Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about buying and selling fresh Maryland seafood.

How does ordering work?
Browse available catches, select what you want, and reserve it online. You'll receive pickup details from the seller. Payment happens in person when you collect your seafood - no online payment required.
How do I know the crabs are fresh and safe?
All sellers are verified and licensed by Maryland DNR when required. They must follow strict freshness guidelines and can only sell seafood caught within 24-48 hours. Each listing includes catch date and storage information.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payment is made directly to the seller in person. Most accept cash, and many also take mobile payments like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle. Confirm the preferred payment method when you place your order.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my pickup?
Contact the seller directly as soon as possible. Most are understanding about schedule changes if you give reasonable notice. Their contact information is provided with your order confirmation.
How should I transport and store my seafood?
Bring a cooler with ice for transport. Live seafood should be cooked the same day. Cooked seafood can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. The seller will provide specific handling instructions based on what you're buying.
Are prices negotiable?
Prices are set by individual sellers. While not typically negotiable for small orders, some sellers may offer discounts for large quantities. You can message them directly to ask about bulk pricing.
What if there's a problem with my order?
First, try to resolve issues directly with the seller. If that doesn't work, contact our support team at support@chesapeakeseafood.com or (410) 555-FISH. We're here to help ensure you have a great experience.
What do I need to start selling?
Commercial sellers need current Maryland fishing licenses, reliable equipment, and dock access for pickups. Recreational sellers need to follow quantity limits. After verification, you can start listing immediately.
How long does the verification process take?
Every registration is reviewed by hand, typically within 24-48 hours. Sharing your license documentation and contact information speeds up the review. Check your seller dashboard for your approval status.
Do you charge fees or commissions?
Registration and listing are free. When customers pay you in person at pickup, there are no fees — you keep 100% of your price. When a customer reserves online, a flat $4.99 reservation fee is added to their total; the platform collects online payments and pays sellers out manually until automatic payouts launch, deducting only the ordinary card processing cost on those prepaid orders. Featuring a listing for 7 days is an optional $5.
How do I get paid?
Customers pay you directly in person when they pick up their order. You can accept cash, mobile payments, or whatever method works best for you. Just confirm the payment method with customers when they order.
Can I set my own prices?
Absolutely! You have full control over pricing. We recommend researching local market prices and adjusting based on size, quality, and demand. You can update prices anytime through your dashboard.
What if I need to cancel a listing?
You can cancel listings anytime through your dashboard. However, if customers have already ordered, please contact them directly to explain the situation. Good communication helps build trust and repeat customers.
How do I handle customer complaints?
Address issues promptly and professionally. Most problems can be resolved through good communication. If you need help with a difficult situation, our support team is available to assist.
What areas do you cover?
We serve the entire Chesapeake Bay region in Maryland, with pickup locations from Baltimore to the Eastern Shore. Crabbers list their specific pickup locations, so you can find catches near you.
What's the crabbing season in Maryland?
Maryland blue crab season typically runs from April through December, with peak season from May through September. Availability varies based on weather, water temperature, and regulations.
Is there a mobile app?
Currently, we're a web-based platform that works great on mobile browsers. A dedicated mobile app is in development and will be available soon!
How do you ensure food safety?
All crabbers are verified to have current commercial licenses and must follow Maryland DNR guidelines. We provide food safety resources and require crabbers to follow best practices for handling and storage.
How can I contact support?
Email us at support@chesapeakecrabbers.com, call (410) 555-CRAB, or use our contact form. We typically respond within 24 hours. For urgent pickup issues, call our emergency line at (410) 555-9999.