Am I a Sell-Out?
Several weeks ago, I was shopping at my local Safeway. I'm not sure why, but I decided to look at all the things in the freezer section, just to see what was out there. I came across these "Garlic Fingers with Cheese" product by McCain, an decided to give them a try. (After all, who can say "no" to anything with garlic and cheese?) About a week later, I decided to try them.As you might imagine, they weren't quite what I expected. Somehow the box made them look better, as did the words McCain chose to use. My disappointment sparked a feedback letter to McCain:
When I made it, I have to say I was extremely disappointed at what you claim to be "Garlic Fingers with Cheese".
First, when I opened the package, I thought I had the wrong product inside because they were not cut.
After preparing them, I was shocked at the lack of what I thought would be a featured ingredient: garlic. Myself and my friend could not even taste any garlic! There was also a serious lack of cheese (the second featured ingredient).
At any rate, I am most dissatisfied, and I can assure you that I will spread the word at how terrible this product is. I may be out $5, but if I have it my way, no one else will be. I will also be talking to the manager at Safeway requesting that they drop this product due to false advertising.
Today, in the mail, I received a response:
This letter is is response to your recent note concerning our McCain garlic fingers with cheese.
Please be assured that we maintain a Quality Assurance program which we believe to be second to none in the food processing industry. We have notified both our Quality and Production Departments of this incident.
Thank you for bring this matter to our attention, as it is through such comments that we learn of possible shortcomings in our operations, and we are able to take corrective action as necessary.
Please accept our sincere apologies. We appreciate your taking the time and trouble to let us know of your dissatisfaction. If you have any further questions or concerns please contact me.
Sincerely,
McCain Foods (Canada)
A Division of McCain Foods Limited
Mona St Amand
Consumer Services
Enclosed in the letter were two coupons: one for a FREE 1kg Regular French Fries (any cut), and the other for a FREE Rising Crust Pizza (Family Size). Now, am I selling out if I cash in these free goodies? I'll be eating food from a company who has already insulted my taste-buds once. Do I risk it again? I think I would have preferred a cheque for $5 or something. What do I do? Help me, Obi Wan, you're my only hope!
