Tips for Buying From an Online Butcher

If you're like most people, you buy your meat from the meat counter at the grocery store, and perhaps you occasionally visit a dedicated butcher shop for a special cut or two. Buying meat online probably sounds quite foreign. However, buying online can be a great way to get high-quality meat at an affordable price, and without having to spend time standing in line at a store. There are, however, a few tips you will want to follow in the process.

1. Buy cuts you are familiar with.

Especially when you first start ordering meat online, buy cuts you are familiar with. This is not the best time to buy a standing rib roast for the first time. When you order something familiar, you will be better able to compare the quality to that of what you usually get, which will help you determine if the online butcher service provides the quality of meat you are looking for. 

2. Research the basic terms.

Most online butchers offer a greater selection of products than you can find in the typical grocery store. The grocery store may just have conventional and organic meats. Online butcher shops may carry grass-fed, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and other classes of meat. Spend some time researching what these terms mean and which ones matter most to you so that you're able to buy meat that better suits your needs and preferences.

3. Order enough to freeze.

Since you typically pay a flat shipping rate on orders up to a certain rate, it is better to order a lot all at once than a little at a time. As long as you have space in your freezer, maximize your order to get the most out of your shipping charge. Some companies even give you free shipping if you spend a certain amount, say $100, so it's then better to order a month's worth of meat all at once rather than making four small weekly orders. Keep in mind that most meat stays fresh in the freezer for at least 3–4 months.

4. Check the delivery protocols.

Online butchers typically ship meat in cooler packs with dry ice. These stay cold for a long time, but not forever. To prevent spoilage, some companies will not leave a package on the doorstep if you are not home. Check the delivery policy before you buy so you can be certain you don't have trouble getting the package.

For more information, reach out to an online butcher shop.

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