FORM

Your Rights

Each year, Americans grapple with many questions as they spend billions of dollars arranging funerals for family members and friends. The increasing trend toward pre-need planning – when people make funeral arrangements in advance – suggests that many consumers want to compare prices and services so that ultimately, the funeral reflects a wise and well-informed purchasing decision, as well as a meaningful one.

Many funeral providers offer various “packages” of commonly selected goods and services that make up a funeral. But when you arrange for a funeral, you have the right to buy individual goods and services. That is, you do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want.

According to the Federal Trade Commission:

• You have the right to choose only the funeral goods and services you want.
• The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.
• The funeral provider must provide you with a general price list.
• If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.
• A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.

How do I place an order?

For immediate need, please call us at 888-433-6934. If you are planning for future use – please fill out and send in an Advanced-Planning Purchase Order Form. Your purchase will be reserved until you need it.

Can I order online?

Sorry, no. We sincerely believe that the purchase of a casket or urn is a deeply sacred and personal experience and your best interests will not be served through a website. When you call us at 888-433-6934, you will speak with someone who can answer your questions and guide you through the entire process, ensuring accuracy. There can be a number of options to consider and we want to make sure we are there for you during this important life event.

How does shipping and delivery work?

Caskets can be delivered to funeral homes, private residences, or other destinations in several ways: regionally via our own delivery truck, over-the-road freight carriers, or by overnight air freight. Urns are typically shipped via Federal Express Ground.

What are the payment options?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, personal checks, or money orders.

How long does it take to get a casket or urn?

We maintain a ready supply of caskets and urns for immediate shipment. It usually takes 1 or 2 business days to get a casket delivered, but we also offer next-day delivery, as needed. Please refer to our Shipping Estimator for approximate transportation times and costs.

Will a funeral home accept a Trappist Casket?

Yes, all funeral homes in the United States will accept the Trappist Casket you select. The Federal Trade Commission protects the consumer’s right to provide their own casket or urn. We will work with your funeral director in making any necessary arrangements.

Can I purchase a Trappist Casket through my funeral home?

Many funeral homes offer Trappist Caskets, but if your funeral home does not, please call us directly and place your order. We can deliver to funeral homes, as well as private residences and other destinations.

Do Trappist Caskets meet industry standards and fit inside a standard vault?

Yes. All of our caskets – even our over-sized models – fit inside a standard vault. Trappist Caskets meets or exceeds all industry standards for size, strength, durability, etc.

What are Trappists?

Trappists are monks belonging to a Catholic religious order, the Cistercians, which traces its roots to France 900 years ago. We are a cloistered, contemplative order, dedicated to a life of prayer, work and simplicity.

Where are you located?

Trappist Caskets are made at New Melleray Abbey, located 12 miles west of Dubuque, Iowa. It was founded in 1849, by monks from Mount Melleray Abbey, near Waterford, Ireland.

Why are you in the casket business?

The casket business allows us to be self-sufficient. At New Melleray Abbey we’ve been making caskets for our own members for more than 160 years. In 1999 we decided to offer our skills to the public as a sacred ministry.

What are your caskets and urns made of?

All of our caskets and cremation urns are made from solid wood, much of which is grown here at New Melleray. Dedicated to faithful stewardship of God’s natural creation, we only use as much wood as can be responsibly taken from our land, acquiring the rest from like-minded sources.

How long does it take to make a casket?

Each casket is hand-crafted and takes anywhere from 8 to 18 hours to make, depending on the model.