Frequently Asked Questions
Products
Do You Only Sell Frozen Seafood?
Why Do You Specialise In Fish?
Good question. It’s never easy sourcing quality fish and seafood from across the globe but it is in our DNA!
Sykes Seafood was established in 1862 by trading in wet fish and Dutch shrimp. Since then we have perfected where we source from and the species of product we sell. Today, with our own factory facilities, we specialise in supplying a wide range of high quality fish and seafood to a variation of market sectors. If you want to read more about our heritage or where we source from please refer to our About Us page.
How Do I Know If Your Products Will Be Good?
Where Is Your Seafood Sourced?
We source from all over the world. Sykes Seafood is over 150 years old, so we have a huge amount of experience and knowledge in sourcing the best quality, sustainable fish from around the world. Where possible, we source closer to home but we only ever source from origins where quality and sustainability are at the forefront of the supply chain.
Are Your Products Raw Or Cooked?
How Do I Prepare Your Products To Cook?
What Is Glaze?
Is Your Packaging Recycled Or Recyclable?
The insulated liner is reusable, as per the details in your box. We chose this instead of the equivalent which was approximately 55mm of Polystyrene. Polystyrene is classed as a ‘problem plastic’ and difficult to recycle. By using the silver bags, we are contributing to the elimination of difficult-to-recycle plastic.
What Do I Do With The Packaging Once I Have Stored My Seafood?
Why Do You Use Dry Ice?
Dry ice is perfectly safe to use, but must be handled carefully. Wear protective gloves when handling, and avoid prolonged contact. An oven mitt or towel will also work. To dispose of the dry ice, leave in a well ventilated room at room temperature, until the dry ice has completely sublimated.
What If My Order Has Started To Defrost?
Even with the inclusion of dry ice packs, we cannot guarantee that your product will arrive 100% frozen. If your products have started to defrost, don’t worry. You are safe to refreeze it. The dry ice ensures that it remains below 8°C, therefore it’s fine to put it straight back in the freezer.
What Is The Best Way To Safely Defrost My Order?
Some of our products can be cooked from frozen. Keep an eye out for the recipes.
Why Does A Vac Pack Have An Odour?
Vacuum packaging keeps the fish from drying out by preventing water loss. Vacuum packaging is used because it allows for an extended shelf life in the freezer by reducing odours and texture changes which may result in spoilage. This may mean that when you defrost your fish in these packs, you may notice a slight smell when opening. Don’t worry, this is normal. Leave the pack open for 5 minutes. Any odour present will quickly disappear.
Do You Have A Minimum Order Value?
Delivery
Where Do You Deliver?
Unfortunately we are currently unable to deliver orders to Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Wight, all Scottish Islands, Highlands and North of Falkirk.
How Much Do You Charge For Delivery?
We offer FREE next day day delivery on all orders over £50 and £3.50 for orders under £50 placed before 1pm. For orders placed after 1pm your order will be dispatched on the next working day for overnight delivery.
If you would like a Saturday delivery these are charged at £10 and orders must be placed by 1pm on Friday.
For more information visit our delivery page.
How Will My Order Be Delivered?
Your order will be delivered by one of our selected delivery partners. All deliveries are shipped from us on overnight services to ensure that the product maintains its frozen state. You will have the option to leave the order in a safe place if you are not at home. Please ensure the box is not left out for more than 4 hours of the original delivery time. If there is any issue with your delivery please get in contact with us as quickly as possible.
When Will My Order Be Delivered?
There’s nothing worse than missing a delivery, so we have given all customers the choice of when to have their order delivered. At the checkout, you will need to select a chosen delivery day.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure your delivery arrives on your nominated day, in rare circumstances our delivery partner may not make it to you in time. If your delivery is not made on the day you have requested, please get in contact with us and we will put things right. Our delivery system is guaranteed to keep your fish and seafood order nice and chilly for up to 30 hours after it’s left our warehouse.
What If I Am Not In When My Order Is Due To Be Delivered?
That’s fine. When placing your order, at the checkout, leave a note in the ‘Notes’ instructions box telling us where you would like your parcel to be left.
We are able to deliver to work addresses, if that’s easier.
Can I Change The Date Of My Delivery?
Before 1pm on the day before your delivery is due, we can absolutely juggle things about to change the delivery date, but if it’s after 1pm, we won’t be able to unfortunately. However should you have a specific requirement please contact us and we will try to help.
Returns
Do You Accept Returns?
Due to the perishable nature of our products I’m afraid we don’t accept returns. In the unlikely event you have received an incorrect item in your order please contact us. If there are any other queries, our customer service team are on hand to help.