"I was searching for authentic Italian porcini mushroom powder (grown & packaged in Italy), and thought I had reached my goal at GourmetFoodStore.com. The item was described precisely as "Italian Porcini Mushroom Powder" and the picture of the product stated the exact same thing. In addition, one could read on the picture of the package: "Product of Italy." To make up a decent Order, I also ordered 4 additional foodie items.
The package arrived in great condition, well packed, etc. However, when I unwrapped the porcini powder package, the label was entirely different from that on the website. It simply said "Porcini mushroom Powder--Product of China"
I contacted the vendor by phone and explained that I did not order Chinese-Italian Porcini mushroom powder. After a few minutes on hold, he came back and said that the Chinese origin was noted on the website, but that he would accept the return. I informed him that the Chinese descriptor did NOT appear on the date I placed the Order, and my detailed Receipt, along with a picture of the product did not show the Chinese disclaimer. I also immediately checked the website while I was on the phone, and indeed, like magic, the words "product of China" had appeared in small font beneath the words "Italian Porcini Mushroom Powder" The package picture, however, was still the same misleading picture, stating "product of Italy."
It was interesting to note also that in the ensuing days after my phone contact, the misleading picture of an actual Italian product was taken down/removed, and replaced with the words: "picture coming soon."
I wrote Reviews of the 5 products I purchased. All were 5-star, except for the porcini, and I wrote as much in my Review w/o flaming, etc. and even pointing up the accommodating customer service. Four of the 5 Reviews have appeared on the website. Three guesses as to which one has not appeared.
The vendor credited me for the return, but charged me a 10% fee. Though it was a small amount, it annoyed me in principle--the error in the description was clearly the vendor's. They then tried to conceal that, and then also tack on a re-stocking fee for my return for their errors. Their policy of filtering out less than stellar Reviews only compounds the problems that I see with this vendor.
My suggestion is that if you are seeking authentic gourmet foodstuffs, do yourself a favor-- look elsewhere."