Pros 
Cons A Mixed Grill of Experiences: What Customers Are Saying About United Butchery
United Butchery, located at 155 Burwood Rd, Burwood, has become a regular haunt for many in the area seeking quality meat and a convenient shopping experience. With an average rating of 2.9 out of 5, the reviews paint a complex picture; a blend of genuine praise for their product range and pricing, alongside some concerning experiences regarding pricing transparency and customer service. The shop is open seven days a week from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM, offering a consistent, accessible service. They accept card payments (with a surcharge), and offer NFC mobile payments. Notably, they also provide a convenient home delivery service, a surprising bonus for those days when popping in isn’t possible.
The Good Cuts: Praising Quality and Value
Many reviewers consistently highlight the quality of the meat and the reasonable prices offered by United Butchery. It's a sentiment that frequently surfaces in customer feedback:
- Wagyu Steaks: Several customers rave about the delicious Wagyu steaks, often mentioning the affordability relative to other butchers. “Picked up a very tasty Wagyu steak and frozen beef brisket for a good price,” one review states, echoing a common appreciation for their premium meat offerings.
- Brisket & Hotpot Essentials: The shop's in-store slicing of beef brisket is a significant draw. It’s described as "very fatty and juicy," a key consideration for slow-cooking enthusiasts. The overall selection caters well to hotpot and Korean BBQ (KBBQ) enthusiasts, offering "everything you need from a butcher."
- Helpful Staff & Meal Ideas: Some customers have noted the staff’s willingness to offer suggestions and inspire meal ideas, particularly helpful for those feeling uninspired in the kitchen. "Staff are super suggestive when you run out of ideas for your preparation meal," says one reviewer.
- Restaurant Supplies: The butcher caters to local businesses, allowing restaurants to order “Five different cuts of meat,” a testament to their diverse range and ability to supply larger orders.
- Regular Replenishment: Reviewers frequently comment on the freshness of the meat, highlighting "quality of meat is regularly replenished," indicating a focus on inventory management and freshness.
- Dedicated Staff Members: Specific mentions of Casey and "the other women" receiving positive feedback demonstrate a positive connection with certain staff members, solidifying a feeling of personalized service for some. "Yes we have been lots of times now and you can get great meat from Casey and the Other Women!❤️😀"
The Tough Spots: Concerns & Complaints
Alongside the positive feedback, there's a significant number of complaints that warrant attention. These centre primarily around pricing discrepancies and occasionally, questionable customer service.
- Pricing Discrepancies: The most recurring and serious complaint involves inconsistencies in pricing. Several customers report being quoted one price before the meat is cut, only to be charged a higher amount at the counter. One reviewer detailed, "the lady quoted me one price before cutting the meat but on payment quoted me a much higher price, and pretended like she never said the first price." This lack of transparency is a major point of contention for many.
- Questionable Customer Service: Related to the pricing issues, some reviewers expressed frustration with the staff's responses when disputing the price. One particularly concerning review described an incident where questioning the price bracketed as “really ridiculous and shocking.”
- Chicken Wing Quality: Some customers have been dissatisfied with the quality of the chicken wings after defrosting, describing them as "sticky."
- Steak Display Issues: A stark warning is issued regarding the display steaks, with a reviewer stating, "The display steaks are for appearances only." They purchased three steaks, only to find that two were "completely grey and frozen" and had to be discarded due to their tough and chewy texture.
- Pushy Sales Tactics: One reviewer expressed discomfort with being pressured to purchase beef tendon after being shown it, stating that the clerks’ response was “really ridiculous and shocking.”
A Verdict on United Butchery: Potential Amidst the Issues
United Butchery offers undeniable potential. The quality of the meat, especially the Wagyu and brisket, and the diverse range that caters to hotpot and KBBQ lovers is clearly appealing, all at attractive price points. The convenient opening hours and home delivery service are also significant assets. However, the consistent complaints regarding pricing transparency and occasionally, the regrettable behaviours of certain staff members, are serious concerns that need to be addressed urgently. Improvements in staff training, clear and consistent pricing practices, and a greater emphasis on customer service are vital to elevate the overall experience and justify the consistently high praise for the product itself. Until these issues are resolved, customers will undoubtedly remain wary. The low score of 2.9 reflects this ongoing struggle, highlighting the need for United Butchery to prioritise trust and fair dealing to truly thrive in the competitive Burwood market.