-sell caskets or offer storage of caskets purchased for future use?
No, I do not offer these services. Those who wish to use one of my caskets in the future can document those wishes and inform their family and/or funeral service providers. Click here for a simple form to record those wishes in writing.
What kinds of materials do you use?
I use materials and techniques that balance environmental sustainability, strength, pleasant appearance, and reasonable cost. At present I build with veneered plywoods or solid pine and spruce. The former are sturdy, relatively inexpensive and allow for the enjoyment of woodgrains without consuming precious solid lumber. The latter are fast-growing and biodegradable softwoods. I use no particleboard. Interior sheets and pillows are made of organic, unbleached cotton. Bedding materials are shredded wood fibre, recycled newsprint, cardboard and paper tissue. On finished caskets I use a combination of natural oils and wax. Metal handles are removable and can be returned to me for a $50 refund.
Will your caskets fit into standard vaults or concrete liners?
Yes (see casket pages for detailed specifications).
Will funeral homes agree to use a casket they did not supply?
After almost 20 years experience I am not aware of a funeral home outright rejecting a casket supplied by an outside source. Their good reputation is at stake. They may, however, require a signature on a waiver stating that they are not responsible for the quality of the casket.
Will funeral homes charge me extra if I use one of your caskets?
Practices vary. Manitoba laws permit such additional fees only if they are clearly written on the detailed price lists that funeral homes must provide their clients.
Some funeral homes rely on profit from casket sales to subsidize the costs of other services and facilities. Others have price lists that reflect the true cost of each item or service. Given that alternative product providers—whether woodworkers like me or giant chain stores retailing caskets—are not likely to disappear, true-cost pricing is better for all concerned.
In all cases, funeral homes are bound to transparency by their Code of Ethics. To access the home page of the Funeral Board of Manitoba, including links to their Code of Ethics, Acts and Regulations pertaining to funerals in Manitoba, please click on the following external link: http://www.gov.mb.ca/funeraldirectorsboard/index.html
Why do you sell directly to the public?
Originally, I was inspired by the idea that I could offer lower cost and simpler alternatives. Moreover, I knew that it would be difficult to compete as a wholesaler with those who mass-produce caskets (some of which are shipped great distances from lower-wage environments). After almost 20 years of experience I would add that some people value locally-made products and the opportunity to have direct contact with the person who has made the casket or urn.