Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I order from Dorr Lobster?

We are located directly on the coast of Maine, not inland.  We deal directly with the fishermen because, they are part a of our family operating business.  We ship our own lobsters and we don't hire out. Family run and operated.

Why are your lobsters so fresh?

We buy our lobsters directly from our wharf located here on Bar Island. Our lobsters are caught daily and if they aren't shipped out that day, they are kept in our straight from the ocean, salt water tank, allowing the lobsters to live in their environment with less handling prior to shipping.

What do I do with my lobsters once they arrive?

When lobsters arrive at your door, inspect the package and seafood to make sure there is no damage to any of the products.  Once you have inspected the package, then use the proper storing method suggested. DO NOT SUBMERGE IN FRESH WATER OR SURROUND WITH ICE CUBES!  Fresh water kills lobsters.  If not intending to use within several hours, place a cool damp paper towel over the lobsters, so the lobsters will remain cool to prolong their life expectancy.  If ordering lobsters to arrive a day early for a special occasion or meal, I would highly recommend  placing the lobsters in the refrigerator to keep them cold and in a controlled environment to preserve the freshness state before being prepared.  Again, cover lobsters with damp towel. Lobsters will keep best at a 40 degree temperature.

Why are your lobsters less expensive than others?

Since we are family owned and operated, we buy directly from our fisherman at our wharf.  Your lobster will come directly from the ocean to you with less handling and traveling. This method helps keep lobsters lively and flavorful.

Why is your shipping more than others?

Dorr Lobster shipping prices may look more expensive than others but, don't be fooled.  Here at Dorr Lobster we ship all packages Next Day Air UPS to allow you to receive the freshest possible seafood.  Unlike others, we show you the exact cost of the shipping. There are no hidden fees -  what you see is what you pay for.  When shipping through logistic carriers, there is no such thing as free shipping or flat rate shipping.  Those costs are hidden in the price of the lobsters to make it look like the shipping is free or you're paying lower rates.  Here at Dorr Lobster we pride ourselves on our honesty and top quality products and want to show you, "the consumer" what you are actually paying for.

What do I go if I receive a dead lobsters?

If you have received a dead lobster when your package is delivered, please notify Dorr Lobster as soon as possible (telephone or email).  Dorr Lobster has the right to ask for a picture of damaged goods to proceed with the return.  Please don't throw away the package before you have talked with someone at Dorr Lobster or without taking a picture of the damaged goods.  Taking a picture for claim reasons will speed up the process of refunds.  Thank you for co-operating with this process. 

Do you ship only hard shell lobsters?

Yes, we only ship hard shell lobsters.  Unlike other sights that claim they ship firm shell/hard shell lobsters, we at Dorr Lobster only select the best quality lobsters to ship to you.  Having our own boats and storage facility enables us to have a large selection on hand.  Only the best quality obster is used for shipping.

Do you offer discounts or coupons?

Yes, we do offer discounts and coupons from time to time to our regular customers and fans.  You can sign up for our emails to receive updates on what is going on at Dorr Lobster plus the discounts or coupons we are offering each month.

How do you package and ship your lobsters?

Mentioned in our shipping category, we only use a Styrofoam containers that are designed to keep the product cool until it arrives at it's destination.  In the package, along with the product, we use reusable gel packs that keep the product cool in shipment.  Our boxes are designed to hold as small a quantity as 1 lobster to 50 lobsters.  Larger orders or wholesale orders may possibly receive multiple packages.

How do I know if a weak lobster is OK to eat?

If you receive a lobster that has little movement it is still OK to eat.  If the lobster has arrive dead we recommend cooking the lobster in a separate pot to see if it is edible.  If cooking a dead lobster you want to check the meat after you have cooked the lobster.  Once cooked check the tail meat to see if the texture is firm and like the other lobsters that you have cooked.  If the meat has a mealy consistency, Dorr Lobster Co., Inc recommends that you do not consume this lobster.

Why do your lobsters taste sweeter than others?

Here at Dorr Lobster we pride ourselves on our quality.  Our lobsters are caught daily, directly from the cold Atlantic water in Downeast Maine.  Once lobsters are arrive from our boats, they are brought to our packing facility.  They are then placed in our ocean water storage tank that circulates  the fresh, 38 degree salt water and which better prepares them for shipment.  Unlike other lobster companies, we are directly on the coast of Maine and our ocean water is in a constant circulation motion cycle.  Other companies create artificial sea water to be used as  their salt water living environment for their lobsters.  Lobster. after being in artificial salt water tanks, will lose it's freshness taste.

How do I properly cook a lobster?

Cooking lobster can be found in our Lobster How To section.