- Report: #671346
Complaint Review: Your Country's Choice - Columbus Ohio
Reported By:
Abby -
Nelsonville, Ohio, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Your Country's Choice
2846 Banwick Rd. Columbus, 43232 Ohio, United States of America
Phone:
6144322616
Web:
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
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Your Country's Choice Scott Greene, Rick Stewart, Ricky Lee Stewart, Jimmy Simpson, Country Choice, Stampede Meats, American Gold Label Food Distributors *MISREPRESENTATION of MEAT PRODUCTS* *THEFT by DECEPTION* *BBB ACCREDITATION REVOKED* SOUTH EAST OH Columbus, Ohio
The product was misrepresented and my money taken- "theft by deception" as defined by Ohio Criminal Code. The assurance of a "fast and hassle-free return" has obviously not been the case. Your Country's Choice (Scott Greene-route manager, salesperson and Rick Stewart-owner) will not answer or return my calls or emails after promising to do so within the hour (once they got to work, spoke with their boss etc). They have also failed to sign for the cancellation letter I sent certified via USPS or pick it up at the post office even after two notices of attempt to deliver had been left. They sell the meats by the number of steaks and never provide the price per pound (as required by Ohio law) nor did they provide me with cancellation forms and information (as required by Ohio law). They are currently under investigation by multiple local, state and private regulatory agencies, departments and companies. A full account follows.
On Thursday December 9th, 2010 around 5:30pm a salesman knocked on our door saying that his company (Your Country's Choice) had come to an apartment in our complex to make a delivery and had extra meat. He said his boss told him to knock on other people's doors and see if anyone would be interested in purchasing it at a discounted rate since they couldn't take it back to Columbus and needed to sell it. I was later told that it's standard practice to bring extra cases of meat and offer them at reduced prices to neighbors in order to attract new customers. I asked where the meat came from and how it was raised; unable to answer he said he would get his boss and be back in a few minutes. About 5 minutes later a red minivan pulled up with the salesman, another older man and a woman. I invited the two men inside with their cases of meat.
The cases contained about 6 narrow boxes each with about 4-6 steaks individually vacuum packed and frozen. The Route Manager identified himself as Scott Greene and began to show me the chicken. The first pack was breaded, the second seasoned and I immediately told him I was not interested because I know that the meat would have had chemicals, seasoning and additives added. He then proceeded to open the case of steak boxes, open each individual box and display them so all the steaks were visible. He named each steak and talked about how to cook it.
From the moment he introduced himself to the very end (45 minutes later) when I handed over $300 cash, I asked him repeatedly (more than I can remember!) if the cattle were raised with hormones, antibiotics or steroids, and if the steaks themselves contained any chemicals, MSG, preservatives, additives or broth. Every single time he assured me that they did not. He pointed out that the steaks were not packaged with pads to absorb broth (like the ones in the grocery stores) and that they were never injected with anything of the sort. He even said that he was allergic to MSG and since he eats the meats without any problem he can tell me for sure that the meat is all natural and of the highest quality. I was not satisfied and asked for proof, documentation, the name of the farm that the meat came from- in addition to the price per pound (he was selling it by the steak- which i found out later is illegal). He said he didn't have any documentation, or know the information, but if I made the purchase that night I could call his boss in the morning and if I was not totally satisfied they would send a truck right back out the very next day to pick the meat up and refund my full purchase price. I asked if there would be any fees associated with the return and he assured me there would not be. He gave me his full name and cell-phone number and said "If I was lying to you, would I give you my information? You can call the number right now and you'll see that it's my cell phone. If you have any problems at all, you just give me a call and I'll take care of it."
Needless to say, we purchased two cases for $300 cash (down from $379- Scott said he would get a $250 bonus for being the first truck back and that's why he could give me such a good deal) which would have been a steal if the meat had been raised and processed as we were told. It wasn't until we began to pack it away that we noticed labels on the boxes that hadn't been visible the way the steaks had been displayed. Not only were the weights directly identified for each box but the ingredients were clearly listed and included "dextrose, sodium phosphates, hydrolized corn and soy protein, sodium erythorbate and sodium nitrite". Upon further investigation, I traced the meat back through the processor and distributor to find out that the cattle were raised in mainstream industrial feed lots on grain and with the use of antibiotics, steroids and hormones. I was able to get a hold of Scott at 9am the next morning, but having woke him up he asked if he could call me back in a few minutes. His boss returned my multiple calls about 5 minutes later but said he wasn't at the office and would call me within the hour once he got there. An hour and a half later I hadn't heard back from Scott, so i called again and he said he had lost my number but he was pulling up to work now and would talk to his boss and get back to me within 35-40 minutes. I never heard from either of them for the rest of the day despite numerous more phone calls.
I spent the rest of the day phoning regulatory local, state and federal government agencies. Door to door sales people are required to abide by the "Cooling Off Rule" which means they are required to tell you about your three days you have to cancel for a full refund, and also provide you with two cancellation forms- neither of which they did for me. I typed up my own formal cancellation letter and mailed it the same day (Friday 10th) certified. USPS tried to deliver the letter Saturday morning and Monday morning but according to the tracking it was never signed for an notices were left. One manager of the Ohio Environment Health Department (responsible for issuing their "mobile food retail license") said he knew of the company and that the best word to describe them was "slimy". I have also emailed the company and attempted to call them multiple times each day. I have heard nothing. Please feel free to get in touch with me through this site if you have any questions at all about the Company, the meat or the regulatory agencies that I've been in touch with.
On Thursday December 9th, 2010 around 5:30pm a salesman knocked on our door saying that his company (Your Country's Choice) had come to an apartment in our complex to make a delivery and had extra meat. He said his boss told him to knock on other people's doors and see if anyone would be interested in purchasing it at a discounted rate since they couldn't take it back to Columbus and needed to sell it. I was later told that it's standard practice to bring extra cases of meat and offer them at reduced prices to neighbors in order to attract new customers. I asked where the meat came from and how it was raised; unable to answer he said he would get his boss and be back in a few minutes. About 5 minutes later a red minivan pulled up with the salesman, another older man and a woman. I invited the two men inside with their cases of meat.
The cases contained about 6 narrow boxes each with about 4-6 steaks individually vacuum packed and frozen. The Route Manager identified himself as Scott Greene and began to show me the chicken. The first pack was breaded, the second seasoned and I immediately told him I was not interested because I know that the meat would have had chemicals, seasoning and additives added. He then proceeded to open the case of steak boxes, open each individual box and display them so all the steaks were visible. He named each steak and talked about how to cook it.
From the moment he introduced himself to the very end (45 minutes later) when I handed over $300 cash, I asked him repeatedly (more than I can remember!) if the cattle were raised with hormones, antibiotics or steroids, and if the steaks themselves contained any chemicals, MSG, preservatives, additives or broth. Every single time he assured me that they did not. He pointed out that the steaks were not packaged with pads to absorb broth (like the ones in the grocery stores) and that they were never injected with anything of the sort. He even said that he was allergic to MSG and since he eats the meats without any problem he can tell me for sure that the meat is all natural and of the highest quality. I was not satisfied and asked for proof, documentation, the name of the farm that the meat came from- in addition to the price per pound (he was selling it by the steak- which i found out later is illegal). He said he didn't have any documentation, or know the information, but if I made the purchase that night I could call his boss in the morning and if I was not totally satisfied they would send a truck right back out the very next day to pick the meat up and refund my full purchase price. I asked if there would be any fees associated with the return and he assured me there would not be. He gave me his full name and cell-phone number and said "If I was lying to you, would I give you my information? You can call the number right now and you'll see that it's my cell phone. If you have any problems at all, you just give me a call and I'll take care of it."
Needless to say, we purchased two cases for $300 cash (down from $379- Scott said he would get a $250 bonus for being the first truck back and that's why he could give me such a good deal) which would have been a steal if the meat had been raised and processed as we were told. It wasn't until we began to pack it away that we noticed labels on the boxes that hadn't been visible the way the steaks had been displayed. Not only were the weights directly identified for each box but the ingredients were clearly listed and included "dextrose, sodium phosphates, hydrolized corn and soy protein, sodium erythorbate and sodium nitrite". Upon further investigation, I traced the meat back through the processor and distributor to find out that the cattle were raised in mainstream industrial feed lots on grain and with the use of antibiotics, steroids and hormones. I was able to get a hold of Scott at 9am the next morning, but having woke him up he asked if he could call me back in a few minutes. His boss returned my multiple calls about 5 minutes later but said he wasn't at the office and would call me within the hour once he got there. An hour and a half later I hadn't heard back from Scott, so i called again and he said he had lost my number but he was pulling up to work now and would talk to his boss and get back to me within 35-40 minutes. I never heard from either of them for the rest of the day despite numerous more phone calls.
I spent the rest of the day phoning regulatory local, state and federal government agencies. Door to door sales people are required to abide by the "Cooling Off Rule" which means they are required to tell you about your three days you have to cancel for a full refund, and also provide you with two cancellation forms- neither of which they did for me. I typed up my own formal cancellation letter and mailed it the same day (Friday 10th) certified. USPS tried to deliver the letter Saturday morning and Monday morning but according to the tracking it was never signed for an notices were left. One manager of the Ohio Environment Health Department (responsible for issuing their "mobile food retail license") said he knew of the company and that the best word to describe them was "slimy". I have also emailed the company and attempted to call them multiple times each day. I have heard nothing. Please feel free to get in touch with me through this site if you have any questions at all about the Company, the meat or the regulatory agencies that I've been in touch with.
8 Updates & Rebuttals
vantua
heath,Ohio,
United States of America
The Truth...
#2Consumer Comment
Thu, June 21, 2012
I wrote on here a year ago and just logged back in today. I read a posting by the owner posted on May 05, 2011 that included lies. I would like to clear the air on what the "Owner" claims happened. First off, I returned everything back to them. I did not steal 2 boxes as they claim. I also have no connections to the BBB nor did I ever state that I did. These people were rude and the guy was just scary. I had 3 little boys in my home and should have never had to threaten to call the police to get him to leave. They put my children at risk. This company is just trying to make stories up to save themselves. I have had no contact with them since the incident but have warned the entire block and other friends of their deception. Do not trust this company. If you do, you will be disappointed.
sam
United States of AmericaThe complaints are false
#3Consumer Comment
Thu, June 21, 2012
I have been eating your country's choice meat for 4 yrs and it is the best and healthiest meat you can get with out all the blood and whatever else is add. I can tell you this you cannot judge the meat with out even tasting it. PEOPLE SHOULD NOT JUDGE THEM BECAUSE of there work you would not like to be judged so treat people how you would want to be treated.
MeatMan
columbus,Ohio,
United States of America
Owner
Columbus,Ohio,
United States of America
TRUTH
#5REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, May 06, 2011
There are many companies out there with the "same name", who have similar interest and services. This company yes was located in the same area as with many others, however its not "piggy backing" its competition and Im sure I would have the same feelings towards your company if you put me out of business! See this complaint has nothing to do with good or bad business practices or even being confused with one another, it soley has to do with the fact that Your Country's Choice has better service, customer satisfaction and product. It is not the fault of Your Country's Choice that you longer are able to sustain a profitable company within the same area!
Thank You and be sure to look for a Your Country's Choice shop near you!
Owner
Columbus,Ohio,
United States of America
THE TRUTH
#6REBUTTAL Owner of company
Thu, May 05, 2011
Once again it is stated clearly on the brochure how to obtain a refund by returning the meat back to us in the original boxes, and then a refund full or partial would be set in place depending on if any or how much product was returned.. This customer purchased 2 cases totaling 12 individual boxes, however they threw away all original boxesand stole a total of 2 boxes. If you buy something from any store You can not return it with out it being in the ORIGINAL packaging boxes etc.. As a company we resolved the complaint even thoe our return policy states the return of product must be in Original packaging.
These people just wanted something for free by means of lying, cheating and if u may Scaming. Is this how people who proudly announce that they have (internal connections) family who work the BBB act as such? AGAIN the BBB is a privately owned inity just like Your Country's Choice, So FREEDOM of speech is legal but SLANDER is not!
Thank You and have a GREAT STEAK DAY!
Owner
Columbus,Ohio,
United States of America
THE TRUTH!
#7REBUTTAL Owner of company
Thu, May 05, 2011
Your Country's Choice LLC (Limited Liability Company) has been opened for business since 2009 and has all licenses and abides by all regulations set forth by Ohio Department of Agriculture, also it takes a year of having a business opened with no complaints to even be eligible for a BBB accredidation(which is a private company just like this site) and yes unlike other companies out there we have had a total of 3 complaints and all but 1 have offically be taking care of and resolved. As per this unsatisfied customer, I returned all calls and left messages myself as for the "Cooling off peroid" in the brochure they recieved it tells exactly how to go about obtaining a refund for the purchase, and that includes a written statement by certified mail within 3 days and also the return of any or all product in the same condition to which it was recieved(packaged back in original boxes) to recieve a refund. This customer however moved out of the state within a week of this transaction.
As for the issue of price per lb., the only products that are sold per lb. is chicken and ground beef, all other meat product is sold by oz., and the weight is listed clearly on the front of each product box. (8oz Ribeye 6-8per box, 12oz Tbone 4per box, 1/2 lb. sirloin burgers. etc).
At Your Country's Choice customers satisfaction is our main goal, without good customer satisfaction what business would be able to remain open? NONE! As the owner of Your Country's Choice I am deeply saddend by the slander of this unsatisfied customer, who at the time of the complaint hadn't even tasted the meat but made no attempts to return any of it.
If there are any concerns or questions please feel free to contact Your Countrys Choice either by way of this site or directly, please be sure to leave a message and your call will be returned within normal business hours.
Thank You and have a Great Steak Day!
vantua
heath,Ohio,
United States of America
Scam Artists
#8Consumer Comment
Sat, April 02, 2011
I just had the un-pleasure of meeting with these people today. The guy named "Craig" came to my house stating he had extra meat and could sell it to us at a discount. He then told us how it was all natural, no hormones and the best meat out there. We decided to buy 2 boxes and then he delayed our payment until tomorrow.
Well, I put all the meat in my freezer and then yahoo'd them to see if they had a website. All this information about how shady they were started popping up and my parents and I read it. I then decided to call them and let them know that I was not comfortable feeding this to my children because I was unsure of the company after reading all the complaints. The guy then started to yell at me and said he would call me back after talking to his boss.
A half hour went by and he did not call me so I called our card company and cancelled the card so they could not take our money. Then all of a sudden he showed up at my door. He was rude and pushy demanding the product. I had taken everything out of the boxes to fit it in my freezer and threw away the boxes. The guy and his boss on the phone told me to go dig the boxes out of my dumpster, like they were going to reuse them. Well, needless to say the boss Rick told me that the BBB is a scam and that they were really some awesome company who just got a bad break.
After that I handed the phone back to Craig and told him to just take the meat. He went on to yell about how we don't have it in the individual boxes and he can't sell it like that. I then told him to take them and leave or I was calling the cops in 5 Seconds. I counted up to 4 before he grabbed the boxes and practically ran out my door. Then after he left our drive way he called me to yell and tell me how bad of a person I was and once again I had to threaten to call the police for harassment if he ever called me again.
These people were very shady and thank god they never got a penny out of me, just their crappy meat back. I will warn all my neighbors and friends to never do business with them. I wish I could warn the whole entire area about these "slimy" people and their corrupt organization.
Country Choice GM
Grandville,Michigan,
USA
"Your Country's Choice"
#9General Comment
Fri, December 17, 2010
I am with Country Choice, not "your Country's Choice". I just wanted to be clear that there IS a huge difference. A couple of these guys worked for us years back and decided to open a company piggy backing off of what we've been succesful at for 10 years. Unfortunately we have had to deal with several issues with customers that have dealt with "Your Country's Choice" thinking it was us. We actually have complaints on here that are directed towards us, when we had nothing to do with it. You can make your own assumptions if this was thier intentions from the beginning. If you work for a company, and decide to open a business with the same name aside from "Your, and an apostrophe s" doing the same line of business.........
We have relocated our Columbus location and stopped doing business in that area so there can be no confusion. I just wanted to make this clear because whan I searched for us, this is the first thing it brought up.
To the consumer, good luck getting this resolved.
