Iowa Steak Co.
Tonight we got a knock on the door. My wife answered, and I tried to hide. I hate cold calls. Actually figured it was someone on a can food drive, but I digress…
It was the Iowa Steak Co.’s local salesman who claimed to be overstocked and had to rid himself of some inventory, or the whole shipment will go to waste. I was skeptical, at best. He was a good wholesome country-boy who seemed honest. I was still skeptical.
He said things like “I’ll make you a deal, as long as you don’t tell these fine folks down the street (as he points) who are regular customers of mine” [as I look over the pricelist] “Tell ya what- those are our regular prices; my Dad said to sell these at HotDog and Hamburger prices” and “If you buy the whole case, I’ll throw in another for free. If you only want a portion of the case, I’ll still sell them to you at half price.”
I bought a case of 10 center-cut bacon wrapped filet mignon for $35.
He made a point to write on the receipt that my steaks were guaranteed for freshness, flavor and tenderness. The government requires it, he said. Uhh… yea, sure…
Checking their web site, I see this: “These prices are for shipping our products and suggested retail price. If you are in our delivery area you can save substantially off the retail price”
It also says: “Ask our delivery drivers about our 2 for 1 special”
I was right to be skeptical- the whole story about being overstocked, needing to get rid of them, and trying to make me a special 2 for 1 deal on the sly was a bunch of bunk.
I’m not saying it was a ripoff, but I was definitely conned.
Looks like we’re having steak tonight!
May 2nd, 2007 at 6:35 pm
When you eat it, dial 9-1 on your phone and keep your finger over the 1.
May 2nd, 2007 at 7:24 pm
two words – “Soylent Green”
Next time, find yourself a locker and buy a side.
May 2nd, 2007 at 7:48 pm
This sounds like the same sales approach I heard several years ago when some salespeople stopped at my office to unload some artwork. They claimed that the newly finished Par-A-Dice over ordered on artwork or something to that effect. They were selling these things right out of the trunk of their car; the word “hot” came to mind.
I did buy a $20 framed Ansel Adams, but upon closer inspection after they left, it looked to be a cheap copy/replica. The frame it was in wasn’t half bad.
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
So how were the steaks?
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:35 pm
What’s the Beef?
I saw those people at my neighbors house last week…I didn’t answer my door when they came to mine. I was worried when I saw they had all the food spread out on their lawn and rapidly defrosting…I think they were conned too!
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:36 pm
my husband never lets anyone answer the door, unless we are expecting someone. He says that is how people are mugged. he is a defense lawyer.. so he would know. Food for thought.. would have saved your a** on this one too.
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I just checked out the website…this is a Red Flag!
I don’t have a “frezer” nor do I know what that is and what is “desidered” doneness? Guess I have to check with Chef Kevin or “themdirectly”
GUIDELINES FOR COOKING STEAKS
Prepare the Grill or cooking surface so that it is hot.
Remove steaks from the frezer. Remove the cryo-wrap packaging. Season to taste and place themdirectly on the hot grill.
Cook on one side for 2-3 minutes. Then turn and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes to seal in juices.
Cook to desidered doneness: Rare, Medium Rare, Medium Well or Well
Please note, cyro-packed steaks cook faster than slow frozen steak.
May 2nd, 2007 at 9:00 pm
They were smallish, but not bad. If I end up puking through the night, I’ll let you know.
May 2nd, 2007 at 9:19 pm
That Soylent Green remark was hilarious.
m.
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:35 pm
“Waitaminute … this tastes like Aunt Edna!”
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:59 am
It’s made from PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 3rd, 2007 at 8:32 am
We once had “shady” renters across the street who sold for IA Steaks. We bought from them once and though I felt conned-it seemed like a good deal. It’s kind of like those people that come into bars selling camping equipment and tools or the guys that pull up with speakers in their vans. I feel much better just going to Alwans.
May 3rd, 2007 at 10:07 am
How were the steaks? I’ve always said there’s nothing wrong with horse meat.
May 3rd, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Ah crud. I had edited this post to fix the grammatical errors and third grade phrasings- I guess it didn’t take. I should really proofread this stuff; 24 hours later is way too long to read my own post.
Regarding my delicious steak… I’m still here, so that’s a good sign. Not so excited about the 8 filets I have remaining, though. A neighborhood cookout sounds like a good idea. I’ll be the one eating the Brats.
May 3rd, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Get the recipe from Chef Kev for the Brat sauce and maybe he can give you some suggestions on how to prepare the filets…perhaps soak them in beer? Or better yet, soak your guest’s taste’s bud’s! See you around the bar!
July 31st, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I’ve not only sold for Iowa Steak, but I’ve ate them. Ain’t the greatest in the world, but they ain’t bad…on par with a Ponderosa steak. They come from “Stampede Meat, Inc.” – http://www.stampedemeat.com – who sells a lot of bulk frozen meat to restaurants, institutions, and, of course, “home delivery” companies.
At the shop I worked at, the pallates arrived twice a week, and were stored in a deep freeze at about -20 F. Each steak is marked with a “Julian” packing date.
If you find a desperate salesman, you can knock the prices pretty low. And, if you are going to store them, the individual vacuum pack does a good job of preventing freezer burn.
What’s funny is people who say they never eat frozen meat – but then say they go out to Applebees, TGI Friday’s, etc.! Guess what? You are eating frozen steak!
August 5th, 2007 at 8:48 am
[...] my post about feeling ripped off by the Iowa Steak Co.: I’ve not only sold for Iowa Steak, but I’ve ate [...]
December 28th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
[...] – Conned by the Iowa Steak Co. (PeoriaIllinoisan) 2 – Gary Sanford? (PollyPeoria) 8 – Councilman Bob Manning attacked on East Bluff (Scott Janz) 21 [...]
March 15th, 2008 at 10:24 am
my neighbor gave me some steaks he bought from a salesman selling these steaks. i think it was a box of 6 rib eye or sirloin steaks.
Anyway i invite my folks over for a bbq and grill up the steaks.
I was totally embarassed! these steak are the TOUGHEST AND CHEWIEST steaks i have ever eaten. I felt bad serving these pieces of leather.
I do not think they are very high quality steak…in fact i would rather eat choice steaks bought at walmart..lease they are more tender then those pieces of shoe leather. My nieghbor also agreed they were kinda tough. (figured there was a reason for box of free steaks) he said he would not buy again from this company
I typed in IOWA STEAK COMPANY RECALL in my search engine…try it?
yep lots of recalls…least my family never got botulism or anything.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Of all the people, this is it? Let me tell you about the meat biz. Next to home improvement and auto service, it has a high rate of complaints. Due to the mass sales door to door, a lot of meat moves very fast. Even though a company may have quality standards and customer service, they cannot stand next to every supplier and every salesman, every minute.
As being a rather large company, Iowa Steak trains a lot of people. This biz has a high turn over. It takes a very thick skin. Just like any job that you put yourself out there personally. Many have come into the job and left to become an independant. MOST will immitate large companies and possibly even use someone elses literature. This gives some companies a black eye.
For instance, would you be interested in investing in telecommunocations after MCI Worldcom or perhaps you’d like to put some money in Enron?
So remember its not always what you’re buying, it’s how you’re sold.
If you don’t want it from your doorstep, don’t buy it! And remember a firm yet polite ” No thank you” always works best.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
So here it is. I currently work for Iowa Steak. To be completly honest, I am fed up with the job. I work for the company in Tennessee and I have a real problem with the company and the product. It says weekly fresh deliveries on the pamphlet, yeah that’s a lie. Last delivery we got was 144 cases of steak two weeks ago. We are told to take older meat out and sell as well as our “fresh” meat. Nothing is more embarassing than opening a box of chopped sirloin burgers or the filets and noticing the meat is BROWN…now any warehouse manager or office manager will tell us delivery drivers that it is because we were showing the product outside to much, truth of the matter is it’s OLD. We are told to go out everyday and do whatever it takes to move boxes of meat for the company. The motto is..if your not lying, you ain’t trying. I have a problem with the fact of, im supposed to get into someone’s house, show them the meat, and then negotiate a deal to take their money. Just for alittle insider info…a steak case cost’s the drivers $120. Individual boxes cost $20. Oh, theres NO differance in driver cost for Chicken Seafood or Pork. It’s all $120 for the case or $20 for an individual box. If you guys REALLY want to get under their skin, let them show you the product, negotiate a deal, then tell them your not interested. We call that getting stroked. I do hate to admit it, but every IA Steak salesman is a hussler. Even myself. One of my close friends told me I don’t have enough Evil in my body to sell meat door-to-door. Needless to say…this will be my last week employed as an Independat Contractor with IA Steaks.
July 29th, 2008 at 7:34 am
[...] of scams, this comment was dropped on an old post of mine regarding the Iowa Steak Co. (text slightly reformatted for easier reading) So here it is. I currently work for Iowa Steak. To [...]
November 18th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I accually worked for them. i was an iowa steak co employee. Yes it is a conn…but i had bought some of the meat. I really enjoyed it. The sperate boxes cost $19 a box. But the meat is not poor quality. Every once and a while it can be just like any store anywhere. People know this. But on the other hand how much would u seriuosly pay for 6 ny strips? 40bucks or so? and 8 serloins? i mean come on really. Its sales. I also had customers i sold to family members. Not too many people didnt enjoy the meat. I only had 2people call me and want a refund of the hundreds i sold too and the customers that i had. Yes some sales people will upsell way more then should be. BUT people need to make money as well. I could write on this for hours…If anyone has questions or wants to know more in detail about how things work emial me******* u.s_soldier@yahoo.com ****** i would be glad to help. Dont worry im not a fan of the company they screwd me over but i will back up the product.
November 21st, 2008 at 4:29 pm
you all suck You do have good people who do sell good wholesome steak door to door it is sad that some people do sell shitty steak but if your a smart shopper you will know the difference.make sure it is stamped choice
and you make sure it is vacume sealed if its not choice pass on the deal if it is and the salesman makes the price right get some steak.
December 9th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Are covering rural Washington state now. Passed on it. If a deal seems too good to be true, it is too good to be true.
January 26th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I just got taken in by these guys… I called them and told them to come pick up their meat and give me back my check or I was going to put a stop on it. The guy actually used foul language with me. I’m sorry but when I type in the name of a company and I get THOUSANDS of hits about the poor quality of the meat, I’m not keeping it. It had been over a half an hour when I called him to come get it, yet they were back at my door in less than 2 minutes…
January 28th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I currently work for Iowa Steak, and I would have to say, that every buisness has these stupid blogs.. Even though I’m employed here I’ve eaten numerous pieces of steak/chicken/seafood. I’ve never EVER had a problem with it and niether has my family or friends. Are you sure you are even cooking it the right way MIKE H? and MR IA STEAK… I bet you’re just upset because you’re a bad salesman and couldnt sell a piece of chicken to save your life. The price we sell them for is reasonable and its better than the grocery store because the fat and excess crap had already been removed for you! Even if I end up leaving I will still purchase and defend this product. =)
January 28th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
What the hell. When did we all become a nation of haters. And will someone please define “ripped off”. Can you say retail or capitalism?? Its what makes this country great, or at least it did at one time… If you live in Illinois look at your Gov… If you live in Peoria, Look at your local school dist, Look at your narrow minded city council that has cost this city MILLIONS… thats ripped off. My family has used Iowa Steak products for years. The one time we had a problem,and that was prob my 30 yr old freezer, they were out within a couple days abd replaced EVERYTHING with brand new meat now ??? asked. As a matter of fact I’ve been in cust. serv. ever since my 1st job at 16, I currently hold a position with Iowa Steak. My office is tighrun ship. my crew clean, polite and professional. If anyone EVER sees anything else CALL ME.
Mike Stapleton
Manager, Peoria
1-877-495-9717
March 24th, 2009 at 5:28 am
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN–I am very displeased by the outrage I am reading about this company.A few friends and I started this company many years ago.Our goal was to cater to the handicap,elderly,and of coarse-people who could afford to enjoy good meat.With hard work and a vision we continued to progress and grow.The company started with about 10 trucks,15 drivers,and 1 office.Through what most people call the “American Dream’,the company has 80 trucks,150 drivers,and 10 offices.We didn’t get here overnight.It is the company’s goal to provide our customers with the same experience as you would have from buying meat from your groceir,locker,or local farmer.As in any company,there are people displeased.We have made it a goal to make the costumer happy.We have ALWAYS provided a one-year guarantee on our product.I cant think of anyone else who would do this.We have also done years and years of pricing research.We feel our prices are very low compared to our competitors.We will continue to screen and train our drivers so we know our company will uphold the deepest respect for our communities.We do appreciate our costumers,and we always welcome feedback.I am very sorry for any inconvienence that may have been caused.We are in your local telephone directory—ANY QUESTIONS JUST CALL.remember,HAVE A GREAT STEAK DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 25th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
I had the door to door salesman today, the wife answered and then I was summoned. We heard the speech and got a box of steaks and chicken with their promo in Livonia MI, Paul Morgan is the manager. Paul and his co-hort were friendly and it all sounds good so far. I had my boy weigh steaks so I can do a price compare this weekend. We are going to pay for the meat one way or the other. I like to cook on the grill so I may actually track this “comment”, that I never do, and let you know how it turns out. I am looking forward to it, maybe less cooking time to what I cook now and have a lot of fat causing fires and burning, knowing that the fat may enhance some flavor! We shall see!! Lobo in MI
March 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am
i am one of the best meat door to door salesman iowa steak company ever saw, i helped build it and the selfish greedy owner never cared about nobody but himself.he uses lies and dangles a carrot so guys like me teaches everyone how to do big numbers and keeps all the profet off them for himself.yeah this company is such a fraud the cases weigh 22 lbs and the meat sucks so bad dogs barley eat it.he gets his meat fromstampede meats ,which had call backs on mad cow and equlie .they hire cons and crack heads to go con people out of their hard earned money,thinking they are getting a deal which get screwed.80% of their employes dont pay taxes just go to work to get money for their next high. if u want guys aT YOUR DOOR THAT LOOK LIKE GUYS U SEE ON THE CORNER BEGGING FOR MONEY THAN LET THEM IN. i feel like i was always helping my friends and the owner lied and used them also hes a greedy piece of shit who doesnt deserve to breath or live on this earth. he scams people to scam u folks by lieing and promiseing u that your getting a deal ,but u are the ones getting screwed along with all his employes.hes a millonare all because of his lies and greed were he gets all your hard earned money and u get left with tough garbage milk cows that stampede pushes on him. so if they come to the door call the cops or date line its a scam and the more people who work hard will get greedy pieces of shit shut down and keep the crack heads out of your neighborhoods.i never new society would let scammers like iowa steak be out there takeing avantage of older people and grandparents of society.so if the government dont shut them down than who will,dont let them in they are there to steal your money and lie to u. and the more people who buy their meat will only get more cons in your areas hes got 9 offices now because he has ripped so many people off and had all his employes clone more and more guys.SO IF THEY COME TO YOUR DOOR CALL THE COPS THEY PROLLY GOT DRUGS ON THEM OR IN ONE OF THE TRUCKS THEY HAD A EMPLOYEE HIDE 3 NEEDLES FULL OF HEROIN IN ONE OF THE TRUCKS HE INCARCERATED RIGHT NOW.well if they say they have extras or they got stuck o0n a order or their dad wants them to get rid of extras or any other lies then dont be stupid and get suckered.remember the weight is 22lbs and pumped full of solution and so much tenderizer these are stampede dairy cows that turn brown and green and have got people sick in the past.so if u want to pay 10 or 20 dollars a pound and get ripped off then buy them farmers quarters halfs or whole cows are the way to go.
March 27th, 2009 at 10:49 am
the owner CHRIS MASELKA has ripped off people for years .he has lied his way to the top no matter what it costs.hes so greedy to sell old ,brown,or pumped full of solution and tenderizer meat.someone should shut him down the government wont i dont know why,im a lawyer and been coned i was at work and one of his high pressered meat guys have knocked on my door and sold me handicaped wife who was scared so bought to get them out of my house.when i got home i weighed it and was taken i paid 399 for 44lbs of brown meat we never ate none i called the better buisness and the local cops .the hope they see another guy in the neighborhood without a permit.well mr.chris maselka your companys a fraud and i hope u get shut down so no one else gets took by your iowa steak fraud . we enjoy omaha steaks and they are a recomended by my family and friends.i believe in karma and u will some day get yours.
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Well I worked for the Iowa Steak Company myself. If you COOK THEM FROM FROZEN, they are much tastier. It is true that STAPES 21 did make us all take out old steak burgers for about a week. The reps would sell everything but the burgers, so they ended up with apx. 80 extra boxes. How they FIXED
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 am
the prob was, ordering cases without any burgers, then putting in the old ones, some dated 4 months prior. If you think about, at some point and time, it could be in your freezer for 1 year. Hence the 1 yr guarantee on the products, which means, free replacement of any bad or unused meat of same type, but not your money back if its over three business days. The steaks are really good, if you listen to the salesmen/saleswoman. If they are new you can tell they will fumble their words, they may not or forget to tell you to cook them from frozen. Cryovac steaks are good. The reason why I left is personal issues with Stapes. He did lie to me more than once. As with the drug issue, how many 20+ year old managers working at you local fast food eatery do think do drugs. If you ever worked in one, then you understand my thinking and if not, stay in your little bubble. I don’t mean to offend anyone but open your eyes. People do drugs and if they come to your door HIGH then notify the police asap for a DUI if they are driving. What people do in their own homes is nobodies business but theirs, it’s in the Constitution. I there will always be a drug problem in any industry as long as there is no drug testing. I personally don’t do any illegal drugs. And have a major issue with them in the work place but not in the privacy of your home. As for the steaks, it actually comes out at about $10 per pound if you pay about $200 a cases. BUT if you talk them down you can get an even better deal on them. The question is what are you willing to pay. If it’s reasonable they’ll do it. The steaks are a decent price as is but can be talked down. Just remember, “You get more with sugar than salt.” This is someone who knows something about the business but cares about his clients. This is the truth, something I stand behind on is my word. I’ve even bought boxes back from the client to make them happy and not told the company. If it’s a good deal it might just be a good deal but ask for them to cook one up for you, if they are a good rep. who knows what their product tastes like, they’ll smile and say sure. It’s hard to do what we do(door to door), so if you don’t want them just tell them the truth why not. And if they don’t listen smile and shut the door. No need to be rude.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Just on the flip side… I bought a case of the stuff. Was his salespitch hooey? Yeah, it was a bit too farmboy to be 100% true.
But I’ve found the steaks to be very good quality. Very tender when cooked and flavorful. One of the larger cuts is a bit fatty for my taste, and they’re less marbled and more, um, “edged” with fat, but the rest are fine.
Filet mignon were included, and even though these are a “consumer con cut” – meaning you can charge far more than this overrated cut is worth – even they are fine. The bacon is probably worth more than the actual cut
All in all, I’d say the company and the purchaser are happy.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Uh, and incidentally, “chris maselka”, you can claim to be a lawyer all you want. Anyone who spells and punctuates like a third grader can’t carry that much weight in “lawyerly” opinion.
Ouch.
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
well lets keep it real ,this steak companys only here for one thing to ripp u off and line their bank account with your hard earned money.yes its a ripp off 20 pounds of dairy cows pumped full of so much solution and tenderizer that will give u the shits .my dog wouldnt even eat them.80% of their employes are drug addicts or convicts.so if you want these lieing scumbags around your wifes while your at work then have them answer the door when they are in your neighborhoods.they are all liers and are scammers.well if u want steaks that turn brown and green than buy from iowa steak company and get scammed your the stupid asses who buy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………call 911 when they are in your neighborhood
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Seriously. You have a problem.
Seriously.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:08 am
well let me tell u something these scamming owners who lie cheat and talk guys like me into getting used to do all the wrk need to be shot . they hire scumbag crack heads theifs drug addicts and anyone whos a con artist like them.chris maselka the biggest scumbag in the business,he sells the cheapest meat he can find and if u were smart u wouldnt buy one thing from iowa steak your getting scammed and hes the reason why grocery stores in your area lose good business .point blank chris maselka is the biggest piece of shit there is that walks this earth.
April 17th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
We had a similar experience in Dallas. My wife and I bought a couple boxes of bacon wrapped filet’s and burgers from the Iowa beef door to door salesman. We cooked the meat frozen and found the steaks to be tough and all of it was lacking flavor and some just smelled questionable. After trying the meat several different times and believing we just pulled a bad sample – we ended up throwing all the meat away. The only reason we bought from the Iowa guy door to door was because we loved the meat we got from the Omaha Steak door to door salesperson, so I know we can prepare sealed frozen meats to our great satisfaction. I don’t work for either company but would say the Iowa meats were a huge mistake and clearly bad news for us…
April 27th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
u dont have to lie to be kool face it these guys buy 20 lbs of solution pumped steaks and get ripped off for paying a 100 a case then they have to go out and ripp off old people and people who arent smart enough to figure out the scam and for the owners u are all scumbags and i hope someone ripps off your mothers or grandparents because your the scum who pushes this garbage door to door
May 8th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I bought a box of steaks from these guys about a month ago and they were very good. It was much cheaper than I ever could have bought in the store. I would get them again.
May 11th, 2009 at 11:40 am
well i see theres alot of jelous haters on here who either cant sell meat or build customers.i am one of the best managers who builds thousands and thousands of customers and trains and help people with their careers.and we are a great company who does free home delivery and garantees our product 100% even for tenderness.but other fly bye companys that sold bad meat in illinois put bad things on here to try and hurt the people who are doing good in life and its selfish so they need to grow up iowa steak company has the best steaks around and try them we are nation wide and are growing.so if any guys are in your neighborhood stop them im sure they will give u a good deal and we would love to have u on account with the millons we already have ,thank u and until u have tryed our fabulous steaks dont talk bad about our product or company yours truly mike
May 11th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Well, Thanks for the positive support. I have been the manager for the local office of the Iowa Steak Co. for almost two years, before that I was a rep. for the company, and before that, I worked for several other meat co.s in central IL off and on. As far as the Industry goes, one of the best companies I’ve ever worked for. Nationwide and open since 1999. If We’re growing, we’re doing something right. If you need customer support 309-495-9717. I’m almost always here 8:00 a.m. to 8:00p.m. if not leave a message with my reseptionist Kelly. With this company if you get something thats “not right” call us immediately!! Thats what the guarantee is for. One year from the day YOU BUY IT. Its a food product thats shown to the consumer on site. What you see is what you get. If things were as bad as some of these…..”entries” make it out to be, we wouldn’t be in business and we would not be one of the industries leaders. As far as my crew goes, you know when they are with Iowa Steak Co. Says so on thier uniforms,hats,brochures,trucks, etc…If they are in street clothes and the truck is not clearly marked Iowa Steak Co., you may want to check thier credentials, ours are available ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, just ask your driver, and thats all I’ll say about that..So with that said I hope the general public is smart enough to figure it out for themselves..some people…..
Again, if you have any questions please call,309-495-9717.
THANK YOU,
Michael Stapleton
General Manager,
Peoria, IL
May 27th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I had contacted the customer service people and the girl was extemely rude!! The meat was alright and we might have suggested it to others but not now that miss attitude (Sara) was so rude forget it. Answering phones for a living must suck!!! Tip… go back to school!!!
May 27th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I guess maybe when you’re pissing people off all day you just answer the phone on guard!! What ever happened to the customer is always right? I can’t believe I called trying to give these people more business and their customer services GIRLS are so rude. I hope you have a splended carreer with the IOWA STEAK COMPANY Sara and Kayla you’re futures sound bright!! There goes 7 ongoing customers you just lost!!! Bye!
May 27th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
WTF… raising 2 year old threads from the dead. Behold the power of Google.
July 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I only PRAY there is still time to stop the check before it hits Monday morning! $540. for three boxes of road kill. Man how can these sales people look at themselves much less live with the fear of running into a previous customer or I mean SUCKER that would use a bat to extrate justice.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I have bought from iowa steak for years and I love the products and convience of the company . I will recommed it to my friendsd and family
July 29th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Iowa steak is super, I have ordered 3 times from them and the quality is excellent – I am a life long customer.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Iowa steak co is the best , I live in Washington – I order each month and the quality is supurb
July 29th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I love Iowa steak co. , I buy each month on my ebt- food stamp card- Good prices and good people
July 29th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Is there a chain email floating around?
July 29th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Normally I wouldn’t take the time…But this bothers me..My nephew has worked for this Iowa Steak Company for about six months now. I think my wife and I were his first sale. But I guess thats what family does. Since then I’ve cooked steaks for my buddies at the campground and other family members. My nephew now has plenty of happy customers. If eveything we have has been so good, how can so many people be so…well… hateful. Shame on you..You’re mom raised you better!! So Joe, come by any time.. You’re Aunt Mary and I are hungry for steak!!
August 6th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
So I come in to my local office to make a purchase, I sit down and I can see the secretary reading these awful complaints and can’t help but to say something…
The thing is, they do have repeat customers and no, they are not suckers lenny, we are customers. If everything you ppl say is true and not blown out of proportion, why are they still in business?? and why are they doing better than ever?? I think you guys honestly just don’t have anything better to do. As for the customer service part, every fricken company has their one or two guys and gals that need alil extra training or even have bad days. You can’t sit there from behind ur computer and actually judge these ppl like that. Its unfair and very caddy! Honestly everytime ive sat down with my family and ate ia steak it has been an awsome experience and never dissapointing. There was one time that I had a tough box of steaks, I called them and they came out the next day and exchanged them for free. You have to understand that they can’t sit down and every case of steak that comes through their office. There are always going to be the ocassional boxes that aren’t up to standard ( with any company ) THATS WHY THEY HAVE THEIR 1YR GARANTEE FOR TASTE, TENDERNESS, & FREEZER BURN!! Ive had chicken from safeway that ive had to take back, as soon as I opened it up there was a putrid smell coming out of the package!!! so really, as far as I can tell, they are a great thriving business and I’m a very happy and content customer.
August 8th, 2009 at 2:00 am
well i am the best meat man alive. i have been in this gig for twenty yrs now and ive sold for lots of different companies all over the us. some sell crap and others sell quality. the customers are not buying meat but you the salerman. if the salesman is a honest person he will gain and keep their customers. ive havent had to do a refund and only a handful of exchanges. it is not the biz but the salesperson that must keep his integrity. take care of ur product and maintain ur temperature. sell at a fair $$
August 10th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
I will have to disagree with you gizmo, I’m the best meat man alive! But I totally agree it’s the salesmans integrity. If it sounds like a good deal ask if he or you can cook a cut of meat to check the quality. Ask to inspect the freezer, insure there is a power inverter keeping the freezer running. I was a salesman for a thriving garment company before I switched to meat sales becouse I was a customer and its a great product. As far as people claiming to be former meat men and bashing the industry, get real! This is a Real job and if you are not and entroprenuer you cant do it. Go flip crap burgers at McDs. Dont blame the industry blame youself. Honestly 50% of the guys selling meat arent making much of a profit becouse of lack of confidence in themselves and the meat. A fair and reasonable price for a case of meat is $150 to $200, but I sell 4 for 459 all day, making a decent living at it. And for anybody just randomly bashing meat men, consider that door to door vacuum, magazine, insurance, security system, mormon or jehovas witness a ripoff too. And on the same not consider yer local grocer a ripoff, you dont want to see what they do to meat that sits on the shelf too long.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Well, I bought a case of beef and seafood from two guys that came around last month & have been well pleased with everything. I’ve given quite a bit away to family members & they have been happy with the products, too. I don’t quite understand why some people seem to resent a door-to-door salesman making a profit. I mean–isn’t that the whole idea? Do you expect these fellows to spend their time & burn up tanks full of expensive gas selling the meat at their cost? Are they supposed to furnish your family with steak dinners out of the goodness of their hearts? Just sort of a public service? The meat & seafood is a good value for the money. I haven’t run across a tough piece of beef yet, and the shrimp, lobster and scallops were quite tasty. If it isn’t absolute primo quality, it’s still very good quality and well worth the price.
August 29th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
While I’ve never eaten Chris Maselka’s product, I can assure you the complaints about his employees and himself are right on the money. He threatened to cut off the head of my child and mail it to me in a box. (I have a recording of this and sent it to the Des Moines Attorney General’s Office) He is a pathetic sociopath that cares for nothing more than making money. He’ll rip off whoever he can to pay for his strippers and toys… Stop making worthless human beings like him rich.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Why would anybody buy from Iowa steak co,they inject bromoline and sodium phosphates (up to 22%) into each box,read the labels. There is a buyers right to cancel by law, the customer has up to 3 business days to cancel their purchase so make sure you have a certified letter stamped within that time in order to get your refund. Contact the attorney general in your respective state if you feel you’ve been treated unfairly and if there is enough complaints then they will be shut down. The meat business is predicated on the sense of urgency and the customers greed to get a good deal. Most of the salesmen have great stories, My dad owns the co. and I’m here to give you a great deal or Mrs. Smith down the street couldn’t use her order/her credit card didn’t go through so the boss told me to dump them. I’ve been in the meat business for a long time(over 10 yrs) and have heard all about Chris Maselka, he’s pretty shady and that’s being kind. I can almost guarantee that 90% of the letters defending Iowa steak co are sent in by their employees or people well known to them, if you heve the opportunity to buy from another source….DO IT,unless you like paying top dollar for avg meat.
September 19th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Do you know who actually invented door to door food sales? A man by the name of Mr Schwan, in1956 he grabbed 14 gallons of ice cream and sold it door to door.Hence the Schwan EMPIRE was born. Then in a suburb of Atlanta ,a man by the name Harry Peadon invented the first 6 -box variety steak case,along with poultry ,seafood and pork cases.At his peak he owned over 60 offices with over 120 reefer unit trucks.The meat was not graded but usda inspected neverless but with almost 6 pounds of solution and tenderized heavily.Due to personal demons in his life He shut down his operation 1n the mid 90s.Then came the offshoots of his company.(Copycats) the new mecca was Tampa,St Petersburg Florida.At one point there were over 15 organized meat companies in that area .Half of these companies soon starting to spread out throughout the country.I personally witness production of the steak cases of one of these companies.The hamburgers were made with 100% beef hearts,the ribeyes were shaped by a machine using the grisel and scraps from the butcher tables.I personally made 180k my first year as a salesman.Not everybody makes that kind of money but back then as we like to call it the customers were virgins/green.
Now get this! these companies would spread out(grow).They would open up satellite offices saturate an area and move on .There suppliers which are mostly located in chicago ie, STAMPEDE,inc-QUANTUM,inc would extend credit to these companies.When these companies were a million or two in debt .They would simply shut down and open up under a new name.Then they would go to another distributor or a third party supplier.
Now a word to the customer and employees of IOWA meat company .The company pays $63.75 a beef case,$52 for the poultry and $62 for the seafood and pork.If your tired of paying a truck charge and $120 a caseI ,if you want to be an independent and pick up product for yourself you could call the third party suppliers (if you are customer just say you are a salesman and want to start buying from them)almost any modest size city has a cold storage where other independents pick up .The reason i am giving you this information is that IOWA MEAT COMPANY IS SHADY>INSERTING 4 MONTH BURGERS INTO FRESH CASES.THAT IS A SLEEZE MOVE .. you make the rest of us good guys look bad with your greed.
CONTACT -
SUNCHASE FOODS 1-866-253-4814
AMERICAN GOLD LABEL 1-305-557-5222
COLORADO CHOICE DISTRIBUTORS 1-407-206-0011
CONTACT THESE COMPANIES THEY ARE SUPPLIERS TO OVER 600 INDEPENDENTS.
WITH PRODUCT AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA.
If any feelings where hurt because of this post,just stick another needle in your arm and you will forget all about it.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Thank God we the people have a forum such as this. Only on the internet can you spew forth slander and lies. Throw hippocracy to its depths and rip the well being right from hudreds of families in one fail swoop!! If you can’t make it to CNN get on www. Someone wil buy your bull. The sky is falling!I’m not here to speak bad of the Iowa Steak Co. I have nothing good to say either. What I do have to say is God Bless America!! Free Enterprise!!Buyer Beware!! Do you remember when Wal-Mart was all “Made in U.S.A.”?? Ended right before your very eyes. You didnt care. Fast Food Chains and Tobacco companies are killing us daily. SELL US MORE!! WE LOVE IT!! Until you learn to say NO, QUITCHER BITCHIN’. STOP HATING. And do not ever forget, WHEN YOU’RE ON TOP, SOMEONE ALWAYS WANTS TO KNOCK YOU DOWN!! GO MEAT!!
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Dear Godblessamerica or should I say some drugaddlled liberal foodstamp dependent ,living on the goverment tit.Out of all the save the whale ,burn the flag wannabe hippies.Get off this post.It does not concern you ,unless you have some affliation with The Iowa steak company.Which I am 99% sure you do.
Godblesstheconsumer!!!!!!
September 28th, 2009 at 9:35 am
well first of all i dont see how all these crooks get a job at a steak company unless it is a fraud and scam.my older grandparents had two rude guys that seemed high on drugs approach them in their yard which they bought with their hard earned money let me tell u,said they were like the omaha steak company they have bought from for years tell them their neighbor couldnt take their order did they want steaks at two dollars a piece which all this bullshit was a lie after i got off work and came to their house i showed them the weight was only 22 pounds of so pumped steaks that looked brown already cause the dye was fadeing and they have bought good steaks from farmers across iowa for years my grandpa delivered mail his whole life and retired dont he deserve attorney generals and the bbb help poor old folks like my grandparents who are old and these scumnbag owners and liar workers who scam people to take care of their addictions if its drugs alcohol or whatever it is my grandparents should be protected by the law and our government shouldnt they iowa steak company is a fraud the meat is from stampede which were sighted for equlie and mad cow so if these liars who are on drugs and alcohol come to your door call the cops right away im sure they dont have a permit to scam your grandparents it really hurts iowa cause we are about beef good beef corn and beans and i love iowa why cant the attorney general and bbb do something now i see they have ( other offices and are ripping millons of people off near u. i hope somebody can get this iowa steak company shut down before they ripp your grandparents off
October 6th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Street Meat vendors, those that sell non-graded meat full of tenderizers and god knows what else .Should be shot on site.They make legimate route sales companies look so sleazy.Whats funny is that stampede also sells a great pack.No pump all choice It costs us $105 a case and it wieghs 24 pounds. Iowa steak company makes their money by buying a case which is so inferior and so cheap about the low $60 s and jack it up to their sales force .Shame on you IA Steak Company.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
My family and I just tried product from the IA Steak Company two nights ago. We had purchased this meat from a salesman two days prior to that and kept it in the freezer until defrosting it to grill. My son and I couldn’t bring ourselves to finish the steaks that were called ribeyes (despite ribeyes being one of our favorites). We called a representative in Grimes, IA to get a refund. They’re claiming that they will send someone out to pick up our shipment and return our money. Lesson learned. It sounded too good to be true and it was.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
DEAR MEAT LOVER FROM IOWA,
You are now among the hundreds of customers that have been FUCKED by the IOWA STEAK COMPANY.
Let me tell you how the system works. The salesperson who sold you, has to turn in to the manager his case price ,which could be from $90-$120 a case, the difference in price is comission to the sales person.Now 85% of the companies independent contractors/salespersons are DRUG ADDICTS OR ALCOHOLICS.So that money is GONE.So to get a refund you first have to get the money back from the salesperson then the company.WHICH WILL NEVER HAPPEN!They will give you the runaround until like everyone else.You chalk it up to a learning experience.
Now if you are like me call up the U.S.DEPT OF AGRICULTURE OF IOWA. By law all mobile food sale companies have to be registered and by law they have to give you their address.I would personally go over there and get my FUCKING HARD EARNED MONEY BACK.CONTACT
Cathie Graves
Position Field Services Representative
Address 502 E 9th St
City Des Moines
ZipCode 50319
Phone 515-281-5853
Fax 515-281-6170
Bureau Field Services
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR PURSUIT FOR VENGENCE!
October 16th, 2009 at 7:33 am
[...] has been a lot of banter back and forth on my Iowa Steak Co. post from over two years ago. So much so, I hardly bat an eye anymore at the personal attacks and [...]
October 16th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Its funny you mention Bats in your latest blog, They are bloodsucking rodents…..
October 17th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
WE THROW UP THE WHITE FLAG!!
PLEASE FORGIVE US!
GOD FORGIVE US!
GREED IS ONE OF THE DEADLY SINS.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:38 am
Sounds like someone has a guilty conscience..Shame, Shame. You dummies only hurt yourselves. For someone so great, you sure like to tear someone else down.
And to the Peoria Illinoisan. Only you can make it stop.TAKE DOWN THE POST. Or you will probably be plagued with this ignorance forever.
Oh, And has anyone looked into Americas Finest out of Peoria Hieghts??
I hear they’re a roveing band of cons and druggies from all over. How bout some dirt on them guys??
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:34 pm
road kill is about right, the minute I cut into the “steak”, I knew that I didn’t want to eat it. It just didn’t look right.
October 26th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Let capitalism ring!
There must be a positive and negative in everything in the universe in order to complete a circuit or circle, without which there would be no activity, no motion.
November 16th, 2009 at 9:24 am
I too fell for the fast talking good ol’ boys routine. I bought two cases, one beef, one chicken. I grill or smoke something weekly and am no newbie to meat. They said they were all usda choice graded, and even though the marbling was pretty weak, for the price I went ahead and bought them.
I was pretty excited to grill up some of these steaks and it was a huge kick in the nuts when I took my first bite. I dont know WHAT THE HELL THEY DO TO THESE STEAKS but after cooking they have the texture of SPAM. I’m talking, push your finger through the steak after its cooked texture….its so weird.
It should have been a red flag when the guys were telling me to cook them frozen, as my normal method involves letting the meat come to room temp before grilling. I hoped the filets would be better then the thin cuts, and they are a LITTLE less spammy, but I cooked 4 filets yesterday and 2 of them went in the garbage disposal.
The bad thing is that people do not have time to do some research about these guys before buying. So they will end up like me, looking for answers when they already have a freezer full of crap.
I guess there will be some people getting steaks for christmas this year, people that will likely pan fry them and over cook them anyway, not people who know what meat is supposed to taste/feel like.
I have not tried the chicken yet, but I hope like hell that it is not as bad as the steaks.