Pros 
Cons )
A Look at Big Gun Wholesale Meats: What Customers Are Saying
Big Gun Wholesale Meats, located at 2912 Logan Rd, Underwood QLD 4119, consistently draws in customers with its early opening hours (as early as 4 AM on Saturdays and Sundays!) and a broad selection of meat, spices, rubs, and even complementary groceries. The shop’s phone number is +61 7 3341 2033. Its widespread appeal suggests it caters to both those needing bulk buys (like chicken boxes and mince) and those seeking specific cuts. Accessibility is also a positive - the shop boasts wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, catering to a diverse clientele. Being open six days a week, from 5 AM to 5 PM, provides ample opportunity for shoppers. However, a review of customer feedback paints a picture of a business with strengths and weaknesses, leaving many wondering if it consistently delivers on its promise of quality and freshness.
The Good: Quality, Variety, and Helpful Staff
Several reviewers commend Big Gun Wholesale Meats for its quality offerings and value for money. Many highlight a truly impressive range of products, stretching beyond typical cuts of meat to include a variety of seasonings and rubs perfect for amateur chefs and seasoned grill masters. Here’s a breakdown of the positives customers consistently mention:
- Excellent Variety: From steaks and chops to Italian herb sausages and whole pigs, the selection is expansive. Customers appreciate the availability of extra-large cuts.
- Competitive Pricing: Multiple reviewers tout Big Gun Wholesale Meats as having some of the best prices in town, particularly for bulk purchases.
- Custom Cutting Services: The ability to request specific cuts, like having beef fillets portioned to a customer's needs, is a huge time-saver and a repeatedly praised service.
- Friendly & Helpful Staff: Numerous accounts detail pleasant interactions with the staff, who are willing to answer questions and assist with selections.
- Added Value Items: The inclusion of complementary groceries and veges alongside the meat is a welcome bonus, aiding in complete meal planning. The homemade yogurts (especially the passionfruit flavour) receive particular praise.
- Opening Hours: The extremely early opening hours are cited as a major advantage, suitable for those who like to get their shopping done early.
"Good quality, good price, recommended!" – A recurring sentiment echoed by many contented customers.
Areas for Improvement: Freshness Concerns and Inconsistency
Despite the positive aspects, a significant portion of reviews express concerns about the freshness of the meat and inconsistencies in quality. These disappointments are serious for a butcher shop, where freshness is paramount. Key issues raised include:
- Questionable Freshness: Multiple customers received meat products that were already starting to spoil upon purchase or within a single day. An osso bucco purchase, for example, was reportedly spoiling just a day after being packed. This has led some to question the shop's sourcing and meat handling practices.
- Frozen and Aged Products: A customer found their sirloin steaks to be frozen and aged at the time of purchase, a disappointing discovery considering meat prices.
- Fat Content: Some mince purchases were found to have an unusually high fat content.
- Inconsistent Quality: Reviewers note a stark contrast between excellent experiences and truly disappointing ones, suggesting quality control might be an issue. This echoes earlier feedback, with one customer stating the shop “was bad 10 yrs ago and still bad.”
- Payment Issues: While credit and debit card payments are generally accepted, some issues have been reported with NFC mobile payments tending not to work.
| Issue | Frequency Mentioned | Severity | Potential Cause(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spoiled Meat | High | High | Improper Storage, Old Stock |
| Frozen/Aged | Moderate | High | Mislabelled Stock |
| High Fat Mince | Low | Moderate | Quality of Ground Meat Source |
| Inconsistency | Moderate | Moderate | Variable Staff/Quality Control |
Alternative Options & Final Thoughts
The mixed reviews surrounding Big Gun Wholesale Meats suggest potential for improvement. While the shop undeniably offers value and variety, the recurring concerns about freshness raise questions about quality control. Customers leaving negative reviews often suggest seeking alternatives. One reviewer specifically recommends “Butcher Cuts & Co in the Springwood Mall,” highlighting similar pricing and superior quality for osso bucco.
Ultimately, visiting Big Gun Wholesale Meats seems to be a bit of a gamble. If you're willing to inspect your purchases carefully and are primarily focused on price and variety, it could be a worthwhile stop. However, customers prioritising guaranteed freshness and consistent quality might look elsewhere. The shop’s reputation, currently reflected in its 3.6-star rating, indicates a need for significant improvements to solidify its position as a consistently reliable butcher.