FAQ
Evaluating the product
Where does ShopLobster source its lobster?
ShopLobster sources all its lobster from Stonington, Maine. The company is run by a 5th-generation Maine lobsterman family with over 100 years of fishing heritage, and all lobster is wild-caught and sustainably harvested.
Is the lobster sustainably harvested?
Yes. ShopLobster works with fishermen committed to maintaining lobster populations and operates within Maine's strict fishing regulations. The lobster is wild-caught from the Atlantic and never farmed.
What types of lobster products does ShopLobster sell?
ShopLobster sells live Maine lobster, cold water lobster tails, claw and knuckle lobster meat, lobster roll kits, seafood samplers, lobster gift boxes, and family lobster feasts. Wholesale and bulk orders are also available with custom pricing.
How fresh is the lobster when it arrives?
ShopLobster guarantees freshness on every order. All products ship with overnight delivery and are hand-packed by the Maine team in insulated containers with ice packs to hold temperature during transit.
What can I cook with ShopLobster lobster meat?
Lobster claw and knuckle meat works in lobster rolls, mac and cheese, bisques, chowders, tacos, sliders, pasta, and more. ShopLobster publishes recipes on their site, including Maine-style, Connecticut-style, and New England lobster rolls, plus lobster bisque and corn chowder.
Placing an order
Does ShopLobster ship nationwide?
Yes, ShopLobster ships wild-caught Maine lobster to customers across the United States. Orders include free shipping sitewide.
How fast will my order arrive?
ShopLobster ships via overnight delivery, so orders arrive the next day. Free next-day delivery is included on gift orders as well.
Are there bulk or wholesale ordering options?
Yes. ShopLobster offers wholesale pricing for food trucks, caterers, event planners, shops, and markets. Entry-level wholesale pricing is visible on 10 lb and 20 lb product pages, and you can request a custom quote for orders of 20 lb or more.
How are bulk lobster orders packaged?
Bulk orders ship in insulated containers filled with ice packs to keep lobster cold during transit. The packaging protects the product from damage and maintains freshness through overnight delivery.
Are there discounts for large orders?
Yes. ShopLobster offers special pricing and promotions for bulk orders, and per-unit rates improve as volume grows. Contact their customer service team or check the promotions page for current deals, or request a custom quote for large quantities.
Sending lobster as a gift
Can I send lobster as a gift through ShopLobster?
Yes. ShopLobster offers lobster gift boxes that are hand-packed by their Maine team and shipped with free next-day delivery. No prices are included in the box, so recipients get a clean unboxing experience.
What gift options are available?
ShopLobster offers lobster gift boxes and seafood samplers suited for gifting. All gift orders are hand-packed in Maine and arrive with overnight shipping at no extra charge.
Will the recipient see pricing in the box?
No. ShopLobster deliberately leaves prices out of all gift shipments, so the package is ready to give without any adjustments needed on your end.
Getting support and staying connected
How do I contact ShopLobster?
You can reach ShopLobster by phone at (207) 386-9320. Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Does ShopLobster have a rewards or referral program?
Yes, ShopLobster has both a rewards program and a referral program. Details on how each works are available on their website.
How do I get recipes and lobster tips from ShopLobster?
ShopLobster publishes recipes directly on their website, covering dishes like lobster bisque, lobster chowder, and several styles of lobster rolls. You can also join their Lobster Lovers email community to get content delivered to your inbox.
Does ShopLobster give back to the community?
Yes, ShopLobster has a dedicated Giving Back page on their website. Specific details about their charitable partnerships and programs are available there.
Deciding between consumer and wholesale purchasing
What is the difference between buying as a consumer versus a wholesale customer?
Consumer orders are placed directly through the ShopLobster website and include standard product sizes with free overnight shipping. Wholesale customers get preferred per-unit pricing that improves with volume, coordinated delivery windows, and support tools like menu cards and portion guides depending on the business type.
Who is the wholesale program designed for?
ShopLobster's wholesale program targets food trucks, caterers, event planners, grocery shops, and markets. Each customer type gets pricing and support tailored to their operation, from launch kits for food trucks to case pricing for retail buyers.
How do I get a wholesale quote?
For orders of 20 lb or more, you can request a custom quote directly from ShopLobster. They will provide the best current per-unit rate along with delivery timing and pack format options suited to your needs.
Is there a live-arrival guarantee for wholesale live lobster?
Yes. ShopLobster provides a live-arrival guarantee on live lobster for wholesale customers such as caterers and event planners, giving buyers confidence when ordering for large-scale events.
Frequently asked questions
What does ShopLobster do?
ShopLobster ships fresh Maine seafood directly to consumers across the United States. Products include live lobsters, cold water tails, claw and knuckle meat, lobster roll kits, and seafood samplers, all sourced from Maine waters and delivered within 24 hours of catch.
Who is ShopLobster for?
Two main buyer types: home cooks who want access to fresh, high-quality seafood they cannot find locally, and corporate or personal gift buyers who need a premium perishable gift with reliable shipping.
How does ShopLobster handle freshness during shipping?
Seafood is packed and shipped overnight within 24 hours of being pulled from the ocean, using cold-chain packaging rated for that transit window.
What makes ShopLobster different from buying lobster at a local grocery store?
The seafood ships within 24 hours of catch, which is faster from ocean to door than most grocery supply chains. Buyers also get live lobsters and specialty formats like lobster roll kits that most inland grocers do not carry.
Is ShopLobster suitable for gift orders?
Yes. The product line includes premium, perishable items that work as corporate or personal gifts. Buyers with concerns about doorstep delivery timing or shipping issues should contact customer service for options.