Pros 
Cons Vic Meat Supply: A Mixed Grill of Experiences
Vic Meat Supply, nestled within Melbourne's Meat Hall on Queen Street, is a butcher shop generating a buzz of mixed reactions. With a current rating of 3.4 out of 5, the establishment’s reputation is seemingly as complex as the cuts of meat it offers. Located at Shop 18, Meat Hall, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, and reachable at +61 412 272 623, Vic Meat Supply operates with a fairly consistent schedule, closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and boasting extended hours on Saturdays. The convenience of delivery, alongside the ability to pop in for a quick visit, are definite positives. They accept credit cards and debit cards, as well as NFC mobile payments, aiming to cater to varied shopper preferences. However, recent customer feedback paints a picture riddled with both praise and serious concerns regarding the freshness and service quality. Let's dive in to explore the various perspectives.
The Freshness Factor: High Praise and Concerns
The core of any butcher shop's value lies in the quality and freshness of its meat. Here, Vic Meat Supply receives a double-edged assessment.
Several customers have spoken highly of their experiences, particularly regarding recent deliveries. One reviewer lauded the "sensational" quality of the meat, the "great prices," and the "amazing quantity" delivered "quickly and COVID friendly." This paints a picture of efficiency and impressive value. Further support for this comes from another customer who declared this shop their "go-to place to buy high quality meat," suggesting consistent satisfaction. There’s a sense that, at least occasionally, Vic Meat Supply delivers exceptional service and produce.
However, a stark contrast emerges from other experiences. Complaints centre primarily around serious freshness issues.
- Lamb Cutlets Incident: One customer purchased lamb cutlets on Sunday only to find them “rancid” by Tuesday lunchtime, described as “brown, slimy and foul-smelling.” The loss of $20 due to spoiled meat is a significant and discouraging experience.
- Sausage Snafu: Another customer reported a similar problem with continental sausages, noting an “off” smell with a “really sick rotting overtone.”
- The Pattern: While these are isolated incidents, the repeated complaint about freshness raises questions about storage practices and quality control.
A table highlighting the conflicting freshness feedback:
| Feedback Type | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | "Sensational meat," "Great prices," "High quality" | Attracts loyal customers, establishes reputation for quality. |
| Negative | Rancid lamb cutlets, "Rotting overtone" sausages | Significant financial loss for customers, damages reputation and trust. |
Customer Service: From Friendly to Frustrating
Beyond the meat itself, customer service plays a crucial role in a positive shopping experience. Vic Meat Supply’s performance in this area is dramatically inconsistent.
While some customers highlight the "fantastic service and great prices" and praise the "very friendly staff," another reviewer reports a deeply unsettling interaction. The story of a customer inquiring about dog mince (a common practice for butchers mincing meat specifically for pets) and being curtly dismissed with the phrase "they don't mince dogs and hung up" is exceptionally concerning.
“Called in to ask if there had dog mince (mince meat for dogs) and they said they don't mince dogs and hung up on me. Didn't even bother clarifying what I just asked. How ridiculous can one be?”
This incident suggests a severe lack of professionalism and a dismissive attitude towards customer inquiries. It raises flags about staff training and potentially a lack of understanding regarding common butcher shop practices. A simple clarification could have avoided a negative review and potential loss of business.
Here's a breakdown:
- Positive: Friendly staff, helpful service (reported by multiple customers).
- Negative: Abrupt and dismissive behaviour, hanging up on customers when asked simple questions. This is a significant problem that needs to be addressed.
Facilities & Logistics: Convenience with Caveats
Vic Meat Supply appears to be striving for convenience. The offering of delivery services, alongside the accessibility for quick visits, matches the needs of a fast-paced Melbourne lifestyle. Acceptance of various payment methods (credit, debit, and NFC) shows a modern approach to retail. However, these conveniences are sharply contrasted by the freshness concerns detailed earlier.
The opening hours – closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, extended on Saturdays – offer reasonable accessibility for most shoppers. However, potential customers should be aware of these limitations when planning their visit.
Key Facilities Summary:
- Delivery: Available – A definite plus for busy shoppers.
- Quick Visits: Enabled – Easily accessible for spontaneous purchases.
- Payment Options: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments - Showcases modern payment practices.
- Operating Hours: Friday: 6 AM–3 PM, Saturday: 6 AM–4 PM, Sunday: 7 AM–3 PM, Tuesday & Thursday: 6 AM - 3 PM. Monday & Wednesday: Closed.
Addressing the reported freshness issues is paramount for Vic Meat Supply to convert sporadic positive feedback into consistent satisfaction and elevate its overall rating. Improvements in quality control procedures and staff training in customer service could significantly enhance the overall experience and transform the ‘mixed grill’ of reviews into a uniformly positive one.