Door to door steak sales?

Yeah, I got them one day too. I was working for a limo company that day and had 3 2007 caddys in the yard. they must have seen the expensive cars and thought, SUCKER! My wife bought one box o meat against my advice. It was just meat, not some super steaks that were to die for. I have also heard that some of those vans are part of boosting rings that steal meat form like Krogers then re-sell. But I haven't run across any of those myself, at least none of the meat I have seen has a Kroger's sticker anywhere.

I have seen them around off and on for years, Thomas, and I always send them away. I find the idea of buying meat from the back of a pickup truck to be less-than-appealing, if not of questionable food safety. The USDA has an interesting fact sheet about door-to-door meat sales.

HM - I doubt they would have been able meet any of the criteria that fact sheet suggested to check for.

historymike's link has some good points.

I probably wouldn't purchase meat from the back of a truck that showed up at my house. If I were going to purchase meat that was sold door-to-door, I'd only do it from a reputable, identifiable company that followed good food safety measures.

I've never ordered anything from Schwan's, but I'd be much more likely to buy from a company like that than someone who just drove up to my house in an unmarked truck. Know what I mean?

I took a quick look on CraigsList.com, figuring they'd use the site to try and find people willing to sell door-to-door.

This looks like the company right here:

Door to Door Food Sales.... (419-490-8235)

Date: 2010-07-08, 3:58PM EDT

I am looking for a female partner who wants to team up and go out and sell cases of USDA Choice Steak, Gourmet Chicken, Pork and Seafood. We use a company truck and New Freezer. All products/ Inventory, supplied. We would split gas. We have an opportunity to make $300.00 to $700.00 each day and we can pick our own areas and customers. Summer time is a busy grilling season and very busy for us. I have a super cool Owner too who really takes care of you. Let's have some fun and make some fat stacks!!! Call Anthony @ 419-490-8235.

Location: 419-490-8235
Compensation: Make upto $700.00 per day
This is a part-time job.

*

Link here:

http://toledo.craigslist.org/sls/1832476963.html

I had a guy try and talk me into taking one of these sales jobs once. He was a nice guy and on the up and up. Had a small office off of Reynolds Road. His explanation was basically the basic “the main guy buys so much he gets it at huge discounts”. The stuff looked decent (I never tried any) and it actually looked like a good deal, especially for a big family on a budget. But, in the end I am just not the type of personality comfortable with going door to door selling ANYTHING.

I Googled the phone number (419-490-8235) that appeared in the post on CraigsList.com - for door-to-door food sales.

Apparently Anthony has another job, driving cars & motor homes to different states for people, when he isn't making $700.00 a week, selling steaks for his cool boss.

CraigsList message - posted by Anthony:

http://toledo.craigslist.org/aos/1832428814.html

They have been in the Sylvania/Jackman area lately. My husband used the argument "I don't think I'm comfortable buying meat out of the back of a truck." Salesman replied "the meat you buy anywhere comes out of a truck."

Ok, but not door to door.

If you really want to buy meat out of a truck, the House of Meats delivers any of their bundles for $7.00. http://houseofmeats.com/delivery.asp

http://www.houseofmeats.com/freezerpacks.asp

House of Meats FTW!

Reminds me of the scam where the gypsy stops by and offers to reseal your driveway because he just has a little sealant left on the truck...

Yeah, the old frozen foods deal. The same company used to offer kitchen gadgets and miscellaneous housewares door to door. It's not really a scam so long as you understand what you're buying by way of steaks, which is not USDA Prime. They usually sell the steaks as "just like" USDA Prime, or "the same quality as" Prime.

It's not necessarily a bad deal or a scam, and you can make money at it. It isn't easy work by a long stretch.

From Billy: Reminds me of the scam where the gypsy...

I remember those! We've got material left over and rather than throw it away... turned out to be used motor oil.

one of the door to door companies used to have an office near where i worked, those guys were really willing to deal on friday afternoon. I bought steaks from them several times. they were ok nothing special, about the same quality as house of meats.

one of the door to door companies used to have an office near where i worked, those guys were really willing to deal on friday afternoon. I bought steaks from them several times. they were ok nothing special, about the same quality as house of meats.

These guys must prey on the home-bound or those on a fixed income. Seen these trucks in-the-hood for years. Btw, ckout the prices for steak at Seaway Market on Cherry st. Bought 4 BEEF strip steaks under $6 total and 3 BEEF T-Bones under $4 each.

we tried that steak once, and only once, it was nasty. marinated and soft, and kinda wound around itself, it was weird.

I would like to point out that these are NOT Swan trucks, they're the little white ones with the household freezer showing in the back. thank you. ;p

Sounds kind of like a scam, or at other pointed out not healthy. Only exception is that I have tried Swan when I was a kid. My parents bought from them a couple times.

Funny thought though for a business idea. A BBQ catering business where the cooks come to your house, bring a grill and cookout for you.

Can imagine that would be popular in the summer or parties or holidays.

those are pretty common actually. and like all services, some are better than others. I knew a guy who did pig roasts like that, and you'd better come barefoot, because his stuff'd knock your shoes AND socks off!

Welcome to the modern era. There are only two reasons why anything is sold as a "cold call" directly at your door:

ONE, the product or service is stolen, uncertified or otherwise illegal.

TWO, the product or service is overpriced.

Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to ever buy anything from a person who appears at your door unexpectedly. Send him away unless you're a moron. Let him find another victim.

Swan stuff is very good quality. Yes you pay a little more but for the home delivery I think it's worth it. I know that it is not the perfect fit for everybody but gor me it works. I was over Mom's house the last time they delivered. The salesman/driver put her order away, provided conversation for her and even help me with a houdehold maintenance job. Never asked for anything extra.

Nana - yep, I only brought up the Schwan's trucks as an example of a company I would consider ordering food from, because I know they are a legitimate, verifiable company. Random door-to-door trucks from unnamed companies? No thanks!

GZ - I don't normally answer the door if I'm not expecting anyone, but one time some door-to-door people caught me while I was out in the yard.

They were working for a carpet cleaning business, and offered to come in and give an estimate. Yeah right - like I would let some random strangers inside my house. Figured they were probably casing the joint to come rob me later.

Anyhow, I let them leave a flyer, mostly because I wanted some type of contact info to investigate/report if anything shady happened. Turns out they are a legit company based out of Ann Arbor, but personally I think that's a HORRIBLE business model. The only people who are allowed into my home are those I choose to invite over or do business with - not strangers who randomly show up at my doorstep!

How long until the Schwann man snaps and goes on a crime spree? In this day and age, having a stranger in your house is too big of a risk or you're a female or elderly. Sorry, but I can't believe the Schwann company has the inside scoop on the best tasting food.

Schwans does have very good food, although a little bit higher price.I have gotten from them for several years.