A reminder about online meat deliveries in the summer

[Smoking77]

As it gets hotter, just want to remind everyone that even though the purveyors that offer free delivery SHOULD get it to you in time, I find that about 25% of the time for me it comes a day later than advertised. No big deal most months out of the year, but in the summer, it definitely means spoiled food. Yes, it's their problem, and they always make it right and credit me back the money, but it's still several pounds of meat that goes right in the garbage. If you can, spend the extra money to get it shipped to you quicker, or (like me) stock up your freezer now. Happy cooking, everyone!

[STEbbq]

I think rickgregory ‘s point made elsewhere makes sense here. The buyer needs to ensure 2-day shipping (and factor that cost into the order) and talk to the vendor to ensure they are on the same page before ordering especially on the weather and temps. Not all vendors will ship on the right days (Thursday is bad) and will offer shipping options that are cheaper but result in ruined meat. Or simply order from suppliers that get it right and ship properly in the first place.

[Steve B]

When I order online I always check the weather for the upcoming days where I'm at and where it's shipping from. If it looks like it's gonna be too hot I won't order. There's always another day.

[Huskee]

I've got tri tips and scallops coming from WildForkFoods tomorrow. I ordered them Monday night (~9 pm) and they're coming tomorrow, Weds, which is excellently fast. I hope I'm ok. Ordering fresh meat, when possible, also helps mitigate trouble. It has more leeway since it isn't frozen to start with, but with the ice packs most vendors use fresh meats end up arriving super cold, nearly frozen, so it's the reverse which is a good problem.

[rickgregory]

I've got tri tips and scallops coming from WildForkFoods tomorrow. I ordered them Monday night (~9 pm) and they're coming tomorrow, Weds, which is excellently fast. I hope I'm ok. Ordering fresh meat, when possible, also helps mitigate trouble. It has more leeway since it isn't frozen to start with, but with the ice packs most vendors use fresh meats end up arriving super cold, nearly frozen, so it's the reverse which is a good problem.

I think situations like this are the best way. But if someone is ordering from across the country and it's hot (as it is today in the middle of the nation and the south) ante up for the 2 day shipping AND order early in the week. It's disrespectful to the animal and to everyone in the process to ship ground late in the week and say "Oh, well if it's bad the vendor can eat the cost". Most of us have markets in our areas. If we need meat for a weekend cook out and forget until Thursday... go to the market.

PS: Here's today's map. Sure it's cool where I am but if I were ordering from Porter Road in Nashville, the package is probably going to spend some real time traveling through areas where is pretty damn warm

[jfmorris]

This is all good advice. I have the same issue with certain beer brewing supplies, like liquid yeast. I order enough to get me through the summer no later than the end of April, knowing it will have to get me through until October. I loved the meat I got from Click Akashi, but Fedex/UPS put them out of the online meat sales business with spoiled shipments. I experienced it personally several times where at least half of a shipment was above 40F and just not safe.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Yep, from now until October I'm down to 2 regular e-tailers. The rest just can't get stuff to me in time and sit on the porch until I get home and survive. I feel knowing this and not ordering from certain companies this time of year hopefully saves them some money by not having to replace my order... by the same token I do feel it would be more responsible of certain companies to not ship to certain states during certain times of the year without mandating 1 days shipping (which is usually an astronomical price on top of already pricey product).. or like was mentioned in another thread, mandating dry ice and or extra packing at a slight upcharge and saying hey... we won't cover your stuff if you're XXXX miles away and didn't opt for that upgrade.

[rickgregory]

This is all good advice. I have the same issue with certain beer brewing supplies, like liquid yeast. I order enough to get me through the summer no later than the end of April, knowing it will have to get me through until October. I loved the meat I got from Click Akashi, but Fedex/UPS put them out of the online meat sales business with spoiled shipments. I experienced it personally several times where at least half of a shipment was above 40F and just not safe.

No, they put themselves out of the online business by not packing adequately and not insisting on 2 day shipping where the order was going far. Also, I think, they shipped late in the week though I might be misremembering,

But you raise another good point - it's not like summer sneaks up on people. Getting a bit low on meat? Do orders in t he spring for the freezer so you don't need to order when it's 90F across much of the nation.