FAQs

Send a Meal FAQs | Your Questions Answered

Find answers to common questions about ordering gourmet meal gifts from Send a Meal. From shipping and delivery to dietary options and gift certificates, we've got you covered.

Ordering & Account

Is Send a Meal a subscription service?

No! Send a Meal is completely subscription-free. Order only when you need meals, with no auto-billing, commitments, or recurring charges. You're in full control of every order.

Do I need an account to place an order?

No, you can checkout as a guest. However, creating an account lets you track orders, earn rewards points, and save recipient addresses for faster future orders.

Can I modify or cancel my order?

Orders typically cannot be modified or canceled once submitted due to immediate processing. If cancellation is possible, a 15% fee may apply. Please review recipient details and meal selections carefully before checkout.

Can I order meals for multiple recipients?

Yes! You can send meals to multiple addresses in a single order. This is perfect for corporate gifting, sending meals to multiple family members, or holiday gift-giving.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, Apple Pay, and gift certificates. All transactions are secured with SSL encryption.

Shipping & Delivery

How are meals packaged and shipped?

Meals are shipped frozen in insulated packaging with dry ice or gel packs, built to stay cold throughout transit. If your order arrives in less than perfect condition, contact us within 48 hours and we will make it right.

What shipping options are available?

We offer multiple shipping speeds: Standard Ground (3-7 business days), Quick Ship Expedited (2 days), Quick Ship Rush (overnight), and Same-Day delivery for email gift certificates. View all delivery options.

Can I schedule delivery for a specific date?

Review our Delivery Dates & Shipping Schedule and the shipping options available for your order at checkout. If you need delivery for a particular date, contact us before ordering to discuss the available options. We cannot promise arrival on a date that has not been confirmed for your order.

Do I need to be home to sign for delivery?

No signature is required. To ensure fast delivery, packages are left at the residence. We recommend providing delivery instructions if the location has specific access requirements.

Where do you deliver?

We deliver to the contiguous United States (the lower 48 states). Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to Alaska or Hawaii due to the perishable nature of our products. Some remote areas may have limited shipping options or extended delivery times.

Can I track my order?

Yes. Tracking information is sent when your order ships. Orders ship via FedEx or UPS, and you can use the tracking number on the carrier's website. Some orders ship in multiple packages with separate tracking numbers. If you need help locating tracking information for part of your order, contact us with your order number.

Do you ship to PO Boxes or APO/FPO addresses?

Due to the perishable nature of our products and shipping requirements, we cannot deliver to PO Boxes. APO/FPO military addresses have limited availability - please contact us for options.

What happens if I provide an incorrect or incomplete delivery address?

Because we ship perishable food gifts that must stay frozen, please double-check the street number, street name, apartment or suite number, city, state, and zip code before placing your order. If an order is delayed, misrouted, or returned because of an incorrect or incomplete address (for example, wrong street number, missing apartment number, or incorrect zip code), we are unable to refund the original shipment — perishable meals cannot be safely re-shipped once they have left our facility. We can arrange to reship your order to a corrected address, but a new order charge will apply, and any address-correction or re-delivery fees charged by the carrier may also be passed through. Please be especially careful to provide an accurate address at the time you place your order, as you are responsible for confirming all shipping details at checkout.

Pricing, Discounts & Rewards

Does Send a Meal offer discounts or promotions?

Yes! Visit our Coupons Page regularly for current promo codes, seasonal discounts, and special offers. Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive deals.

Do you have a rewards program?

Our rewards program has been discontinued.

Are there discounts for bulk or corporate orders?

Yes, we offer special pricing for large orders and corporate accounts. Contact us at customerservice@sendameal.com for volume discounts and corporate gifting programs.

Is shipping included in the price?

Shipping costs depend on the delivery method and destination. Standard ground shipping is often the most economical option. Shipping costs are clearly displayed at checkout before you complete your order.

Meals & Dietary Options

What types of meals do you offer?

We offer a wide variety of gourmet, chef-prepared meals including comfort food classics, holiday favorites, family dinners, and specialty dishes. Browse our full meal menu to explore all options.

Do you offer meals for special dietary needs?

Yes! Our menu includes gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, diabetic-friendly, low-carb, low-sodium, heart-healthy, and senior-friendly meals. Explore our Special Diets section for options.

Are nutrition facts and ingredients provided?

Yes! Each meal includes detailed nutritional information, complete ingredient lists, and allergen warnings. This information is displayed on product pages and included with delivery.

How do I prepare the meals?

Our meals are fully cooked and just need to be heated. Most meals can be reheated in the microwave or oven. Each meal comes with specific heating instructions for best results.

How long do meals stay fresh?

Meals can be stored in the freezer for several months. Once thawed, meals should be consumed within 3-5 days when refrigerated. Always check individual meal packaging for specific storage recommendations.

Do you accommodate severe food allergies?

While we offer many dietary options, our meals are prepared in facilities that handle common allergens. If you have severe allergies, please review ingredient lists carefully and contact us with questions.

Gifts & Personalization

Can I include a personalized message with my gift?

Absolutely! Add a personalized gift card message (up to 200 characters) during checkout. Your heartfelt message will be printed and included with the delivery.

Can I send meals anonymously?

Yes! Choose to send your gift anonymously during checkout. The recipient will receive your personalized message but won't see your name or contact information.

Will the recipient know the price of the gift?

No. All meal gift shipments are sent without pricing information. The packing slip shows items included but not prices, so your gift arrives as a thoughtful surprise.

What occasions are meal gifts perfect for?

Meal gifts are ideal for sympathy & bereavement, new baby arrivals, birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon, thank you gifts, holidays, corporate appreciation, and housewarming. Explore gift options.

Gift Certificates & Gift Cards

Do gift vouchers expire?

Yes. Gift vouchers expire after one year. Gift vouchers and gift certificates are different products.

What's the difference between gift certificates and gift cards?

They work the same way! Both let recipients choose meals from our full menu and apply the value at checkout. Visit our Gift Certificates or Gift Cards page to purchase.

Can I send a gift certificate instantly?

Yes! Email gift certificates can be sent instantly - perfect for last-minute gifts. You can also schedule delivery for a future date, ideal for birthdays or holidays.

Can gift certificates be combined with promotions?

Yes! Gift certificates can be combined with ongoing promotions and coupon codes to maximize value on meal orders.

How do I check my gift card or store credit balance?

To check your balance, visit our Gift Cards page and select the "Check Balance" tab. Enter your gift card code to see your remaining value. Note: gift card and store credit balances are applied at checkout by entering your code - they are not stored in your account automatically. Keep your gift card code in a safe place so you can reuse it on future orders until the balance is used up.

I sent an email gift card - how will my recipient receive it?

Email gift cards are delivered directly to your recipient's inbox at the email address you provided during checkout. If your recipient doesn't see it within 15 minutes, ask them to check their spam or junk folder. If it still hasn't arrived, contact us at customerservice@sendameal.com and we'll resend it right away. You can also request that we CC you on the delivery email for your own confirmation.

Customer Support

How can I contact customer support?

Call 1-888-680-5454 or email customerservice@sendameal.com. Our phone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Questions requiring detailed team review are handled Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Central Time.

What are your customer service hours?

Our phone line is answered 24/7. Our customer service team reviews order issues and provides detailed responses Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Central Time. Messages received outside those hours are available for review when the team returns.

What if I have a problem with my order?

Please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Include your order number, the items affected, and a brief description of the problem. Photos of the items, packaging, or shipping label are helpful when relevant. We will review the issue and follow up by email.

What if only part of my order arrives?

Some orders ship in multiple packages, each with its own tracking number. Check the tracking information you have received, and contact us within 48 hours of delivery if an item appears to be missing. Include your order number and the names and quantities of the items you received and those you expected. We will review the shipment information to determine whether another package is on the way or an item needs further attention.

How do I follow up on an issue I already reported?

If you have received an email from our customer service team, reply to that email so the conversation stays together. You can also email customerservice@sendameal.com or call 1-888-680-5454. Please provide your order number and let us know that you are following up on an existing issue.

Policies & Guarantees

What if my delivery is late or compromised?

Please contact us within 48 hours of delivery if your order arrives late, damaged, spoiled, incorrect, or thawed beyond safe handling temperatures. We review each issue individually. Eligible issues may qualify for a replacement, refund, or store credit under our Return Policy.

Do you have a satisfaction guarantee?

We stand behind the quality of our meals. If something is wrong with your delivery, contact us within 48 hours with your order number and a description of the issue. We will review it and confirm the available remedy under our Return Policy.

What is your refund policy?

Perishable meals cannot be physically returned. Please report delivery issues within 48 hours of delivery so we can review them. Eligible issues may qualify for a replacement, refund, or store credit. Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method and typically appear within 5–10 business days, depending on your bank or card issuer. This is the refund posting timeframe, not a deadline for reviewing a complaint. Please note that refunds aren't available more than 7 business days after your delivery date. See our Return Policy for details.

Why Choose Send a Meal?

How does Send a Meal compare to other meal delivery services?

Unlike meal kits from Factor, Blue Apron, or HelloFresh that require cooking, Send a Meal offers fully prepared, chef-crafted meals. No subscriptions, no cooking - just heat, serve, and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.

How long has Send a Meal been in business?

Send a Meal has been delivering gourmet meal gifts for over 20 years. Our experience, nationwide coverage, and excellent customer reviews make us a trusted choice for meal gifting.

What makes Send a Meal reliable?

Send a Meal has delivered meal gifts since 2004. We provide shipment tracking, customer support, and a process for reviewing delivery issues. Our phone line is answered 24/7, and questions requiring team review are handled Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Central Time. If something is wrong with your delivery, contact us within 48 hours so we can review it.

Is Send a Meal good for elderly or senior recipients?

Absolutely! Our meals are perfect for seniors - fully prepared, easy to heat, and nutritionally balanced. Many families use Send a Meal to provide comfort food to elderly loved ones who may have difficulty cooking.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our customer service team is here to help! Contact us today and we'll be happy to assist you.