TC Urn Business Booms

by Carrie Henderson

A few years ago, Jordan Lindberg was looking to start up an online store. The executive vice President of TC’s eFulfillment Services had a long list of requirements including: don’t sell anything you can find at the local Wal-Mart or Best Buy, don’t sell things that are easy to break or spoil, and avoid selling penny products; do sell something of use to the growing baby boomer market – now and in the future.

“After I got my list of requirements put together, it was just a matter of researching industries and looking for those sorts of opportunities that jump out at you,” says Lindberg.

What jumped out at him? Discount cremation urns and memorial products for the general public and funeral directors. In November 2010, he and his wife, Marcy, became an online retailer of the items, opening Stardust Memorials. It might not sound like a very glamorous business, but Lindberg says the need is definitely out there.

“Cremation rates in the U.S. are skyrocketing. It’s completely changing the way the death-care industry works,” states Lindberg, “and that fact is one of the reasons we got in this business.”

Lindberg goes on to add that a cremation can be arranged online for as little as $1,000, compared to up to $15,000 for a funeral with a fancy casket and graveside service.

“Talking with people who have lost a relative is difficult at times,” he says, “but we're bringing so much value in terms of our basic offer that it feels good to be able to save people big money and get them an outstanding and personalized product at the same time. I'm proud to say our company really helps people.”

With customers from all over the country – including California, Florida and Hawaii – Lindberg says Stardust Memorials has experienced tremendous growth in just 15 months. “We were lucky to get a good start right out of the blocks, and every month has been better than the last.”

The secret to the online discount store’s success? It boasts a large inventory of urns, which include biodegradable, ceramic, glass and wood urns. Prices range from under $20 to $400. Pet urns are also available for sale. In addition, the company carries a line of remembrance jewelry, such as sterling silver cross and heart pendants. Some products are made locally; others are manufactured across the country and overseas. Along with free ground shipping, Stardust Memorials also pays the sales tax, offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and a price match guarantee.

Lindberg explains, “It's an incredible value, and that value proposition is what is driving our sales growth. No one can beat that offer. Our customers save hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars by purchasing from us.”