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In the modern age of technology and convenience, almost anything can be purchased online and delivered to your doorstep. This includes the most delectable seafood delicacy – lobster. No longer do you have to live next door to a lobsterman or even visit the coast of Maine to obtain the world’s best seafood. With just a few clicks, you can have live lobsters (or amazing prepared lobster dishes) delivered straight to your home. 

Let’s walk through the process of buying lobster online and share some tips for ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience.

Choose a Reputable Supplier:

The first step in buying lobster online is to find a reputable supplier. Research and read reviews to ensure that the company you choose is known for delivering high-quality, fresh seafood. Look for suppliers that source their lobsters from sustainable and responsible fisheries to support ethical practices, and remember, the commercial fishing industry in the United States is more regulated than any other fisheries in the world, so buy American generally, and from Maine specifically!

Find someplace with options:

Consider what type of lobster product you’re looking for. Do you want live lobsters to cook at home, or would you prefer pre-cooked lobster tails or whole lobsters? Perhaps a lobster pot pie? Online suppliers often provide a range of options to suit your preferences. Additionally, some retailers offer lobster dishes that are expertly prepared and ready to be heated and enjoyed. Most suppliers also have recipes and information about cooking lobsters so make sure to check those out before you purchase to make sure you have everything you need.

What about shipping?

Before placing your order, carefully review the supplier’s shipping policies. Shipping live lobsters is not like shipping a new pair of shoes, so the shipping process needs to ensure their survival and quality. (The lobsters, not the shoes.) Look for suppliers who use overnight shipping to maintain freshness. Verify whether shipping costs are included in the purchase price or if there are additional charges. If you’re purchasing a value-add product, like lobster mac-n-cheese, you should also look into the shipping to ensure freshness.

Packaging and Handling:

A crucial aspect of ordering lobster online is how the lobsters are packaged and handled during transit. The supplier should use appropriate packaging materials to ensure the lobsters arrive in pristine condition. Temperature-controlled packaging and gel packs are often used to keep the lobsters at the right temperature throughout the journey. It’s a good idea to know generally how they will arrive at your door just so you know what to expect. Remember: ice is made with freshwater, so lobsters will not be packed in ice because if the ice melts, the lobsters will suffocate. Lobsters can only survive and thrive in briney sea water, so never immerse them in fresh water (remember this when you get them home and need to keep them cool, too!). If you’re not going to cook your lobsters right away, keep them cold in your refrigerator, but not for more than an additional few hours.

Read the Reviews:

Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the overall experience with a particular online supplier. Look for reviews that mention the quality of the lobsters, the accuracy of the delivery, and the customer service provided. Positive reviews can give you confidence in your choice, while negative reviews can help you avoid potential issues.

Cooking Instructions:

If you’re new to cooking lobster, choose a supplier that provides clear and detailed cooking instructions or make sure to look into how to cook lobsters before you buy.  Properly preparing lobster can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Most suppliers will offer cooking tips and recipes to help you create amazing dishes at home. Some may even provide contact information if you have further questions.

Lobsters don’t arrive red:

When your lobster delivery arrives, it’s essential to unpack and inspect the contents immediately. Live lobsters will be dark-green-blue in color, and should be lively and moving. If a lobster appears weak or inactive, you can contact the supplier’s customer service for assistance. Sometimes after transit lobsters may appear weak but will reinvigorate after an hour in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

It’s so exciting that you can enjoy fresh Maine lobsters (or a yummy lobster bisque) from the comfort of your home no matter where you live. And, remember, buying lobsters from a reputable source helps support fishing families on the coast who work hard to provide you with the freshest, best, and most sustainable wild-caught protein in the world!