Pros 
Cons A Tale of Two Experiences: Quality Meats & Inconsistent Service
Ashfield Best Meats, located on Liverpool Road in Ashfield, presents a curious case study in the local butcher scene. The shop consistently draws praise for the quality and value of its meat, especially its chicken breasts which are frequently lauded for their price point at $10 per kilogram. Numerous reviewers highlight the excellent quality of their steaks and chorizo, praising their tenderness and flavour. The diverse range of meat products available is another point of strong positive feedback, making it a convenient option for weekly shopping, particularly for those who live nearby Coles. Beyond the basics, certain cuts like pork ribs are available, although some customers have noted a tendency towards leaner-than-ideal cuts, requiring more preparation at home.
"There's no where else in this area you're going to consistently find chicken breasts for $10 p/kilo that are high like they have.” – A Regular Customer
However, the overwhelmingly positive comments regarding product quality are starkly contrasted by a recurring theme: inconsistent and, at times, deeply disappointing customer service. It's clear that while the meat itself is often excellent, the experience of obtaining it can vary wildly. The shop’s accessibility is a plus, boasting both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. Payment options are convenient, accepting credit/debit cards and NFC mobile payments. Despite the efforts made to provide an inclusive shopping environment, the variance in staff interaction casts a shadow over the overall impression.
The Harsh Reality of Rude Encounters
The most significant area of complaint revolves around the behaviour of individual staff members. Several reviewers detail experiences of rudeness and unhelpful responses, with one particularly distressing account detailing the treatment of an elderly disabled woman. A customer recounted being met with a dismissive "no, no" when politely requesting a specific cut of chicken, leaving her feeling "anxious and humiliated." This highlights a concerning lack of patience and compassion, especially when considering the customer's disability and the shop's relatively quiet atmosphere at the time. Other examples of poor service include a butcher who became visibly irritated when asked for specific cuts of meat, and another who offered unhelpful responses when asked about trimming services. This behaviour undermines the entire shopping experience, regardless of the product's quality.
Here's a summary of reported customer service issues:
| Issue | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Dismissive Responses | Staff members abruptly refusing requests without explanation. | High |
| Irritability/Anger | Butchers reacting with anger or frustration to customer requests. | High |
| Lack of Assistance | Failure to provide helpful advice or alternative solutions. | Medium |
| Unhelpful Information | Providing inaccurate or misleading information about the products. | Low |
| Lack of Trimming Services | No option to request meat to be trimmed to specific requirements. | Medium |
The linked image seemingly corroborates accounts of these negative interactions, displaying a photo of the aforementioned staff member and the shop's exterior. While acknowledging that individual experiences can vary, the repeated nature of these complaints suggests a systemic problem within Ashfield Best Meats’ customer service training and management.
The Good & The Not-So-Good: A Breakdown of Product Feedback
Beyond the headline criticisms, a deeper dive into customer reviews reveals a more nuanced picture of Ashfield Best Meats' product quality. Here's a breakdown:
- Positives:
- Steaks: Regularly praised for their tenderness and flavour. Considered high-quality.
- Chicken Breasts: Exceptional value at $10/kilo. Frequently mentioned as a reason for returning.
- Chorizo: A standout product, highly recommended by many customers.
- Variety: A wide selection of meats caters to diverse needs and preferences.
- Cleanliness: Several reviewers noted the shop's cleanliness.
- Negatives:
- Sausages: Described as tasting “like shit” by one reviewer – a stark contrast to other product feedback.
- Pork Ribs: While available, sometimes lacking the desired amount of fat, requiring additional trimming.
- Lack of Trimming Services: A significant inconvenience for some customers who prefer specific cuts or requires preparation.
- Chicken Wing Trimmings: Refusal to trim chicken wings, coupled with unhelpful responses regarding alternative options.
It’s evident that the shop has a solid foundation in providing quality meat at competitive prices, but inconsistencies in preparation and offerings like trimming could be improved.
Alternatives and A Recommendation
The recurring negative feedback on customer service pushes potential shoppers to consider alternatives. One reviewer specifically mentioned Campsie Local Butcher as "the complete package,” likely due to consistent positive experiences. Woolworths Deli was also cited as a more helpful and cheaper alternative when it came to simple services like cutting chicken bones.
Considering the volatile nature of customer service experiences combined with the generally positive feedback around meat quality and pricing, Ashfield Best Meats is a gamble. If you are solely focused on low-cost, high-quality staples like chicken breasts – and are prepared to potentially encounter indifferent or rude service - it might be worth the risk. However, for those prioritising a consistently pleasant shopping experience and/or require trimming services, exploring alternative butchers in the area – particularly the one in Campsie – would be a far safer bet. The management at Ashfield Best Meats needs to address these serious concerns regarding staff behaviour to uphold the reputation of providing ‘best’ quality meats.