5 Ways You Are Buying Meat Online WRONG
Not Looking at Locally Sourced Products
Buying online doesn’t always mean the meat is sourced locally, or even with 100% traceability. While many large, online retailers claim to source directly from the farmers, Butcher Box and others have gone on record saying they routinely import meat from other countries and also use national brands, (found in large retailers like Walmart, Costco, Target, etc.) to supply volume for their business.
Buying meat locally and straight from the farmer is good for the economy, and it supports neighbors, friends, and small businesses!
2. Not Understanding Quality vs. Cost
Not all meat is created equal. Different breeds of animals present unique flavor profiles and different levels of tenderness. Production practices and types of feed can also impart flavors. Be mindful if a company is just trying to upsell traditional commodity meat by describing it with trendy wording. Farmers are proud of what they raise and will be the first to say what makes their breed / meat unique.
P.S. Visit “Why Berkshire?” on our website to learn why Berkshire pork is best!
3. Not Buying in Bulk
Shipping meat is expensive! Insulated boxes, ice packs and dry ice all add to the final cost, and no company or farm is immune to it. Don’t be confused, those costs are passed along to the buyer, whether it’s stated directly or disguised in the price of the product. Purchasing larger quantities at a time can spread out those costs over more pounds of meat or even kick you into a “Free-Shipping” category. Plus, its easier to keep meat frozen during transit when there is more in the box. This method is not only cheaper in the long run, but meat lasts in the freezer for months! (Especially when it’s flash frozen and vacuum sealed like ours is.)
By the way, we offer free shipping on all orders over $249!
4. Not Using the Diverse Selection
Specialty cuts and new products are much easier to find online. Where most brick-and-mortar stores only want to carry the simple “proven” items, small businesses can be more versatile and carry a wider array of items. After all, it’s our mission to try to sell 100% of the animal. Tomahawk chops and steaks, or special flavors of bratwursts and sausage can all be found easily online. Many small farms offer multiple protein sources as well, either by raising those animals or partnering with neighbors, so use them as a one stop shop.
A high-quality and diverse meat selection is a major feature of our website. Make sure you add a variety of items in your cart next order!
5. Not Taking Advantage of the Convenience
Because who doesn’t like the appeal of having high quality, hand crafted cuts of meat showing up on your front porch! Forget the hassle of traffic and densely packed grocery store aisles only to find a picked over selection of low grade, common cuts. Buying direct from the farmers takes the guess work out of your meal planning and adds time back to your busy week. By buying direct from R Family Farms, we can ensure the best quality meat in the least amount of time.
Visit rfamilyfarmsks.com/shop to improve your online meat buying experience.