A deal to die for...

"Oh Rhonda, that is SUCH a handsome casket that Larry is lying in. Where did you ever get it?"

"Well, Myrtle, just between you and me - I got it at Costco - and it was an absolutely fabulous deal. Why, I even bought two - figured I'll be kicking the bucket sooner or later."

Indeed - Costco sells caskets and urns. And quite lovely ones at that. They provide a few important pieces of information on their site. First of all, you are required to read the information about the caskets before you purchase one - "MUST READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING A CASKET" says the notice.

Among the questions addressed are first and foremost (and my favorite): "Why is Costco Wholesale selling caskets?" You know...that was in fact the first thing I thought when browsing Costco's funerary section. The answer: "As a service to our members."

Well, that sums it up nicely.

It gets better - the last question is: "Can we choose other colors or options?" The answer: "Not at this time. We have selected the most popular styles and colors, with the highest quality linings." What do expect? You're shopping for caskets at Costco after all. It's a good thing they let you buy individual caskets and don't require a bulk order of 4 or more.

Finally, the site warns in all-caps, bold letters: THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC OR OTHER EVIDENCE THAT ANY CASKET WITH A SEALING DEVICE WILL PRESERVE HUMAN REMAINS.

Like with so many other fascinating American product warnings, I have to wonder what transpired to require this large, obvious warning.

So how much does one of these sweet Costco coffins cost you? Anywhere from a low, low $924.99 to a whopping $2,599.99. Because no one wants to see a round number when burying their loved ones, and this way, the purchaser gets the satisfying feeling of having obtained a real bargain.

Next up - Costco provides organs - get your fresh liver, kidney or heart right here, for rock-bottom prices - guaranteed fresh!