Buying Lobsters Online by Brian Schwartz

If you think the Internet is Gods gift to mankind, you're not far off the mark. Besides it being indispensable as far as information is concerned, you can appease your taste buds with the click of a button.

If you have a penchant for seafood, you probably dig lobsters as well. Do you get grouchy with your local store for selling you measly stale lobsters? Want to sink your teeth in a nice juicy lobster but can't get hold of one? Well, there's no need to fume and fret. You can go online and order the most succulent lobster of them all.

Many companies supply fresh live lobsters through online orders placed from their websites. They are usually caught fresh, delivered overnight and come with fancy trappings. Some companies even offer gift certificates which include cooking manuals, claw crackers, lobster bibs and napkins.

Buying lobsters online is quick, easy and hassle-free. But there are a few things you should consider before shopping for them online.

Most of the lobsters come from Maine and Alaska but they are also found in the Caribbean, Australia and Florida. The lobsters found in Maine are called American lobsters and are preferred to the "spiny lobsters" found in warm waters. The general perception is that the lobsters found in colder waters are better than their warm water counterparts.

The prices change depending upon the season. In the winter, between January and March, lobsters found in Maine tend to be more expensive. This is because the severe cold makes it tougher to catch them and moreover they go far into the ocean increasing the cost of collecting them.

The prices you come across online are competitive but puzzling. One company charges a flat rate which includes the price of the lobster and shipping. Another, charges the actual shipping fee while some offer free shipping but the lobster price is inflated to cover the shipping cost. Moreover, most companies do not reveal shipping charges until you're on the verge of completing your order. But you must take shipping fees into account because more often than not it constitutes a substantial portion of the overall cost. Take two lobsters of similar weights and compares their prices with shipping. This would be the finest way to evaluate prices.

Live lobsters are perishable and must be shipped in an orderly fashion. Generally, Fed Ex is popular thanks to its top-quality customer service and speedy delivery schedules.

Check the stores policy on what happens if you get stuck with a dead lobster. This happens rarely but is not unheard of. Make sure that you get a full refund. Most companies refund the lobster price but not the shipping charges.

If you're buying live lobsters online, it's best to go with a company that has first rate customer service. You may have numerous questions you want to ask related to price, delivery, refund policies and cooking instructions. If you choose a company with dreadful customer service you could end up paying good money for nothing.

Buying lobsters online can be a rewarding experience. But it can turn out to be a nightmare if you choose a company that's less than reliable. Do your homework and in case of doubts, always call the company. After all, you want a live lobster not something the cat dragged in.

Celebrate, anytime of year, anywhere in the country, with the finest live lobster from LongLiveLobster.com - Happy Cracking!