I visited Robbie's Feed & Supply intending to purchase chicks, and what should have been a simple visit turned into one of the most unnecessarily hostile and poorly managed customer experiences I've had.
When we arrived, we went to the register to ask where the chicks were. We were the only customers in the store at the time, while all three employees were on phone calls. A gentleman walked in after us and stood to the side. When one employee got off the phone and asked "who's next," we stepped forward--only to be told we were not next and that there was a "line."
There was no visible line, no clear signage, and we had been standing directly in front of the register the entire time. This is not a large store--it's a small space where basic awareness should make the order obvious. The man who arrived after us then attempted to move ahead, and I had to clarify that we had been waiting. Instead of handling it professionally, the employee responded dismissively. When I finally asked where the chicks were, I was told "outside," with no effort to assist further.
Outside, no one initially helped us. Eventually, a young employee approached and was polite, helpful, and allowed us to select a chick ourselves. As first-time customers in this type of setting, we relied on the guidance we were given.
Then an older employee, identified as "Tete," approached in an aggressive and confrontational manner, raising her voice at both the employee and myself. She escalated the situation unnecessarily and even placed her hands on my shoulder, which is completely inappropriate.
She also began speaking to me in broken Spanish despite me speaking English the entire time, which felt like an unfounded assumption. If there are rules about not touching the chicks, that needs to be clearly communicated and consistently enforced--not handled through public confrontation.
What made this worse is that the employee assisting me--and even a supervisor--appeared confused by her reaction, stating that this was how they normally handle things. That inconsistency reflects a clear lack of training and management oversight.
I also couldn't ignore the condition of many of the chicks, with a noticeable number appearing to have pasty vent issues, which raises concerns about their care.
I ultimately chose not to make a purchase. I will not spend money in a place where customers are treated this way. This was not a product issue--it was a failure in professionalism, training, and management.
If you're considering a feed store, I would strongly recommend looking in Broward instead. The difference in atmosphere and customer service is worth the drive. read more
