Pros 
Cons A Snapshot of Elmir Halal Butchery: What Customers Are Saying
Elmir Halal Butchery, situated at 187 Elizabeth Dr, Liverpool NSW 2170, has garnered a rating of 3.6 out of 5, reflecting a diverse range of customer experiences. The butcher shop boasts convenient opening hours, extending from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday to Thursday and Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Sunday. Accessibility is a strength, with both wheelchair accessible entrances and parking available, catering to a wider range of customers. Payment options are modern, accepting credit cards. The shop provides a variety of meats, including diced options perfect for shish, lamb backstrap and shoulders, and chicken thigh fillets, frequently praised for their freshness and tenderness. Yet, the online reviews present a complex picture, oscillating between enthusiastic recommendations and serious concerns regarding service and meat quality. Let’s unpack these contrasting viewpoints.
The Good: Freshness & Dedicated Staff Shine Through
Several reviewers highlight the quality of the meat as a significant drawcard for Elmir Halal Butchery. Repeatedly, customers commend the freshness of the products, particularly the lamb, often describing it as “tender” and “very good.” One loyal customer states, "Everything was fresh and the lamb was tender. Definitely will come again." This sentiment is echoed by others who appreciate the well-priced, fresh offerings.
Beyond the meat itself, a recurring theme amongst positive feedback centres on the hardworking individuals behind the counter. One reviewer particularly notes:
"Young man in the back always putting in the work 💯 recommend best customer service best meat."
This suggests a dedicated workforce committed to providing quality products and, in certain instances, excellent customer service. It's clear that for some patrons, this personal touch makes a real difference. Here’s a summary of the positives observed:
- Fresh Meat: Consistent praise for the freshness and tenderness of the lamb and chicken.
- Competitive Prices: Several customers mention appreciating the affordable prices.
- Dedicated Staff: Recognition of the hard work and positive attitude of some employees, particularly a young man in the back.
- Convenient Location & Accessibility: Easily accessible with wheelchair friendly entrances and parking.
The Concerns: Eftpos Issues & Variable Quality
However, the reviews aren't entirely positive. A significant number of complaints revolve around the point-of-sale system issues and questionable practices. Multiple reviewers have expressed frustration with the eftpos machine:
- Tap-and-Pay Limitations: The eftpos machine apparently doesn’t accept tap-and-pay functionality with phones, which is becoming increasingly standard.
- Unexpected Extra Charges: A concerning number of customers claim that the device automatically charges them extra money without their knowledge or explicit consent. This has led to accusations of poor customer service and potentially deceptive practices. One customer bluntly stated, "their device automatically charges you extra money with you knowing and the workers don't even ask for your consent before charging extra money."
- Lack of Gloves: Hygiene is another point of contention, with several reviews questioning why staff don’t wear gloves when handling meat. This raises legitimate concerns about food safety and handling procedures.
Beyond the service-related issues, a smaller, yet significant number of customers have raised concerns about the apparent freshness of the meat. Phrases like "Meat doesn’t look fresh at all…” suggest inconsistent quality. There are also worries about dishonest practices; one review alleges the butcher shop "steal[s] half of the chicken" when fulfilling a request for specific cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions and Closing Thoughts
It's clear customers have varying inquiries, highlighting a need for clearer communication within the business. Examples include:
| Question | Implication |
|---|---|
| “Do youse have wagyu beef or lamb meat here?" | Indicates demand for specialty meats. |
| Concerns about eftpos charges | Suggests a potential need for a system review. |
| Hygiene – no gloves? | Highlights perceived lack of food safety practices. |
Elmir Halal Butchery presents a mixed picture. While praised for the freshness of its meats and the dedication of some of its staff, concerns about the eftpos system, hygiene procedures, and potential pricing discrepancies are serious and warrant attention. The 3.6-star rating reflects this duality. Addressing the negative feedback regarding the eftpos machine anomaly, hygiene, and transparency in pricing would likely result in a more positive customer experience and a higher overall rating. Potential customers should be aware of these mixed reviews and perhaps inquire specifically about these issues before making a purchase.