I placed an order with AminoZ on 30/12/15 but it wasn't shipped till 18/01/16 because one of the items was on back order. Earlier this week, I noticed one of the protein bars was expired, dated 16/12/2015. I proceeded to contacting customer care. Exchanges with store reps can be found at the bottom of post. They admitted to selling protein bars that have passed their best-before dates. My understanding is that they had/still have more of those in stock that they intend to sell. I found the whole thing very disappointing because I had purchased from them a couple of times (first time buying the protein bars). I thought I'd give you guys a heads up. You might be paying for expired products buying from AminoZ. I also want to know:
- Do you think it's ok for stores to sell expired (best before/use-by) goods?
- Now that AminoZ is on my avoid list, what would be your recommendation for buying
fast-shipping, reasonably priced,quality, NOT expired supplements?
Me to an automated post-sales email:
Hi,
There is in fact a problem with my order (order #xxxxxxxx) that I just noticed.
The best before date on the Musashi bulk mass gain bar 80g is 16/12/2015 (see attached). That's 1 month before my order was shipped out on 18/01/2016.
Is it your common practice to sell protein bars that have passed their best before dates? Why was I not made aware of this? My stomach gets upset easily. I would've canceled the order if I'd known.
Rep 1's response:
Hi xxx,
Thanks for your reply.
We're sorry to have sent you a Musashi bulk mass gain bar 80g is 16/12/2015. This must be the ones we have in stock. However, this is still safe to consume.
Best before: foods that are labelled as best before, signifies that although the date on the package may have passed, the product is still safe to consume on the proviso the item has been stored correctly, while still generally maintaining its colour, texture and flavour. The best before date is used more to identify when the food product may lose some of its qualities, rather than being unsafe to eat.
Use by (expiry date): foods that have a use by date are generally regarded as unsafe to eat after the designated date because a build-up of bad bacteria may have occurred – even if the food in question still looks and smells good enough to consume. Additionally, it is also illegal for a business to sell an item after its use by date due to the danger the product may pose.
http://www.findlaw.com.au/articles/4777/whats-the-difference…
We apologise for the inconvenience xxx and if you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.
Kind regards,
Dale
My reply:
Hi Dale,
Thank you for your reply.
I'm well aware of the difference between 'best before' and 'use by'. I'm also aware that it's not illegal to sell products past their 'best before' dates. However, I personally steer clear of them all.
Amino Z should be more honest and transparent when it comes to the products you sell. Why do you have items listed as 'shortdated' (which I clearly avoided buying), but not label the out of date ones?
No matter how significantly or insignificantly worse the quality of the protein bar becomes or how not-unsafe you claim it to be to consume, it's not what I paid for. I would never buy from your store again nor recommend to anyone.
Regards,
xxx.
Rep 2's response:
Hi xxx,
Thanks for your email.
I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. I have checked our listing and I was able to confirm that there was no notice on our product page regarding the expiry of the product. May I offer a refund as store credits for the bar, ($4.69).
Again, I'm really sorry for the inconvenience and I hope that you would let us rectify this for you.
Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Kind regards,
Liza
Amino Z
Research based. Results-driven.
My reply:
Hi Liza,
Store credits won't be of any good since I'm not shopping at your store again. Keep it.
Regards,
xxx.
1 mistake and you avoid a business? Wow must be hard buying anything then! Every business stuffs up! You brought it to their attention, and while it wasn't offered upfront, a store credit was offered. The rep sounds more than reasonable, it appears it was you who should have stepped away from the keyboard before replying! I probably would have pushed for a replacement to be mailed out or something, because <$5 wont get you much and then pay shipping on top.
But yeah, relax before making a complaint and they'll be happier to rectify it. I hope that's not how you treat every business.