FAQ
Are you dine-in or carry-out?
Waterman’s Pride is carry-out only.
Do you deliver?
We offer local delivery through Clover online ordering for a $7 fee.
Do you use Old Bay on your crabs?
In some menu items, we do use Old Bay, but for steamed crabs & shrimp it’s always J.O.!!! J.O. SPICE Co. provides us with our custom blend of seasoning.
Your phone is busy! Are your phones working?
If you're calling during our business hours, yes, our phones are working (unless there is an outage, which is rare)! In case of an outage, our Facebook page will be updated with available contact options.
We receive a high volume of calls throughout the day and we do our best to get through all calls as quickly as possible, so keep trying and you'll get through.
I just placed an order. Why can’t I pick up my crabs right now?
Perfection takes time!! We steam on the ½ hour to ensure freshness and at times there can be up to a 45 minute wait. We recommend calling ahead to place your order, or placing an order online. On holidays, wait times may be longer.
Why do you need to see an ID when I make a purchase?
We require ID with all credit card transactions.
Do you accept SNAP/ EBT?
Yes, you can use SNAP/EBT benefits to buy fresh (uncooked) local seafood from us! With SNAP/EBT, you'll need to place your order in-store or over the phone, as we are not able to take this payment method online.
Do you cater crab feasts?
Yes, we do! We offer catering services for events of all sizes, including crab feasts. Our catering menu includes a variety of seafood options, including crabs, shrimp, and oysters. We can also provide sides and drinks to complete your feast. Contact us for more information and to schedule your catering order.
Maryland Crabs FAQ
What should I do if my crab is missing a claw?
Eat it! Crabs lose claws; it’s what they do. We cannot guarantee every crab will have both claws. They’re still delicious!
Why are my picking crabs light?
“Pickin’ crabs” are light crabs, hence the name. They are easy to pick. Pickin’ crabs are the lighter crabs which don’t pass the test to be sold as heavy. They can be mixed sizes, male, female, or both. They may have cracks in the shells due to the sorting process. They’re still delicious!
Will you reheat my cold crabs?
No, they are sold cold. If you want us to heat ‘em, buy ‘em freshly steamed! We can, however, give you good advice on how best to reheat your steamed crabs.
Where are my crabs coming from?
Maryland Blue Crab season runs April-December. Outside of Maryland crab season, we sell crabs shipped in from North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, & Texas.
Will my crabs have mustard in them?
Hopefully, but without opening them, we cannot guarantee that every crab will have mustard or that the mustard will be the exact color that you like.
How are crabs sized?
Crabs are measured by the width of their shells, point to point.
| Small Males | 5" - 5¾" |
| Medium Males | 5¾" - 6¼" |
| Large Males | 6¼" - 6¾" |
| Extra Large Males | 6¾" - 7¼" |
| Jumbo Males | 7¼" - 7¾" |
| Colossal Males | 7¾" and up |
| Small Females | Up to 5¾" |
| Medium Females | 5¾" - 6¼" |
| Large Females | 6¼" - 6¾" |
| Jumbo Females | 6¾" and up |
How many crabs are in a bushel or a half bushel?
The amount of crabs in a bushel depends on the size. The smaller the crab, the more you can fit into the bushel. The larger the crab, the less you can fit into a bushel.
| Small Males | Approximately 8 dozen |
| Medium Males | Approximately 7 dozen |
| Large Males | Approximately 6 dozen |
| Small Females | Approximately 8-9 dozen |
| Medium Females | Approximately 7-8 dozen |
| Large Females | Approximately 6-7 dozen |
How many crabs are in a dozen?
Hahaha... oh wait, you're serious? Twelve! However... in season, and based upon size and availability, a Waterman’s Pride dozen may consist of 13!! We call that "a crabber’s dozen!"
What is the difference between a male crab and a female crab?
Some say female meat is sweeter. Most prefer male crabs, however, some favor the females. It’s personal preference thing!
What if I am not satisfied with my crabs?
We hope you love your crabs from Waterman's Pride! We sort every crab by hand before steaming. When sorting, we measure the crabs by size and pull out the “pickin” crabs to ensure you are receiving a top quality crab. However, we are human, and it is possible that a mistake happened or a sneaky crab decided to crawl into a different-sized basket.. It is also possible that a crab that felt heavy steamed up light.
If you have any concerns with your order, please contact us immediately. Do not discard the crabs! We cannot issue a refund, replacement, or store credit unless they are returned.
Steamed Crabs Shipping FAQ
Do you ship crabs?
Yes, we ship crabs nationwide! Specifically, to the lower 48 states and DC.
What are your shipping rates?
Our shipping rates are the lowest you’ll find for overnighting steamed crabs from Maryland to anywhere in the lower 48 continental United States. Our shipping rates are determined by the total weight of your order and the postal zip code to where your order is being shipped.
Unlike many companies, who base their shipping charges on total dollar value, we use current UPS rates (we get a great discount and pass that on to you). There are no hidden shipping costs. In the event no one is home to receive your order, we strongly recommend you send your package to your business address to ensure a smooth delivery.
What’s the order cutoff time to get my crabs tomorrow?
All orders placed before 1:00 PM EST will be shipped that day. Any order placed after 1:00 PM EST will begin processing on the next business day.
There are no Sunday or Monday deliveries. Orders placed Saturday or Sunday will be sent out the following Monday via UPS for next day delivery. Saturday delivery is available in most areas for an additional charge depending on service availability to your location.
If you have questions regarding shipping or refunds, please send us a message. We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
How do you ship steamed crabs overnight?
We ship our crabs sealed in an insulated styrofoam cooler placed inside a box for extra protection. Depending on the item and estimated shipping time we may use gel packs or dry ice(use caution when handling dry ice).- a packaging combination that will ensure your products arrive frozen and in excellent condition.
What if I’m not there when my crabs are delivered?
We encourage perishable orders to be delivered to a business or commercial address, or a residential address where someone will be there to receive them. We are not responsible or liable for deliveries where the customer is not available to receive the order. If sending a gift, please make sure the recipient is aware a perishable product is being delivered and when to expect delivery. All perishable food orders are final.
How will I know when my crabs are going to be delivered?
After you shop and checkout, you will receive an email notification confirming that your order is in process. We will then proceed to prepare and pack your order for shipment. Once your order has been shipped, you will be notified via email with tracking info.
Do you ship steamed crabs internationally?
At this time, we do not accept orders outside of the continental USA.
How do I reheat my crabs once they arrive?
We've got a whole tutorial right here on our blog.