Meat pickup truck scam Local police would have this info as they were stopped, but I do not have their name. "DON'T BE A MEAT HEAD" Hometown, Pennsylvania

I live in West Virginia and my husband is a door-to-door salesman. He has been a "Meatman" for 20 years. We now have our own individual company however we travel throughout WV, OH, MD, and PA. There are some unprofessional salesman, such as the men who stopped at your house, those men shouldn't be employed by this type of company. Working as a door-to-door salesman is a lagitament and hard working job. Not all these men and women deserve to be judged before they come to your door. In every county, in every state there are meatmen. Some transport by a truck, such as we do, and others use vans. Nevertheless, the freezer is hooked up a an inverter that connects to the battery to keep the food cold. My husband works hard and treats his customers good. If you have gotten a profession salesman, this post wouldn't exist because you do not have to let them inside your house. But the reason they ask to go inside, isn't because they want to hurt you or steal, they was trained this way. It is against the law in some places to sale food on the tailgate of the truck. So going inside where you can see the food and you have time to decide if you want it or not. If you don't want it, just simply say "NO." Your not going to hurt their feelings, they will leave. But again, they are trained to hear "3 NO'S" before they leave, but most will leave after one NO.

So see, nobody has to be scared of these men and women, they are just doing what they were trained to do. My husband and I are raising 3 beautiful children and most of these men and women also have families just like all of you. But yes, be aware of the individual especially if you have a family. But have your Mother ever told you, "Never Judge a Book By It's Cover?" Talk to the salesman before you think all he wants is to hurt, steal, or take your money because that's not the case. He or she is only trying to sale USDA APPROVED and HEALTH INSPECTED, INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED, QUALITY FOOD to your door. THEY ARE ONLY TRYING TO MAKE A LIVING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.

I'm proud of my husband because of all of the stuff he puts up with, such as the horrible post like this from people who had bad experiences with the meatman, he still works hard and pays our bills. The internet and the people who is posting about how you can't trust the meatman is why my husband and other family men and women in this field has to stay out 10-12 hours a day to make the money they need to pay rent, utilities and get what their family needs. I wish people would stop with all the rumors and accusations. HERE IS WHAT A POLITE PERSON WOULD DO IF A SALESMAN STOPPED AT YOUR DOOR! First, ask what they are selling and ask for a brochure. Most will have them, however they can run out, so if they don't have one then ask for their company's name and number and call them to make sure they are a legitament company. Second, if you know what they are selling and you don't want it, say NO. But if you do, then ask to look at it. The salesman will ask to come in, but if you feel uncomfortable with that have him show you on the porch or in your yard. My husband sales to his customers on their porch. It's just where they feel comfortable. Then look at the product. The salesman will lay out all 6 boxes out of each case of steak, chicken, seafood, or pork. If you don't want it, again they will pack it up and go. But if you do like it, then negotiate about the price. Since your husband is in law enforcement you would've recieved a discount on the price. You can recieve a discount for many things. Such as being a fireman, police officer, or any other goverment job. Also Senior citizens, Veterans and if your registered to a VFW. There are lots of ways to get discounts. A profession salesman will help you get the best out of your money. MEAT COMPANIES ARE NOT SCAMS OR FRAUD. Call the Better Buisness Bureau if you have a concern.

I hope my post helps people to understand who and what these hard working men and women do. There is no need to call the cops if these men are just coming to your door. I don't understand why some people act that way, just because they see a stranger knocking at their door. Again I am sorry you had a bad experience, but maybe next time before you call the cops or judge them before talking to them, maybe ask for the company's name and number and call about them. My Mother has always told me, "TO TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WANT TO BE TREATED." So think about that. Also when the cops are called and the salesmen have all the paperwork and license they need, NOT EVEN THE COPS CAN MAKE THEM LEAVE. They can keep working until they are done. I hope everyone has a GREAT STEAK DAY!

I'm just a meat lover, especially beef. I've always used the meat markets and have never been disappointed. There's just a feeling of assurance when I can see my purchase in it's normal form (not flash frozen) and evaluate the marbling without any trouble. If I want the piece trimmed up the butcher is always ready to accomodate.

The problem with mobile meat sales is that there's no real standards. I'm sure there are quality operators out there, somewhere, but they appear to be the small minority. This is an industry ripe for scammers. How do you protect the average consumer? Educate them. Make them aware of the current sales tactics. Put them in control.

To John, from Memphis:  Before i respond to what you have written, let me ask first what association you have with this type of business. Are you in the same type of industry, for another company? In the meat and seafood industry in general? (grocery store meat cutter, restaurant chef, food broker, or otherwise) Or are you just an everyday meat eater trying to share information with others? The reason I ask is, you seem somewhat educated with the door to door sales concepts, and although I do agree with some of what you say, I also disagree with some of it.

1) Are you an employee of this company or a contractor?

Most fly-by-night operations use contractors. That way the company assumes no responsibilities for their actions (including lies).

2) Are you licensed in this state?

Legitimate operations are. Check if the truck has out-of-state plates. That's a sure sign they're just 'passing through'. Translation: They don't count on repeat business.

3) What is your street address?

They'll probably give you the address of the home office in some other state. What's the LOCAL address? If they don't have one they're just passing through.

4) Do you take credit cards?

Scammers always want cash or a check (which they will cash immediately). They know you'll cancel the charge when you realize you've been duped. 

5) Can I see a written refund policy?

Scammers won't have one or they'll give you a totally worthless verbal one. Remember, they're contractors.

6) What USDA grade is the meat?

Remember, it starts at Prime, Choice, Select and the lower grades of Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter and Canner. Don't fall for the old 'USDA Inspected' ploy. That means nothing. The grade should be clearly marked on the package AS WELL AS THE WEIGHT. DO NOT FALL FOR THE SUCKER DEAL WHERE THEY SELL YOU MEAT BY THE PIECE. If the grade, weight and packaging date is not marked clearly on each package you are being set up. Ignore cheesy labelling that uses magic markers or pens. They're bogus.

7) Know your beef cuts.

Would you know the difference between beef tenderloin and a round roast? If not then don't even think of buying like this. The salesperson (contractor) can tell you anything to get the sale.

8) Get the breakdown of the package.

Just what are you getting? How many POUNDS (not PIECES) of chicken breast, thighs and legs. How many pounds of beef (grouped by the cut)? Remember, BUYING BY THE PIECE IS A SUCKERS DEAL. Know the going price per pound at the local meat markets. That way you can really compare and see what a bad deal it is.

9) Is the salesperson anxious to get the meat in your freezer?

Most likely to prevent you from weighing the product or closely examining the package labels.

10) Can you do better in a supermarket?

YES. You get to see close up what you're buying, before wrapping. You can talk to a real butcher about the cut. You always buy by the pound, not by the piece. And most importantly, you can get your money back easily if you're not satisfied.

These meat truck operations generally target the lower class neighborhoods because they know people aren't as informed and are more eager to 'get a deal'.

Really, are you willing to risk your familys health on meat being sold by a contractor??? 

In response to this report, I just want to say that door to door meat sales is a common, and productive business that is both loved or hated by many people. Same as any other business. I will remain anonymous, but I personally own a successful business of this type, and have done so for the past 12 years. It is a great way to get your food, so long as you follow a few simple guidelines. If you aren't comfortable with him in your house, just walk out to the truck. Easy, right? Talk to your sales rep. If you don't agree with what he says, simply say so. Unless he's an idiot, he'll listen to you too. Making a deal is easy with simple communication. As far as food safety goes, First and foremost, check the COLOR and TEMPERATURE of the food. All beef should be reddish, or pink in color, unless it is marinated. peppercorn, and teriyaki steaks are some examples. If it is dark brown, or black, even, it is probably old, so don't buy it. Also ONLY BUY FROM A TRUCK WITH A FREEZER OR FREEZER UNIT!! Check the individual items by feeling them to make sure they are still frozen. Legitimate companies will either use power inverters to run the freezer, or dry ice to maintain temperature. Also, as far as quality goes, USDA CHOICE beef is the way to go. All beef and chicken should be individually vacuum sealed, and all seafood and other bagged items should be IQF(individually quick frozen) and not stuck together.  As far as your personal experience, I am sorry you ran into someone unprofessional. Anybody that cannot produce a brochure could at least give a name and a number. Another easy way to feel confident in buying this way is to look at the big picture. Is there a name on the freezer? How about a company shirt, or hat? Ask for a reference, someone that he sells to in the area. Or, the best one, call the company while the sales rep is there, and ask about his legitimacy. Any company in good business will have someone to answer the phone, or if not, an answering machine with the company name on it. Following these steps will make sure you have a good experience, and I hope this post helps.