Pros 
Cons A Mixed Grill of Opinions: What Customers Are Saying
Shepparton Family Butchers, located at 35 Vaughan St, Shepparton VIC 3630, holds a 3.8-star rating, and the reviews reveal a shop experiencing a complex range of customer sentiment. It’s clear this isn’t a consistently flawless experience, and several serious concerns have been raised alongside praise for quality and service. Let’s delve into the details, exploring the highlights and the areas needing significant improvement. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM, and closed on Sundays. They offer a convenient range of service options, including curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, delivery and in-store pickup, alongside standard in-store shopping. Accessibility is also a focus, with wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking. Payment options are comprehensive, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Hygiene Concerns: A Serious Red Flag
The most alarming aspect consistently arising in the reviews concerns hygiene practices. One customer reported a deeply unsettling experience witnessing a staff member handling chicken without gloves and without washing their hands, exhibiting a lack of basic food safety protocols. The description of the employee using bare hands with long nails to package raw chicken is particularly concerning and raises serious questions regarding the shop's commitment to safe food handling. This single incident has prompted a warning to potential customers to be "WARY." This kind of report is incredibly damaging to a butcher’s reputation and highlights a vital area where Shepparton Family Butchers must implement immediate and rigorous corrective measures.
- Key Concern: Lack of adherence to food safety standards.
- Affected Product: Raw chicken (and potentially other raw meats).
- Potential Risk: Foodborne illness.
- Recommendation: Immediate retraining of all staff on proper hygiene practices, including mandatory glove usage and thorough handwashing procedures. Regular audits and inspections, potentially involving external food safety experts, are critical.
Pricing Discrepancies and Accusations of Discrimination
Beyond the hygiene worries, several customers have mentioned problematic interactions related to pricing and customer service. One customer detailed a situation where they were overcharged for apples, initially displaying a price of $1.99 per kilogram but being charged $4.35 upon checkout. Crucially, the cashier, described as an older woman with blond hair, reportedly offered no apology and displayed a "very bad" attitude. This customer further alleged racist behaviour, specifying "she is a RACIST." This serious accusation requires thorough investigation and a commitment from management to address any potential biases within the workplace. Another customer, part of a business that regularly receives supplies from Shepparton Family Butchers, expressed consistent satisfaction with the meat quality and friendly service. This contrasts sharply with the experiences of customers feeling unfairly treated.
Here’s a breakdown of the reported pricing and service issues:
| Issue | Details | Potential Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overcharging | Discrepancy between displayed price and charged amount. | Implement stricter checkout procedures, price verification |
| Poor Customer Service | Unapologetic attitude, lack of helpfulness. | Customer service training, performance monitoring |
| Allegation of racism | Serious accusation, requires immediate and comprehensive investigation. | HR investigation, diversity and inclusion training for all staff |
The Good Cuts: Quality and Customer Appreciation
Despite the concerning issues, many customers consistently praise the quality of the meat and the helpfulness of the staff. Specific menu items like crumbed lamb cutlets and mini rolled roasts receive high marks for their taste and quality. Several reviews highlight the "fantastic" customer service and the willingness of staff to offer helpful advice and new ideas. Other positive comments include:
- "Great selection..." indicating a wide range of products available.
- "...always great value..." suggesting competitive pricing, excluding instances of overcharging.
- "...delicious meat and excellent customer service." A concise summary of a positive experience.
- A business owner praises the shop’s reliable supply and friendly service.
- Customers appreciate the shop’s willingness to accommodate late orders.
It's evident that Shepparton Family Butchers possesses the potential to provide excellent service and high-quality products. However, addressing the significant hygiene concerns and actively working to resolve issues around pricing and customer interactions is vital for maintaining a positive reputation and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its clientele. The phone number is +61 3 5821 3125.