DELIVERY & PICKUP
Every rancher sets their own fulfillment options. RealMeats makes those options clear before you buy—so you know exactly how your order will be received.
HOW FULFILLMENT WORKS
AT REAL MEATS
RealMeats is a producer-direct marketplace.
That means:
Ranchers manage fulfillment
(delivery, pickup, and
shipping where offered)
Your rancher profile and checkout should show the options available before you order
Order Confirmation includes instructions in regard to your order.
FULFILLMENT OPTIONS
Every rancher listing is designed to answer three questions up front.
Option 1: Local Delivery (where offered)
Some ranchers deliver within a defined radius or specific zones.
Delivery info you’ll typically see:
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Delivery area (radius/zones)
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Delivery days/windows (scheduled routes or weekly drops)
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Delivery fees or minimums (if applicable)
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Special instructions (cooler drop, gate codes, contact preferences)
Best practice: Make sure someone can receive the order during the window, or follow the rancher’s instructions for secure drop-off.
Option 2: Pickup (Common and often fastest)
Pickup is a great option for local buying and is often offered at:
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the ranch/farm
-
a partner location
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a scheduled meetup point (e.g., farmers market or central drop)
Pickup details should include:
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Exact address/location
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Pickup time window(s)
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Instructions for arrival and handoff
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What to bring (ID, order confirmation, cooler, etc.)
Option 3: Shipping (when available)
Some ranchers offer shipping depending on product type, region, and packaging capability.
If shipping is available, the rancher profile should clarify:
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Where they ship
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Typical transit time
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Packaging method (insulated + cold packs/dry ice, etc.)
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Shipping rates and order minimums (if any)
Shipping is not always the best fit for every producer or every product. RealMeats supports local-first fulfillment while still allowing shipping where it makes sense.
COLD CHAIN, HANDLING & FOOD SAFETY
Meat is perishable. Ranchers are responsible for packaging and temperature control appropriate to their chosen fulfillment method.
If you have questions about packaging, freshness vs frozen, or handling, check the rancher profile and/or product details.
Customers are responsible for:
- EBeing available for delivery or arriving during pickup windows
- EBringing a cooler for longer trips (recommended)
- ERefrigerating/freezing products promptly after receipt
DELIVERY & PICKUP EXPECTATIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A BUYER
Because each rancher is independent, fulfillment schedules can be seasonal and may change—your order confirmation should reflect the current plan.
To keep things smooth, Real Meats encourages clear communication around:
- EFulfillment timing
- EHandoff instructions
- EPackaging notes
- EAny rescheduling or route changes
WHAT TO DO
ISSUES WITH AN ORDER
If something arrives missing, damaged, or not as expected:
- ETake photos immediately (packaging, labels, contents)
- EContact the rancher using details in your confirmation
- EIf you can't reach them or need assistance, contact Real Meats support for escalation
FULFILLMENT PREFERENCES
Some customers only want pickup. Others prefer having products delivered. Search our Ranchers to find producers offering fulfillment preferences that work best for you.