Sunday, May 10, 2009

Believe ready to drink protein in Soothing Chai


I would love to give this a try... I really would. With 20 grams of protein, 120 calories per serving (9.5 fl ounces), 0 grms fat, 5 grms of carbs, and 3.5 grms of sugar..it sounds like it would be great. It's even not that expensive $29.99 per case which works out to roughly $2.50 each which when you consider what most people spend on their daily Starbucks drink..it doesn't sound like much at all. Heck, even a chai at the cafeteria where I work is more than that! I am ready to order then I see the "calculate shipping button". I enter my zip code and there is where things go horribly wrong....their cheapest shipping option (UPS 2nd day air) is $55.70 for one case! The only other option, UPS next day air, is $96.80!!!!! I cannot justify spending more on the shipping than I am on the product itself! Another hidden cost for living in Alaska! Or so I thought till I entered my mothers Colorado zip code and was quoted the exact same rates! So I went to their shipping information page and am greeted with...
"Shipping and Other Information You're not spending... you're investing in your health!"
If that isn't saying, "Hey, we know our shipping costs are outrageous", I don't know what is!
Then if you scroll down further you get the following disclaimers about their shipping...
"IMPORTANT WINTER SHIPPING INFO:
Ready to Drink bottles and cans of liquid freeze in the winter. If you live in an area where liquids are apt to freeze in your daytime temperatures take delivery at your place of business so your package is not left outside until your return home OR leave instructions for your driver to leave package inside an enclosed area or with a neighbor.
UPS does not pay claims resulting from bottle contents freezing and breaking. It is your responsibility to consider the items you are ordering and whether the weather will cause them to break. If you order liquids and they freeze and break, UPS and BE, Inc. are not responsible for the damage. The items in question include all RTD protein drinks and bottles of DaVinci syrup. No exceptions.

IMPORTANT SUMMER SHIPPING INFO:
During summer months we are NOT responsible for the melting of chocolate products while in transit. We pack as well as possible to prevent melting, but once your order leaves our premises, the weather is out of our control.
No returns or credits on protein bars or any chocolate product because package contents have been left on your porch or outside in the heat.
IF your order containing chocolate has been in the heat - unpack carton contents, and without touching or smushing individual bars, place boxes in your refrigerator for about an hour. They will reharden and suffer no loss of nutrition, although they might not be quite as pretty.
Most places in the USA see higher temperatures than we do here in Florida, and UPS trucks are not air conditioned so it isn't that we ship from Florida that causes the problem, but that it is HOT in Summer all over and chocolate MELTS."
Excuse me but if I am spending almost $100 on shipping, especially for a product itself that costs 1/3 of that, then I want some kind of money back guarantee not a list of reasons why the seller wont be responsible if their product arrives damaged or unconsumable!

"Your Satisfaction Is Important To Us
We've guaranteed your satisfaction since we packed and shipped our first canister of protein and our single goal is to make you happy. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return any sealed product that is still suitable for resale in it's original condition within 90 days for a prompt exchange for another product of equal or lesser value.
The verification of the sealed returned containers is up to the discretion of the BariatricEating.com Warehouse Department and if the returned product is deemed unfit for sale no credit will be issued, no product will be exchanged, and the shipment will not be returned.
All returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee.
Product may not be returned without prior authorization from a Customer Care representative.
Merchandise must be returned at your expense in unopened and perfect condition in order to receive a credit for future purchases.
We do not allow returns of any boxes of protein bars. We sell bars in smaller quantities so that they can be tried without buying a full box."
The more I read the more I am convinced that it is next to impossible to get any type of refund from this company. Maybe I am wrong, hopefully I am. If you have ordered from them and had a great wonderful experience, please comment and let me know. Also, if you are willing to pay the exorbitant shipping (and are willing to gamble that your shakes will arrive in good condition)and decide to order these Chai shakes...PLEASE let me know how they are!!! I would love to know!

More information about the shakes from the Bariatric eating website..
"Reserve Today. Product expected to arrive week of May 19th-22nd. Entire order will ship upon arrival.
You become what you Believe! Italian Cappuccino - Mocha Latte - Soothing Chai Tea. Assorted cases available for a limited time.
You have never tasted anything quite as delicious as Believe, our new ready-to-drink sensation. Smooth and delicious coffee lattes and spiced chai tea filled with healing protein & natural energy – packed in premium glass bottles, they’re a pleasure to sip.
Believe is perfect for a busy morning or afternoon break – these deliciously bold coffee and smooth chai tea protein beverages invigorate the body and mind with pure natural energy. Bliss in a bottle that’s actually good for you!
We’ve infused the finest coffee and chai tea with natural flavorings and 20 grams of protein, making Believe a smart alternative to skipping a meal or eating fast food. Enjoy a bottle either chilled or over ice; wherever you are it’s pure perfection.
For smooth refreshment try all three flavors of our delicious Believe beverages in ultra-premium glass. What will be your favorite flavor – Italian Cappuccino, Mocha Latte, or Soothing Chai Tea?
Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.
case contains twelve 9.5 ounce bottles"

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