I used to live in St Andrews, NB, and would buy Oven Head salmon routinely, when happening past. It…read morewas a particular treat for "entertaining," or simply for a treat.
I have since moved to New Hampshire, and was planning a get-together with new and old friends. I thought that some awesome cold-smoked salmon from the Maritimes would be an excellent change.
I ordered a side of sliced smoked salmon from Oven Head - allowing for more than the 2-week recommended for "shipping".
Upon ordering, I was charged $183.04 for the salmon, and $172.31 for "international shipping" ($355.35 total). Mysteriously, Oven Head would not produce a FedEx tracking number ("We will gladly provide tracking information when it becomes available to us," was their typical response.). If you have ever shipped anything anywhere via FedEx, you know that tracking information is provided instantly.
I grew skeptical, but allowed for the benefit of the doubt.
The product that eventually showed up was a MESS. The salmon was in a cardboard box - not an insulated shipping box - a simple cardboard box like that which comes from Office Depot (or the liquor store). The cardboard was mush, the product was in a bag of water, with an internal temperature of 62.8F (with fall temperatures maintaining that). The salmon reeked of rot, mold, and mildew. In a word, it was disgusting.
Upon receipt, I even questioned whether the salmon was ever edible, or if they just threw in a side of "cull" meat. The side was "sliced," in that it was cut, but it was not a single side - it looked more like a combination of other pieces, simply put together like an ill-fitting jigsaw puzzle.
I called - still plenty of time for a replacement - and they told me that the only way they would "replace" the product would be if I paid another $350+/-. They took absolutely no responsibility for the issue, and told me I would be refunded only after FedEx refunded them. I even sent them a photo of the thermometer's reading!
I just called - AGAIN - and was told (essentially) to pound sand. They were not going to refund me anything, and that I should stop calling, "mooching for money." I didn't feel like giving these people ANOTHER $350 for something I may never receive.
After 20+ years of enjoying Oven Head salmon, I will NEVER purchase their product again. I have moved on to Wolfhead Salmon smokers (just "up the road"). Equal product in every way, but they appreciate the business, and their customers.
Worst CS I have ever experienced. On any level. Do not support this business, if you value your money. $700 is rather pricey for (maybe) a side of smoked salmon.