The different between coffins and caskets - Research Paper Example

The different between Coffins and Caskets Introduction When making preparations for a funeral, one has an option of either purchasing a coffin or a casket for the asleep. Determination of whether to have a Casket or a Coffin is generally a personal choice. Coffins are usually more affordable than caskets. Coffins are mainly preferred if the deceased will be cremated to avoid unnecessary wastage of resources. On the other hand, caskets are popular among those who prefer burials.A coffin can be said to be more of traditional compared to a casket.

A coffin has tapering at the feet and head. It is designed to resemble the shape of a person (human being with either six or eight sides). It is mainly made of custom wood, particleboard or solid timber. Unlike that of caskets, the lids of the coffins come separate. The lid is then fitted into place with 4 to 6 plastic or metal screws. A coffin could have 4 or 6 handles. They are available in the different styles such as: Particle board with stain or veneer, Particleboard /Custom wood plain, Solid Timber, Particle board, painted with a matt or gloss paint and Particle board with surrounding paper design among others (Funeral Line Australia).

In shape, a casket is more of rectangular with the same height and width from head to foot. It is commonly made of solid metal or wood. The lid is attached to the coffin with hinges on one side. However, some lids are designed in two sections to assist viewing of the corps. Caskets are traditionally larger in size compared to coffins and come in different designs. They may either have a handle bar or individual handles. Caskets are available styles of caskets are namely; Cardboard Casket, Rental Casket (particleboard capsule, in a sold timber outer shell), Solid Timber and Metal Casket among others (Funeral Line Australia).

The most popular selections available for both caskets and coffins are in plain white or a wood grain finish. Some funeral enterprises may offer custom options, whereby the family can choose between a casket and a coffin painted in a certain color or design. This comes at an extra charge for these options.Values of caskets are affected by; production method, materials used for construction and /or styles of caskets (fcpr.fsu.edu). Below is an image of a 14-karat gold casket. It was on displayed in 2010 at Malaysia’s National Museum of Kuala Lumpur.

This casket has vents and silk lining inside and safety lock systems. Tit was valued at RM 500,000 or $217,400. Source: http://6starliving.com/worlds-most-expensive-coffins-and-cemeteries/ The above casket was modeled after The Promethean (Below) which is one of the most expensive and famous worldwide. It was used by both the late pop singer Michael Jackson and James Brown. This $25,000 worth custom made casket has solid bronze with blue velvet interior and a hand polished gold plate finish of 24 karats.

Source: http://6starliving.com/worlds-most-expensive-coffins-and-cemeteries/ Environmentalists are known for preferring Cost and environmental friendly caskets. Professor Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Prize Laureate from Kenya, chose before her death to be buried in a coffin made of water papyrus reeds and hyacinth with a bamboo frame. An estimated cost would be of around $10 dollars. ConclusionDue to the market conditions of the coffin and casket market, there is great potential is dominating this market.

Price discrimination can be employed to maximize on sales. The cultural fear of people to exclude themselves with funeral business would act as a form of barrier to entry. It is however preferable to sell caskets than coffins due to the large profit margin associated with sale of the former.Works CitedFaye. World’s Most Expensive Coffins and Cemeteries. Posted on Posted on August 24, 2011. Retrieved on 30th March, 2012 from http://6starliving.com/worlds-most-expensive-coffins-and-cemeteries/ fcpr.fsu.edu.

Caskets vs. Coffins. Retrieved on 30th March, 2012 from http://fcpr.fsu.edu/funeral/modules/management/productInfo/casketsVScoffins.htm Funeral Line Australia. Coffins Vs Caskets. Retrieved on 30th March, 2012 from http://www.funeralline.com.au