Delivery Tips & F.A.Q.s
After years of shipping perishables, we've found a few things that can greatly increase the satisfaction of your delivery. Take a gander at the few simple pointers of what to expect and how best to prepare for the arrival of your precious package so you can have your very own fist-pump moment.
When will my order be delivered?
We deliver orders weekly, and you will be given an estimated delivery date before we confirm your order. Orders can arrive as early as 4 days, depending on your order date. Know what day your package is set to arrive. Keep an eye on your email for tracking numbers and shipping information. Set a reminder on your phone or on your calendar as to what day your package will arrive.
We all have lots going on, and it's easy to forget!
P.S. If you haven't signed up for UPS My Choice or FedEx Delivery Manager, you may want to!
What if I'm not home for my delivery? Just leave a note
If you plan to be gone during the day (or even if you'll be home, it's still not a bad idea!) when your package is likely to arrive, it's always a great idea to leave your delivery person a nice note stating where they can leave the package. In the shade and out of plain view of the street, it is a perfect place! **Note, We pack every order with "insurance ice" to cope with heat if it is set out in the sun for a few hours. If you find your package in the sun, don't panic, bring it inside, check to make sure everything is good and cold, and then unpack it into your fridge or freezer.
How should I expect my order to arrive? Thawing?
Though we try to avoid any thawing at all costs, things happen. If your box arrives, for whatever reason, thawing, don't throw it away. Take a picture, put everything away in the fridge/freezer, and then let us know about it ASAP. Grass-fed meats are much different than ordinary meats in that their more alkaline properties don't readily support bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella, the main concerns with thawing and refreezing meat. If some of the meat is thawed but still cold, there is a strong possibility it isn't trash. But shoot us a call or an email, we want to make sure we know about the situation and also want to make sure you're well taken care of!
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs will vary depending on your location. Please note that all orders of $159 or more qualify for Free Home Delivery.
Where does Ferguson Farms deliver?
We deliver all across the continental United States. We don't ship to Alaska or Hawaii.
When will my credit card be charged?
Your card will be charged at the end of the day on Sunday. You may notice a slightly lower or higher final order total, as some adjustments may be necessary for any items priced by the pound.
Thawing for Meal Prep Tips
Now, to intentionally thaw a package of meat, we recommend putting it on a plate or bowl in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf. The refrigerator is the best place to thaw meat slowly while keeping bacterial activity very low. Thawing on a plate or bowl will contain any potential leaks. The meat packaging can sometimes have a microscopic pinhole somewhere in the plastic that occurred during shipping or through handling that you cannot find with your eyes but will become obvious once the package thaws. This is not typical, but it is a good precaution to avoid having to clean up your fridge.
Our Shipping Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with your order, we will issue a credit, refund, or replacement of the product that you are dissatisfied with (your choice)!
To ensure that your order arrives properly frozen, you will never receive your order on Sunday or Monday.
How We'll Pack Your Order
- All perishable products are packed in insulated coolers with liners to prevent any leaking from condensation.
- Dry ice or gel packs are added to maintain the necessary temperatures to keep the product either fresh or frozen, as desired until it arrives at your door.
- REMINDER: Fresh and frozen product combination orders can't be guaranteed of arrival condition; ie, frozen may start to thaw and fresh may start to freeze. We do our best to reduce the risk but both have the potential to be frozen or refrigerated upon arrival.
Please note: All orders are shipped on a first-come-first-served basis. UPS cannot specify a time frame for when they can deliver, but they state the package should get there anytime between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. If shipping to a business, please state your hours of operation, Monday through Friday.
How We Ship
We only use shipping methods that are capable of getting your perishable product to you in 3 days or less to ensure that your order arrives frozen. We also pack extra ice and always ship with an extra "insurance day" before the weekend to ensure if something does go wrong and the package is delayed, it is still delivered in excellent condition.
When We Ship
We make every effort to ship your product as soon as possible. However, to ensure the freshest product, we operate on a "just in time" inventory system. This means that some of our products may be momentarily unavailable and your shipment may be delayed, in which case, we will reach out to let you know your order status.
Again, prompt service is a top priority, along with our superior quality products, and we will attempt to ship orders placed before noon the same day if the chosen shipping method will deliver the package safely before the weekend.
Keeping Shipping Costs Low
- Due to Ferguson Farms' high shipping volumes, we have negotiated reduced shipping rates from our shipping service providers and pass these savings on to you.
- Please note that your shipping cost per pound will always be lower (over $149 would be free standard shipping, of course!) if you order more products.