Pressure from months of high inflation may be inspiring Americans to get serious about financial planning, and one company is offering consumers to do just that this Black Friday with caskets.
Yes, caskets.
“Most customers just don’t know. It’s an uncomfortable topic to talk about,” Titan co-founder Josh Siegel told Audacy Saturday. He was referring to the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule.
This rule “allows you to compare prices among funeral homes, and makes it possible for you to select the funeral arrangements you want at the home you use,” according to the FTC.
“So, it’s this great benefit, but the problem is that nobody knows about it,” said Siegel, who explained that caskets bought from third-party suppliers can be 50% less than those found at funeral homes.
To get the word out, Titan Casket, a startup based in Boston, Mass., is offering another $50 off for those who buy their future caskets this Black Friday through the “Pre-Plan-Your-Casket” program. Customers can unlock the discount with the code FUNERALRULE.
While it may be tempting to avoid thinking of one’s eventual demise, Siegel said making a casket plan is worth it, as most families find themselves overspending when buying a casket for their loved ones. He said that Titan’s offer can help consumers lock in their casket price and avoid future inflation.
People “shouldn’t have to shop around when they’re grieving,” for reasonable casket prices, Siegel added. Titan is advocating for the FTC rule to be further expanded so more people know about how to avoid excessive funeral costs.
Buyers of Titan caskets will also have the benefit of a product with ties to Taylor Swift.
Around the 2:15 mark of Swift’s new “Anti-Hero” music video, the camera cuts to a casket adorned with flowers. It’s a Titan model.
“To my children, I leave 13 cents,” reads actress Mary Elizabeth Ellis’ from Swift’s fictional will before the lid opens.
Siegel said that, as an online casket company, Titan regularly sells to films and production companies. However, he told Audacy that seeing a Titan casket in the music video was a special thrill.
“We woke up that Friday, and the most popular and universally liked artist was climbing out of our casket,” he said. Titan got a call about the video in July, but they thought the casket would be used for a local band.
The team at Titan was also grateful for an opportunity to engage with Swift’s fans and spread the word about helping consumers with funeral costs.
According to the company, its Black Friday deal is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to “save your family thousands more when you pass away (hopefully) many, many years from now.”
Related
Related
