Delivery & Pickup

How fulfillment works on RealMeats

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

• Instructions are confirmed in your order confirmation

Option 1: Local Delivery (where offered)

Some ranchers deliver within a defined radius or specific zones.

Delivery info you’ll typically see:

• Delivery area (radius/zones)

• Delivery days/windows (scheduled routes or weekly drops)

• Delivery fees or minimums (if applicable)

• 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:

• the ranch/farm

• a partner location

• a scheduled meetup point (e.g., farmers market or central drop)

Pickup details should include:

• Exact address/location

• Pickup time window(s)

• Instructions for arrival and handoff

• 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:

• Where they ship

• Typical transit time

• Packaging method (insulated + cold packs/dry ice, etc.)

• 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, and food safety

Meat is perishable. Ranchers are responsible for packaging and temperature control appropriate to their chosen fulfillment method.

Customers are responsible for:

• Being available for delivery or arriving during pickup windows

• Bringing a cooler for longer trips (recommended)

• Refrigerating/freezing products promptly after receipt

If you have questions about packaging, freshness vs frozen, or handling, check the rancher profile and/or product details.

Delivery & pickup expectations (what to expect as a buyer)

To keep things smooth, RealMeats encourages clear communication around:

• Fulfillment timing

• Handoff instructions

• Packaging notes

• Any rescheduling or route changes

Because each rancher is independent, fulfillment schedules can be seasonal and may change—your order confirmation should reflect the current plan.

If there’s an issue with your order

If something arrives missing, damaged, or not as expected:

1. Take photos immediately (packaging, labels, contents)

2. Contact the rancher using the details in your confirmation

3. If you can’t reach them or need help, contact RealMeats support for escalation

Because meat is perishable, resolutions are handled case-by-case and may include refund/credit depending on the situation and the rancher’s policy.

Contact Support:

Prefer a specific fulfillment method?

Some customers only want pickup. Others need delivery. Use Ranchers to find producers offering what works best for you.