Trader Joe's Customer Service Issues

I purchased items at the Glendale store on my way back home to northern California for $[redacted]. After driving around [redacted] miles, I realized I left my wallet at the pet store next to Trader Joe's in Glendale. Despite securing my wallet by calling the store, I was over [redacted] miles away without money or fuel to go back. I decided to return the purchased items at a nearby Trader Joe's and repurchase them once I retrieved my wallet. However, the manager and assistant manager at the Bakersfield store refused the return, even with a receipt. Despite explaining my situation, they were unhelpful. This experience has made me reconsider shopping at Trader Joe's, as I felt unfairly treated for wanting to return items. As a loyal customer with a big family, I am disappointed and intend to cease all business with Trader Joe's.

I recently found out that Trader Joe's has discontinued the Salmon oil capsules I regularly purchased. As a dedicated customer of both this product and Trader Joe's for many years, I am disappointed by this change. The supplement was not only affordable but also very popular. I am not satisfied with the alternative fish oil supplement now offered, which is pricier and of lower quality. Many health-conscious friends of mine share my frustration over this decision. I urge Trader Joe's to reconsider bringing back the original product as soon as possible. It appears the new choice was made without considering the preferences of loyal customers. I kindly request that your company revisits this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Dear beloved company, I have always appreciated your products. I am writing to suggest considering eco-friendly and cost-effective packaging options. Items like sardines should be securely contained in sealed cans to prevent spillage. Using paper labels instead of plastic can also be a more sustainable choice. Additionally, products like sealed jars, for instance, cocktail sauce, do not necessarily require additional plastic wrapping. It would be beneficial to avoid double layers of plastic packaging if not essential. I hope you will take these suggestions into account for a more environmentally conscious approach. Looking forward to seeing more locations nearby. Sincerely, Helen

As frequent shoppers at Trader Joe's store #[redacted] in Rockville, MD, my wife purchased chicken with an upcoming expiration date. Upon opening the pack, a foul smell emerged. We returned the chicken to the store with its label for exchange, which cost $10.55. At the cashier, expecting an even exchange, we were charged $0.42 more than the closest price found, which was $10.97. While it's not about the cents, it's more about the principle and customer service. Other stores usually accommodate such exchanges without issue. Given our loyalty as long-time customers, we anticipated better service. Thank you.

Hello! I wanted to share an experience we had recently at Trader Joe's. My 2 1/2-year-old daughter adores the pitted green olives that I usually grab for her at the checkout. Unfortunately, during our last visit, she bit into one and found a large seed inside, causing her discomfort. I understand that quality checks are in place, but this incident was distressing as a parent. I have a photo of the pit for reference. It's disheartening because I have always been a fan of Trader Joe's, but this has made me reconsider buying these olives in the future. Thank you for listening. - Veronica M.

Hello, I wanted to share my recent experience with purchasing the Trader Joe's Super Green Salad Palette at the Pikesville, MD location for $4.99. Unfortunately, I have repeatedly encountered spoiled green beans in this salad mix. Today was the final straw when all three packages I purchased had slimy and stinky green beans, forcing me to throw them all away and waste $15. This has greatly shaken my confidence in Trader Joe's and its quality control measures. I have a photo of the issue if needed. It is essential that Trader Joe's addresses the freshness and quality of the ingredients used in their salads to prevent occurrences of slimy and rotten vegetables, even when the salad is still five days away from its expiration date. I urge the company to reevaluate its staff to ensure that they are diligent in maintaining high food standards. I kindly request feedback on how this issue will be rectified moving forward. Best, Joanna Kay

Hello, I am interested in the ingredient labeled as "spice" in Trader Joe's canned refried black beans with jalapeño peppers. Due to my food sensitivities, which include corn, dairy, eggs, gluten, peanuts, soy, sugar, and sweeteners, I need to know the specific spice used in this product. I rely on Trader Joe's for my groceries due to the safety of their products for me. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated as it will help me determine if this product is suitable for me. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Hello, I am Raffaele Franco. My wife and I visited your store on September 18 located at [redacted] N Vine St, Los Angeles, CA [redacted]. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. Following a transaction at one of the cash desks, my wife's mobile phone was not returned to her. I have already spoken to your manager, Dam, who apologized for the incident. Given that we are on our honeymoon, not having the phone with us has caused serious issues. While I have not filed a formal complaint, I wanted to bring this matter to your attention and hope for a swift resolution. You can reach me via email at [redacted] or on my American number at +[redacted]9. Thank you.

I have made an observation regarding the cinnamon broom sticks this year compared to last year. In my small studio apartment, I have not been able to detect the fragrance from the stick I purchased around two weeks ago. It is not a case of being accustomed to the scent, as I genuinely cannot smell it at all. I wonder if there has been a change in the mixture of ingredients or if the sticks are not absorbing the fragrance as effectively. Thank you.

I purchase your water-processed French Roast decaf on a weekly basis, as per my doctor's recommendation. I am disappointed that you have discontinued selling the 26 oz size about 18 to 24 months ago here in Columbia, SC. Speaking with your customer representative, I was informed it was discontinued to introduce new products. While I now buy the 13 oz size for $8.99, the 26 oz size at $13.99 was a better deal. The increased monthly cost of about $15 challenges my fixed income budget. I would appreciate it if you brought back the 26 oz size or provided information on where I could find it elsewhere. Water decaf is becoming harder to locate. This is not the first time I have raised this issue with TJ, yet I have not received a response. Thank you for your assistance. Sandra H.

As a loyal customer for over 23 years, I rely on purchasing around $[redacted] worth of prepared lunch items weekly. Recently, out of the 6 salads I bought in the last month and a half, two Cobb Salads were missing the salad dressing. This might not seem significant, but as a teacher with a short 30-minute lunch break, each moment counts. Unable to locate dressing quickly, I had to consume only part of my meal, leaving me hungry for the rest of the day. I ask for better attention to detail since I count on the meals I purchase. Being 55 minutes away from the nearest Trader Joe's, returning the salad is not an option. - Cathy H.

I am extremely frustrated that the Trader Joe's locations in Iowa City, Iowa, and La Grange, Illinois have discontinued the "Toasted Oatmeal Flakes" dry cereal. I used to purchase 6 boxes at a time to ensure I always had it on hand as a staple alongside your "Bran Flakes" cereal, which I also stock up on during my visits. The carbohydrate and fiber content of these cereals are superior to other options, and my picky-eating grandchild in Chicago adores both varieties. I implore you to please bring back the Toasted Oatmeal Flakes.

I visited the West Hills store on 10/19/19 at 7:51 pm and was charged incorrectly for waters, leading to frustration. Despite explaining the situation to customer service, there was no resolution, only going in circles. I hope my issue can be rectified by receiving the correct amount, either through a gift card or another solution. Additionally, I hope that the feedback I provided about the customer service experience is taken into account for improvement. It's disappointing to be further frustrated with Trader Joe's due to the handling of this matter, as customer service should aim to alleviate such frustrations rather than adding to them.

In Hyde Park, Chicago, a new Trader Joe's just opened in the former Treasure Island location, providing convenient access to groceries in the area with limited street parking. However, an incident observed before the opening raised concerns about potential theft issues affecting the previous store. A person was seen wheeling a loaded shopping cart away from the store towards a pedestrian mall, which seemed suspicious and could indicate internal theft problems. The observer regrets not taking a photo and worries about the impact of theft on the new store's sustainability and pricing. They suggest thorough security measures and employee screening to safeguard against similar issues. They offer to report what they witnessed to the local authorities if it can aid in ensuring the store's security. Despite these concerns, they express gratitude for the new store and anticipate shopping at Trader Joe's with excitement.

After my eye appointment at SUNY College of Optometry, I visited Trader Joe's at [redacted] E 32nd Street to buy organic grass-fed and grass-finished 85/15 lean hamburger meat. When I asked a representative for help, he seemed confused and referred me to Bill, who said he was busy and never returned to assist me. Another employee, Kathleen, who is new, also couldn't find the item in stock. Frustrated, I shared my experience with a different staff member and was directed to Amos Little to file a complaint. Unfortunately, he could only locate grass-fed meat in the frozen section, not what I was looking for. I explained that neither Kathleen nor Bill had shown me that item. I hope for equal treatment for all customers regardless of race and wish for more diversity in management roles at the store.

I had a frustrating experience at Trader Joe's on [redacted] E 32nd Street. I was looking for organic grass-fed and grass-finished 85/15 lean hamburger meat, but the staff seemed confused and unhelpful. I asked to speak to a butcher named Bill, but he never came back after telling me he would help once he was done with another customer. Eventually, I spoke to a new employee named Kathleen who also couldn't find the item and mentioned they were trying to improve things. When I tried to file a complaint, the staff didn't handle it well. I was accused of cutting off an employee when I was just trying to explain my situation. I hope that in the future, all customers, regardless of their background, will be treated equally and receive accurate assistance in the store.

Subject: Request to Bring Back Salted Caramel Gelato Dear Customer Service, I am reaching out to express my profound disappointment regarding the discontinuation of your Salted Caramel Gelato. This flavor has been a staple in my family's holiday traditions, and it is disheartening to see it removed from your offerings without prior notice. As a gelato enthusiast, I have sampled a wide range of flavors across various regions in Italy, including Rome, Naples, Milan, Sicily, and Como. Despite trying 20-30 different varieties from renowned gelato establishments, I must emphasize that your Salted Caramel Gelato stands out as one of the best I have ever tasted. Given its significance to my family and the exceptional quality it offers, I kindly urge you to reconsider this decision and reintroduce the Salted Caramel Gelato to your selection. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Dennis Nunziato

I am upset with the Trader Joe's on [redacted] Court Street in Brooklyn. I am a loyal customer who lives nearby and shops there weekly. Tonight, while shopping for Thanksgiving groceries with my sister, we were accused of stealing upon returning to the store for pie crust. The cashier and a loss prevention employee confronted us, claiming they saw us putting items in our bag, which we had not opened. We were humiliated by the false accusation and only received an apology afterwards. As two African American women, we felt discriminated against and stereotyped. I am deeply hurt and will never return to that location. The staff can review my purchase history as proof of my regular patronage, but this incident has led me to take my business elsewhere.

I have been purchasing your holiday hams (the gold wrapped half ham) for over ten years. My family specifically requests Trader Joe’s brand for our holiday meals. However, last year's ham had too much fat for our liking. This year's ham, which cost over $55, was even worse. After cooking, there was an excessive amount of fatty ribbons floating in the liquid, making it embarrassing to serve. Despite the good flavor of the meat itself, a significant portion of the ham is fat or fatty meat, making it challenging to use for leftover dishes like pintos and ham. I hope you can address this issue with your supplier. This is the second disappointing experience with your hams, and I might not give it another try for our Christmas dinner next year. Just to note, I travel four hours to shop at the Glendale location on Bell Rd, so returning the ham and complaining at the store is not a feasible option for me.

I have been a loyal shopper at Trader Joe's for many years, and I have always loved their Caramel Gelato. Unfortunately, it seems that the product has been discontinued due to the vendor raising their prices. I have tried the Cookie Caramel flavor as suggested by the staff, but it just doesn't compare. I have noticed other brands like Talenti in different stores, but none of them are quite the same. The managers at my local Trader Joe's have mentioned that other customers have also been asking about the Caramel Gelato. I really hope that there is a chance of it making a comeback. Thank you, Linda H., Los Gatos, California.