Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the disappointing experiences of consumers purchasing hairy crabs this season, particularly focusing on issues related to product quality and the difficulties in redeeming crab cards, which have led to widespread dissatisfaction and complaints against brands like "Crab Lady" [5][10][36]. Group 1: Consumer Experience - Many consumers reported receiving crabs of poor quality, with issues such as empty shells, bitter taste, and unformed crab roe and fat [5][10][12]. - The brand "Crab Lady" has been particularly criticized, with customers finding the crabs they received to be lacking in meat and flavor, contrary to the advertised quality [10][12][36]. - Complaints about receiving dead crabs and discrepancies in weight have also been prevalent, further exacerbating consumer frustration [19][21][36]. Group 2: Redemption Issues - Consumers have faced significant challenges in redeeming crab cards, with many reporting that the redemption process is akin to a "battle," often encountering fully booked slots and unresponsive customer service [22][24]. - The disparity between the ease of purchasing crab cards and the difficulty of redeeming them has raised concerns about the business model of brands like "Crab Lady," which appears to prioritize sales over fulfillment [24][26]. - The article notes that the crab card system, while intended to manage supply and quality, has led to consumer losses due to unfulfilled orders and expired cards [26][29]. Group 3: Industry Complaints and Regulations - The article mentions that complaints regarding crab quality and redemption issues are not new, with a cumulative total of 5,459 complaints recorded on third-party platforms [35]. - "Crab Lady" has faced repeated scrutiny and was even suspended from the local crab industry association due to allegations of false advertising and quality issues [36][38]. - Regulatory measures have been introduced to address the sale of crab cards and ensure better consumer protection, including requirements for businesses to maintain a certain operational history and financial guarantees [39][40].