Tuesday, March 18th
2025 Lobster Company Reviews
Maine Lobster Now
- Prices range from $17.99 to $459.99
- Gift cards available
- Supports sustainability
- One-stop shop for surf and turf
Maine Lobster Now, in operation since 2012, stands out for its competitive pricing on lobster. With an attractive offer of two 1.5-lb. live lobsters for under $80, including free 1-day shipping on orders over $100, this store appeals to customers looking for a budget-friendly option. However, before making a decision, it's essential to consider the abundance of lobster choices available, the company's reputation, and the potential inconsistencies in customer experiences.
Good as a one-stop shop
When it comes to lobster, Maine Lobster Now has you covered. Whether you prefer traditional live lobsters or indulgent options like lobster mac and cheese and lobster rolls, this store offers a diverse selection that may leave you struggling to decide. Additionally, they provide an array of other seafood selections, including crab, fish, and shellfish, as well as soups, chowders, appetizers, sides, steaks, and desserts. With such a variety, you'll likely find everything you need to create a delectable and satisfying meal.
Prices are high for individual lobsters
To compare prices across various retailers, we checked out three products at Maine Lobster Now similar to those at other lobster stores. We checked out the live lobsters, a non-lobster product, and any available bundles. In particular, Maine Lobster Now impresses with its diverse range of lobster options, including live, frozen, and tail-only choices. The price for lobster starts at $17.99 and reaches up to $459.99 for a single lobster. In addition to lobsters, Maine Lobster Now offers a competitive selection of non-lobster items. Our focus for price comparison centered on their chowder offerings, which ranged from $14.99 to $64.99. Finally, the packages available at Maine Lobster Now are mostly available in the "gifts section”. There are 12 different listings including lobster ravioli or complete surf and turf dinners. The prices range from $54.99 to $209.99.
Supports the University of Maine Lobster Institute
Maine Lobster Now is deeply committed to sustainable lobster fishing practices and the long-term preservation of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. As a proud sponsor of the University of Maine Lobster Institute, the company promises to prioritize the health and sustainability of lobster populations over short-term gains. With over a century of sustainable lobstering practices ingrained in Maine's fishing industry, Maine Lobster Now is dedicated to upholding these principles.
Gifting snacks and cards
There are three different gifting options at Maine Lobster Now. You can buy e-gift cards, corporate gifts, or just "lobster gifts.” The lobster gifts include a variety of treats that have lobster in them, like lobster rolls. For the e-gift cards, you can enter any value from $10 to $500 and the card will be delivered to the email inbox of your intended recipient.
Shipping problems are the customer's responsibility
There are no listed shipping prices at Marine Lobster Now, which was disappointing. And, according to their shipping policy, it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that someone is available to receive the package(s) on the designated delivery date. Failure to do so may result in Maine Lobster Now refusing any refund or reshipment. On top of that, once the package has been successfully delivered and left at the specified address, Maine Lobster Now cannot be held responsible for any subsequent incidents or issues that may arise, as the customer assumes full responsibility for the package from that point forward.
Complicated refund process
Maine Lobster Now guarantees the delivery of fresh and live lobsters. If the lobsters do not arrive alive, customers can request a refund for the spoiled product costs. However, the return and refund process is complex. To initiate the refund process, customers need to provide a photograph of the affected items, clearly showing the spoiled products or lifeless lobsters. And more frustratingly, a reshipment is not guaranteed unless all items in the shipment were affected. There is a specific timeframe for some refunds to be processed. For example, if you have dead lobsters, you have to take photos within 4 hours of receiving the package.
Low reviews and terrible BBB score
Taking a closer look at Maine Lobster Now's reputation, we discovered that the customers aren't enjoying their experience with this lobster store. On trusted third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Maine Lobster Now only has an average star rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. On top of this, it's worth noting that the Better Business Bureau has given Maine Lobster Now an "F" rating, the lowest among all the lobster retailers we evaluated. With these low ratings in mind, it's clear that Maine Lobster Now may not be a place you want to trust with your live lobster order.
Not worth going with an "F" rated company
When compared to other companies in this review, Maine Lobster Now just doesn't stand up. With the worst reviews and scores of any company we checked, higher than average prices for individual live lobster, and a shipping policy that isn't customer-focused, we can't recommend Marine Lobster Now for your next lobster shopping spree. For these reasons, Maine Lobster Now has earned the lowest place in our ratings.
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Where Can You Find the Best Lobster Stores?
Whether you're a lobster aficionado, or someone who simply relishes a delectable shellfish feast, finding a trustworthy online lobster store can feel hard to do. Modern lobster catchers offer tons of options, including live lobster, lobster tails and meat, lobster rolls, and even fun extras like chowder, bisques, or steaks for a surf and turf dinner.
Exploring the diverse array of lobster stores is made easy with the convenience of online shopping, enabling you to peruse and select from the comfort of your own home. While some people worry about buying something like lobster online, with next-day shipping practices it's now much easier to get lobsters from the ocean to your table with no risk of spoiling.
Lobster Company FAQ
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Shopping for seafood online offers distinct advantages in terms of freshness and quality. Reputable vendors prioritize the freshness of their products through rigorous quality control measures, often sourcing their shellfish directly from fishermen or sustainable fisheries, thereby embracing a farm-to-table ethos. Moreover, online lobster stores frequently provide access to rare or specialty dishes that may not be readily available locally, granting you the opportunity to indulge in exceptional culinary experiences.
Lobster holds a special place in the hearts of many. Considered a high-end meal with tons of options out there for species and preparation, lobster is a culinary masterpiece. With a vast assortment of products, online lobster stores enable you to explore a diverse range of species and savor novel flavors or combinations. And not only can you enjoy lobster in your home regardless of where you live, but most stores also allow you to send gifts of lobster treats to your loved ones too.
For those who are thinking about sustainability, don't worry. Sustainability plays a crucial role in the lobster industry, ensuring the long-term viability of this beloved seafood. Lobsters are a valuable marine resource, and responsible practices are essential to maintain healthy populations and protect the ecosystem. The industry has implemented various sustainability measures, such as size limits and trap limits, to prevent overfishing and promote the growth and reproduction of lobsters. Additionally, the best lobster stores online are making efforts to minimize bycatch and protect sensitive habitats.
With an abundance of online lobster stores to choose from, making a decision can be overwhelming. If you're unsure where to begin, fret not. We're here to assist. Here are some factors to consider that will help you select the best online lobster store to meet your specific needs:
- Price. Price is a significant consideration for many individuals when it comes to shopping for lobster. Already considered a premium seafood, the affordability of lobster can determine how much you can buy and how often you can enjoy it. Being mindful of your budget and extra costs like shipping or paying for live lobster helps you decide which retailers have the best price for your wallet.
- Variety. Are you just looking for some lobster tails? Or do you want lobster shipped live to cook yourself? Do you want extras like chowders or maybe a surf and turf meal? It's important to look at the kind of variety offered by lobster stores and make sure they have what you want for your meal.
- Shipping. Shipping is a two-pronged issue for lobster. While you want to make sure you're not paying hundreds of dollars for shipping, it's also very important to balance the shipping price with how fast you can get your live or perishable lobsters. Keep an eye out for shipping policies that have a satisfaction guarantee.
- Sustainability. For those customers who prioritize sustainability, it is advisable to assess the eco-conscious practices of the lobster store you are considering. Pay attention to the specific measures they take to emphasize sustainability within their business framework. See if they have certifications or partnerships with sustainability-focused institutes.
- Customer satisfaction. Customers aren't 5-star chefs or lobstermen (unless you're very lucky) but the average customer can provide clear insight into a company's practices. Keeping an eye on verified reviews can help you decide which companies do what they promise and really prioritize customer satisfaction.
To make your next gourmet meal a real catch, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and rated the best options for lobster stores on the market today. Hopefully, this helps you enjoy your shellfish fix and focus on deciding just how many lobster rolls to buy for your next family cookout!
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