Livefoodsbypost.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website Livefoodsbypost.co.uk, it appears to be an online retailer specialising in live feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, delivered directly to customers in the UK. The site highlights convenience with “letterbox tubs” and boasts fresh produce sourced from a leading UK livefood producer.

Here’s an overall review summary:

Legitimacy: Appears legitimate with a registered company number (13546423) and clear contact information.
Ethical Consideration: Selling live insects for animal feed is generally considered permissible, especially for pets that require such diets. The focus on animal welfare (freshness, secure packaging) is a positive.
Transparency: Provides details on delivery, contact information, and an “About Us” section.
User Experience: The website seems straightforward for purchasing, with clear categories and product listings.
Delivery Model: The letterbox delivery is an innovative and convenient feature for customers.
Customer Feedback: Features positive customer testimonials directly on the homepage, though these are not independently verifiable on the site itself.

The website provides a clear value proposition: fresh, high-quality live feeder insects delivered conveniently through your letterbox in the UK. They claim to work with a “leading livefood producer” and aim for dispatch within 24 hours for orders placed before midday (excluding Fridays and weekends), with delivery typically within a few days via first-class Royal Mail. This focus on speed and freshness is critical for perishable goods like live insects. The range of products, including Locusts, Crickets, Mealworms, Morio worms, calci worms, waxworms, and pachnoda grubs, caters to a broad spectrum of reptile and amphibian dietary needs. The ability to mix and match tubs further enhances flexibility for pet owners.

While Livefoodsbypost.co.uk seems to be a solid choice for its niche, here are some alternatives that might offer a broader range of pet supplies or different logistical approaches, depending on specific needs.

Best Alternatives for Pet Supplies in the UK:

PetSmart
- Key Features: One of the largest pet retailers globally, offering a vast array of pet food, supplies, accessories, and services (grooming, training, veterinary care).
- Average Price: Varies widely depending on products, competitive pricing for bulk items.
- Pros: Extensive selection, frequent sales, loyalty program, physical stores for immediate needs and expert advice.
- Cons: Not solely focused on livefoods, delivery times might vary for specific items, not all products are ethical in Islam (e.g., certain dog foods).
Pets at Home
- Key Features: UK’s largest pet supplies retailer, offering food, accessories, bedding, and a range of live animals. They also have grooming salons and veterinary practices.
- Average Price: Competitive with other major pet retailers, often have multi-buy deals.
- Pros: Wide availability across the UK with numerous physical stores, comprehensive product range, loyalty scheme, and expert advice.
- Cons: Not exclusively livefoods, some products might not align with specific ethical dietary restrictions, online stock can vary.
Viovet
- Key Features: Online pet pharmacy and retailer based in the UK, offering veterinary medicines, pet food, and accessories.
- Average Price: Often cheaper than high street pet shops for bulk purchases of prescription items.
- Pros: Specialises in veterinary products, good for recurring medication needs, competitive pricing on large quantities.
- Cons: Less focus on live animals or livefood directly, primarily for health and food supplies, limited physical presence.
Zooplus
- Key Features: One of Europe’s largest online pet shops, offering a huge selection of pet food and accessories for all types of pets, with competitive pricing and loyalty programmes.
- Average Price: Generally good value, especially for larger packs and subscription services.
- Pros: Enormous product range, often cheaper than local shops for bulk buys, regular discounts, reliable delivery.
- Cons: Fully online, so no in-person advice, delivery times can be slightly longer for some items, not a livefood specialist.
Amazon UK
- Key Features: A massive marketplace with numerous third-party sellers offering every conceivable pet product, from food to toys to specialised equipment.
- Average Price: Highly variable, often very competitive due to multiple sellers.
- Pros: Unrivalled selection, fast Prime delivery options, easy price comparison, customer reviews.
- Cons: Quality and reliability of sellers can vary, not all products are ethically sourced or align with specific requirements, not a dedicated pet specialist.
Swell Reptiles
- Key Features: A dedicated reptile specialist in the UK, offering a comprehensive range of reptile products, including enclosures, heating, lighting, and livefood.
- Average Price: Mid-range to premium, reflecting specialised nature.
- Pros: Deep expertise in reptile care, good selection of specialist equipment, reliable source for livefood.
- Cons: Primarily focused on reptiles, so less broad than general pet shops, might be slightly pricier for some items.
Livefood UK
- Key Features: Another dedicated UK livefood supplier, offering a range of insects for reptiles and amphibians, often with subscription options.
- Average Price: Similar to Livefoodsbypost.co.uk, competitive for live insects.
- Pros: Specialises in livefood, reliable for regular deliveries, often good bulk deals.
- Cons: Only livefood, no broader pet supplies, delivery model might differ from letterbox convenience.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Livefoodsbypost.co.uk Review & First Look

When you first land on Livefoodsbypost.co.uk, you’re greeted with a clean, functional layout that immediately communicates its core business: live insects delivered fresh through your letterbox. This direct approach is a breath of fresh air in the sometimes-cluttered world of online retail. The site prioritises user experience, making it easy to navigate and find what you need.

The initial impression is one of efficiency and convenience. Bold headlines like “Fast UK Delivery” and “Freshness Guaranteed” aim to build trust right from the start. For anyone with exotic pets requiring live insects, these are critical assurances. The site quickly points to its key selling points:

Innovative Letterbox Tubs: This is their unique selling proposition, addressing a common pain point of missed deliveries for perishable goods.
Direct from Farm: Emphasises freshness and quality, implying a shorter supply chain.
Wide Range of Feeder Insects: From the common Locusts and Crickets to Mealworms and Morio worms, they cover the dietary needs of many reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

The immediate visibility of top sellers like “3rd Locust Hoppers” with pricing and customer reviews (e.g., “10 review(s) £2.58”) provides social proof and helps new customers quickly identify popular items. The clear categorisation for “Shop by Category” (Locusts, Worms, Crickets, Food Packs, Roaches, Black Crickets) streamlines the shopping process, making it intuitive even for first-time visitors. The overall design is uncluttered, focusing on product information and the ease of ordering, which is exactly what a buyer of live, perishable goods would want.

User Interface and Navigation

The user interface of Livefoodsbypost.co.uk is commendably straightforward. The main navigation bar at the top includes essential links such as “About Us,” “Contact Us,” “Delivery Information,” and “Buy Livefoods Online.” This logical structure ensures that crucial details are easily accessible without extensive searching. The presence of a clear “My Cart” and “Checkout” at the top right is standard and expected, contributing to a seamless purchasing journey.

The “Shop now” buttons are prominent and strategically placed, guiding users directly to product listings. For instance, clicking on “Shop by Category” immediately reveals common livefood types. This intuitive design minimises friction, allowing users to move from browsing to selection swiftly. The use of clear product images and concise descriptions further enhances the shopping experience.

First Impressions of Trust and Authority

For a website selling perishable goods, establishing trust is paramount. Livefoodsbypost.co.uk makes several attempts to build this from the outset. The mention of being a “Registered company: 13546423” at the footer provides a basic level of credibility. This company number can be independently verified through Companies House in the UK, which is a good practice for demonstrating legitimacy.

The inclusion of customer testimonials directly on the homepage, such as “These hoppers arrive securely packaged and in excellent health” from Timothy John Green, and “Always quick to arrive. Convenient and bugs last for a long time” from Emily Unwin, provides social proof. While these reviews are internal and not linked to third-party platforms, they give an immediate sense of customer satisfaction. The stated commitment to “Freshness Guaranteed” and sourcing from “one of the UK’s leading livefood producers” further aims to reassure potential buyers about the quality of their products.

Livefoodsbypost.co.uk Pros & Cons

Delving into the practicalities, Livefoodsbypost.co.uk presents a compelling case for convenience and quality, particularly for reptile owners. However, like any online service, it comes with its own set of advantages and areas where it might not cater to every single user’s needs.

Key Advantages of Livefoodsbypost.co.uk

The primary strengths of Livefoodsbypost.co.uk revolve around its unique delivery model and commitment to product quality.

Letterbox Delivery: This is arguably their standout feature. The innovative “letterbox tubs” eliminate the common headache of missed deliveries, particularly crucial for live, perishable goods. This means your pet’s food can arrive even if you’re not home, ensuring a continuous supply without disruptions. For busy individuals, this is a significant convenience factor.
Guaranteed Freshness and Quality: The website explicitly states “Freshness Guaranteed” and mentions that products are “fresh from the farm” and packed on the same day by “one of the UK’s leading livefood producers.” This direct-from-source approach suggests higher quality and vitality of the insects, which is vital for the health and nutritional needs of exotic pets. High-quality livefood translates to better nutrition and enrichment for the animals.
Fast UK Delivery: With dispatch within 24 hours for orders before midday and typically arriving within a few days via first-class Royal Mail, the service prioritises speed. This is crucial for maintaining a consistent feeding schedule and avoiding shortages.
Wide Range of Live Feeder Insects: They offer a comprehensive selection including Locusts, Crickets, Mealworms, Morio worms, calci worms, waxworms, and pachnoda grubs. This variety caters to the diverse dietary requirements of various reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, making it a one-stop shop for many pet owners.
Mix and Match Options: The ability to choose different types and quantities of tubs allows for greater flexibility in ordering, enabling customers to tailor their purchases precisely to their pets’ needs and preferences.
User-Friendly Website: The site is clean, easy to navigate, and makes the purchasing process straightforward. Clear categories, prominent product listings, and accessible information contribute to a positive user experience.
Direct Customer Support: The presence of a “Contact Us” link implies readily available support, which is essential for any online business, especially when dealing with live products that might have unforeseen issues during transit.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the benefits are clear, there are a few points where Livefoodsbypost.co.uk might not be the perfect fit for everyone or where additional information would be beneficial. It-h.co.uk Review

Focus on Live Invertebrates Only: The company specialises exclusively in live feeder insects. This means if you need other pet supplies – such as enclosures, heating, lighting, or dietary supplements – you’ll need to source them from other retailers. This could be inconvenient for those looking for a complete pet supply solution from a single vendor.
Limited Independent Reviews: While the website features glowing testimonials, these are internal to the site. The absence of links to external review platforms (like Trustpilot or Google Reviews) makes it harder for potential new customers to gauge a broader, independent consensus on service reliability and product quality.
No Clear Refund or Returns Policy for Live Goods: While “Delivery Information” is present, the specifics of what happens if live insects arrive dead or in poor condition are not immediately obvious on the homepage. Given the perishable nature of the product, a clear policy on such occurrences would enhance customer confidence.
No Information on Insect Sourcing Ethics Beyond “Farm”: While “fresh from the farm” sounds good, some customers might be interested in more details about the ethical rearing practices of the insects themselves. Are they raised humanely? What are the environmental impacts of their farming? This level of detail isn’t provided.
Pricing Structure Transparency: While prices per tub are visible, there’s no immediate information on potential bulk discounts or subscription models that could offer long-term savings, which is common for recurring purchases like pet food.
Geographic Limitation: The service is explicitly for “UK Delivery.” This naturally excludes customers outside the United Kingdom, which is a consideration for a global audience.
Dependence on Royal Mail: While Royal Mail is a prominent UK postal service, reliance on a single carrier means that any delays or issues with Royal Mail could directly impact delivery times.

How to Cancel Livefoodsbypost.co.uk Subscription

Based on the information available on the Livefoodsbypost.co.uk homepage, there’s no explicit mention of a subscription service for recurring orders. The website operates on a transactional basis, where customers “Simply place your order online and let us do the rest!” This implies a one-off purchase model rather than an auto-renewing subscription.

Therefore, the concept of “cancelling a subscription” in the traditional sense (like Netflix or a monthly food box) doesn’t seem to apply directly to Livefoodsbypost.co.uk. You simply place orders as and when you need them.

However, if you have placed an order and wish to cancel it before it has been dispatched, you would need to contact their customer service directly.

Steps to Potentially Cancel an Order:

Check Order Status Immediately: As soon as you decide to cancel, log into your account (if you created one) or check your order confirmation email for any status updates. Livefoodsbypost.co.uk states that orders placed before 12 midday (excluding Fridays & Weekends) are “dispatched within 24 hours.” This means time is of the essence.
Contact Customer Service: The most direct way to attempt a cancellation is to contact Livefoodsbypost.co.uk customer service. The website features a “Contact Us” link (https://livefoodsbypost.co.uk/contact-us-2-w.asp).
- Method: Look for a contact form, email address, or phone number. Email is often the best documented method for such requests.
- Information to Provide: When contacting them, be sure to include your order number, the date and time of your order, and your full name. Clearly state that you wish to cancel your order.
Act Promptly: Due to the perishable nature of the products and their stated quick dispatch times, a cancellation request might only be feasible if the order has not yet been picked, packed, or handed over to Royal Mail. Once dispatched, it’s highly unlikely they would be able to intercept the delivery.
Confirm Cancellation: If they agree to the cancellation, request a confirmation email or reference number for your records. This ensures you have proof of the agreement.

What if the Order Has Already Been Dispatched?

If your order has already been dispatched, cancellation is generally not possible. In such cases, you would likely need to receive the delivery. Given that these are live insects, returns are typically not accepted for hygiene and welfare reasons once they have left the controlled environment of the supplier. This is standard practice across most live animal and perishable goods retailers.

It’s always prudent for customers to review a company’s specific “Delivery Information” and any terms and conditions linked on their website to understand their policies regarding cancellations, returns, and refunds, especially for live products. The homepage only mentions a “Delivery Information” link, but the full details on cancellations and returns for live goods would reside there or in a separate terms of service document.

Livefoodsbypost.co.uk Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of Livefoodsbypost.co.uk is straightforward, as individual product prices are clearly listed on the homepage and within the specific product categories. The emphasis is on per-tub pricing, allowing customers to build their orders by selecting quantities of various insect types.

Transparent Per-Tub Pricing

From the homepage, it’s evident that pricing is set per tub, with examples like:

3rd Locust Hoppers, 18-24mm (Medium): £2.58 per tub
4th Locust Hoppers, 28-32mm (Large): £2.58 per tub
5th Locust Hoppers, 36-42mm (Extra Large): £2.58 per tub

This consistent pricing across different sizes of locust hoppers, for instance, simplifies the decision-making process. While the exact quantity of insects within each tub isn’t explicitly stated on the homepage for all items (it might be on individual product pages), the consistent price point for locusts suggests a standardised tub size or count for a given price.

No Visible Subscription Discounts or Bulk Pricing

Based on the homepage content, there’s no immediate indication of:

Subscription Models: As discussed, the service appears to be transaction-based. There are no mentions of recurring delivery discounts or “subscribe and save” options that are common with pet food subscriptions.
Bulk Purchase Discounts: While you can “choose how many tubs you want,” the homepage doesn’t advertise any specific tiered pricing or discounts for buying larger quantities of the same item. Customers might need to manually calculate their total based on the per-tub price.

This means that each purchase is treated as a fresh order, with the listed price per tub being the standard rate. While this keeps things simple, customers who purchase large volumes regularly might seek out alternative suppliers that offer bulk savings. Soarvalleywestern.co.uk Review

Delivery Costs

The homepage snippets like “Delivery: £0.00 Total: £0.00” in the cart summary suggest that delivery costs are calculated at checkout. However, there’s no upfront, clear statement of what the standard delivery fee is, or if there’s a minimum order value for free delivery. Customers would need to proceed to the checkout phase or consult the “Delivery Information” page to understand the full cost implications, including any shipping charges. Transparency on this upfront could further enhance the user experience. Given that the service is UK-focused and uses Royal Mail first-class, delivery costs are likely reasonable, but knowing them explicitly before adding items to the cart is always preferred by consumers.

Overall Value Proposition

At £2.58 per tub for locusts, the pricing appears competitive for specialist livefood, especially considering the convenience of letterbox delivery and the promise of fresh, high-quality insects. The value proposition here is the combination of convenience, speed, and assured freshness, rather than purely being the cheapest option on the market. For pet owners prioritising the health of their animals and hassle-free resupply, this pricing structure likely aligns with their needs.

Livefoodsbypost.co.uk vs. Competitors

When evaluating Livefoodsbypost.co.uk, it’s insightful to compare it against other players in the live reptile food market in the UK. While many retailers offer live insects, their unique selling propositions often differ, particularly in terms of delivery models, product range, and overall customer experience.

Livefoodsbypost.co.uk’s Niche and Strengths

Livefoodsbypost.co.uk carves out a distinct niche primarily through its “letterbox tubs” delivery system. This innovation directly tackles a common logistical challenge for consumers: being home to receive perishable goods. For busy individuals or those in shared accommodations, this is a significant advantage. Their focus on speed (“dispatched within 24 hours”) and freshness (“fresh from the farm”) is also a strong selling point. They aim to be a highly convenient, reliable source for common feeder insects.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Letterbox delivery for ultimate convenience.
Product Quality Focus: Direct sourcing for freshness.
Ease of Use: Simple, straightforward ordering process.

Comparison with Key Competitors

Let’s look at how Livefoodsbypost.co.uk stacks up against some typical competitors in the UK market:

1. Livefood UK (e.g., Livefood.co.uk)

Similarities: Also a dedicated livefood supplier, offering a broad range of insects like crickets, locusts, mealworms, etc. They also focus on freshness and quality.
Differences: Livefood.co.uk generally offers a wider variety of sizes and perhaps less common insect types (e.g., specific roach species or silk worms not listed by Livefoodsbypost.co.uk). While they offer fast delivery, they don’t explicitly promote the letterbox delivery model. Their packaging might require a signature or larger parcel acceptance, which could be less convenient. They often provide more detailed information on specific insect care and nutritional values.
Competitive Edge for Livefoodsbypost.co.uk: The unparalleled convenience of letterbox delivery.

2. Swell Reptiles (e.g., reptiles.swelluk.com)

Similarities: A comprehensive reptile specialist that also sells livefood. They are a well-regarded source for all things reptile, including enclosures, heating, and accessories.
Differences: Swell Reptiles is a broader pet supply retailer. While their livefood is good, it’s not their sole focus. Their livefood delivery might be part of a larger parcel, potentially not fitting through a letterbox. They might offer a larger overall range of reptile products, making them a one-stop shop for everything except the letterbox convenience.
Competitive Edge for Livefoodsbypost.co.uk: Specialisation in livefood delivery logistics; for customers only needing feeder insects, Livefoodsbypost.co.uk is hyper-focused.

3. Large Online Pet Retailers (e.g., Zooplus, Pets at Home online)

Similarities: These giants offer a vast array of pet products, including some livefood options. They benefit from brand recognition, large customer bases, and often loyalty schemes.
Differences: Livefood is often a smaller part of their overall offering. Their live insect range might be less comprehensive, and their delivery logistics are typically geared towards general parcel delivery, not specifically designed for delicate live insects fitting through a letterbox. Pricing might be more competitive on dry goods, but for livefood, a specialist often excels.
Competitive Edge for Livefoodsbypost.co.uk: Specialised handling of live insects, direct-from-farm freshness, and the unique letterbox delivery for unparalleled convenience.

Overall Strategic Positioning

Livefoodsbypost.co.uk positions itself as the most convenient and reliable option for UK reptile owners who primarily need regular, fresh live insect deliveries without the hassle of missed parcels. While other suppliers might offer a broader range of insects or general reptile equipment, Livefoodsbypost.co.uk shines in its core specialisation. Its value proposition is particularly strong for those who prioritise ease of access and consistent supply above all else.

FAQ

What is Livefoodsbypost.co.uk?

Livefoodsbypost.co.uk is a UK-based online retailer specialising in providing live feeder insects, such as locusts, crickets, and mealworms, for pet reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, delivered directly to the customer’s letterbox. Empirestudenthall.co.uk Review

How does Livefoodsbypost.co.uk ensure freshness?

The website states that their livefoods are delivered “fresh from the farm,” packed on the same day by a leading UK livefood producer, and dispatched quickly via first-class Royal Mail to ensure freshness upon arrival.

What types of livefoods does Livefoodsbypost.co.uk offer?

They offer a variety of traditional feeder insects including Locusts (various sizes), Crickets (brown and black), Mealworms, Morio worms, Calci worms, Waxworms, and Pachnoda grubs.

Does Livefoodsbypost.co.uk offer subscription services?

Based on the homepage, Livefoodsbypost.co.uk appears to operate on a transactional model, meaning customers place one-off orders as needed, rather than offering recurring subscription services.

How fast is Livefoodsbypost.co.uk’s delivery?

Orders placed before 12 midday (excluding Fridays & Weekends) are typically dispatched within 24 hours and usually arrive on your doormat within a few days via first-class Royal Mail.

What is the advantage of “letterbox tubs”?

The innovative “letterbox tubs” are designed to fit through standard letterboxes, eliminating the need for customers to be home to receive a parcel and preventing missed deliveries or trips to the post office.

Is Livefoodsbypost.co.uk a registered company?

Yes, the website footer states it is a registered company with the number 13546423, which can be verified through Companies House in the UK.

Can I mix and match different types of livefoods in one order?

Yes, the website mentions that you can “choose how many tubs you want, and mix and match between all available options.”

What are the prices of livefoods on Livefoodsbypost.co.uk?

Prices are listed per tub, with examples like 3rd, 4th, and 5th Locust Hoppers all priced at £2.58 per tub as seen on the homepage. Specific prices for other insects would be on their respective product pages.

Does Livefoodsbypost.co.uk offer free delivery?

The homepage cart summary shows “Delivery: £0.00 Total: £0.00” which implies delivery costs are calculated at checkout, but does not explicitly state a minimum for free delivery. Customers should check the “Delivery Information” page for full details.

What if my livefoods arrive dead or in poor condition?

While the homepage doesn’t detail a specific policy, it’s standard for perishable goods. Customers should consult the “Delivery Information” or “Contact Us” section for their policy on damaged or deceased arrivals and contact customer service promptly. Flooring-glasgow.co.uk Review

Is Livefoodsbypost.co.uk ethical in its practices?

Selling live insects for animal feed is generally considered permissible for exotic pets. The focus on secure packaging and freshness aligns with animal welfare. Specific details on the ethical rearing of the insects themselves are not provided on the homepage.

Are there any discounts for bulk purchases on Livefoodsbypost.co.uk?

The homepage does not explicitly advertise bulk purchase discounts or tiered pricing, suggesting that pricing is primarily on a per-tub basis.

Does Livefoodsbypost.co.uk deliver outside the UK?

No, the service is explicitly for “Fast UK Delivery,” indicating that they only ship within the United Kingdom.

How can I contact Livefoodsbypost.co.uk customer service?

The website provides a “Contact Us” link (https://livefoodsbypost.co.uk/contact-us-2-w.asp) where you would typically find methods like an email address or contact form.

Are there customer reviews available for Livefoodsbypost.co.uk?

Yes, the homepage features customer testimonials, such as reviews from Timothy John Green, George Barnes, and Emily Unwin, attesting to product quality and service.

Does Livefoodsbypost.co.uk sell other pet supplies besides live insects?

No, Livefoodsbypost.co.uk specialises solely in live feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Other pet supplies would need to be purchased elsewhere.

How do I cancel an order on Livefoodsbypost.co.uk?

Since there’s no subscription model, you would cancel a one-off order by contacting customer service directly via their “Contact Us” page as soon as possible before the order has been dispatched.

What payment methods are accepted by Livefoodsbypost.co.uk?

While not explicitly stated on the homepage, typical online retailers accept major credit/debit cards and often PayPal. This information would usually be available during the checkout process.

How does Livefoodsbypost.co.uk compare to Livefood.co.uk?

Both are UK-based livefood suppliers. Livefoodsbypost.co.uk’s primary differentiator is its “letterbox tubs” and focus on letterbox delivery convenience, while Livefood.co.uk might offer a broader range of insect types or sizes beyond standard feeder insects.

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