Pros 
Cons A Pricey Predicament: The Cost of Quality at Robinson Meats
Robinson Meats has built a reputation as a local butcher shop in Glenorchy, Tasmania, but as reviews suggest, pricing has become a significant concern for many. While it is noted that the beef prices tend to be $1-2 cheaper than competitors, particularly Robo's, the inconsistencies in chicken prices—often $1-2 higher—are raising eyebrows among regular patrons.
Recent customer feedback sheds light on surprising price fluctuations:
- Beef Curry: Initial quotes of $12 per kilo quickly escalated to $16 upon further inquiries, leading to feelings of distrust among customers.
- Curry Meat: A concerning experience involving the purchase of 3 kg of curry meat resulted in only 1.5 kg of bone, causing dissatisfaction about the perceived value at $15 per kg.
All in all, while some patrons appreciate the competitive pricing for certain cuts, others feel the prices are on the rise without adequate justification.
Quality Meets Controversy: A Mixed Bag of Freshness
The quality of meat served at Robinson Meats is another focal point of the customer reviews. While some patrons laud the good quality meat at competitive prices, others express disappointment as the quality seems to fluctuate. The testimonials illustrate contrasting experiences:
- Praise: "Good meat, well priced and superb service. Try the garlic chicken turnover!" declares one enthusiastic customer.
- Disappointment: A more critical voice laments, “Quality drop so low,” highlighting an experience of purchasing bones instead of meat.
Customer experiences indicate that while the lamb chops and halal options have met expectations, others have left consumers feeling cheated.
Customer Service Woes: A Call for Improvement
A recurring theme in the reviews for Robinson Meats is the poor customer service. Reports of employees displaying annoyance and disrespect have tarnished the shop's reputation:
- Customers have voiced their frustrations about management changes resulting in unethical practices.
- The conduct of staff has often led patrons to question the quality of service receiving: “Absolutely disgraceful,” one customer expressed about a recent visit.
Amidst these complaints, some reviewers shine a glimmer of hope:
- Patrons like Mr. Steve and an unnamed lady have been mentioned positively, receiving praise for their friendly demeanor.
This dichotomy shows that while some staff excel in customer interactions, changes in management have affected the overall shopping experience negatively.
A Local's Perspective: Varied Experiences at Robinson Meats
The journey through Robinson Meats reflects the experiences many locals have had over the years. For some, the shop has remained a favored destination, while for others, it has become a site of grievances.
Positive Reviews:
- “Highly recommended. Never let me down,” reflects a loyal customer, emphasizing a decade of consistent visits.
- A mention of “amazing fresh lamb chops at a very good price” illustrates that there is still value to be found.
Negative Reviews:
- Unethical Pricing Practices: Customers report feeling exploited, questioning the reliability of the pricing system.
- Quality Issues: Fluctuating quality and the presence of too many bones in meat packs signal a worrying trend.
Robinson Meats encapsulates the balance of virtues and vices that come with being a local butcher shop. While it continues to provide quality products at times, the overall experience is tainted by rising prices and an erratic customer service atmosphere, leaving customers divided between loyalty and disappointment.