Normally I'd say places like Officeworks are all pretty much the same...but I did make a special…read moretrip to this particular Officeworks for one reason; Adult Colouring. Don't judge. Colouring in books for grown ups are so-hot-right-now. If you're a fellow stationary nerd and could see yourself getting excited over pencils, read on. If not, might be time to click away now... So I have myself a few colouring books for some fun relaxation to switch my brain off from my devices, which has given me a need for buying decent colouring pencils. I've done the homework, Officeworks has the cheapest price. Better yet, Officeworks Yarraville sells them free range, which you can't get at other stores or online. As in, every colour imaginable in every variation of Derwent, Lyra et al can be purchase per-pencil. Not the most cost effective way of purchasing pencils, but if you're missing some specific colours from your packs, it's fun to pick and choose exactly what you want. Giddy with power, I was able to test out each colour and hand-pick exactly what I wanted to change things up a bit without forking over the $100 odd for a 72 pack of Derwents. Confessions of a colouring nerd aside, this is a pretty big Officeworks and has all the other office stuff that I ignored on this occasion. They also charge for plastic bags which I get isn't a money-making scam, but it's really annoying. Can't they just switch to paper?

Crap service as per usual from Officeworks…read more As I may have mentioned before, the meet and greet staff are a completely unrequired part of the running of this chain. Not sure why they waste their time and money on this! No, I do NOT want to be asked how I am when I walk into a store. Hey, they offer the normal office supply stuff. Just get with the program and get some people on the registers rather than greeting everyone (unless they're offering me a martini). x

MSY have been open for a few years now. I've been coming to this store for about three years, but…read moreI've been to some of the other stores too. This is the closest one to me, but I've found they're all much of a muchness. Five stars is a big call. There are some very big caveats to that rating, though. The first is that you absolutely must know what you're shopping for. Don't turn up and expect demonstration stock and staff showing you stuff. This isn't Harvey Norman. If you've got no idea about computer hardware, either take someone that does know (and presumably will be putting your computer together for you), or don't go. The second major caveat is that customer service is generally pretty poor. It's gotten better, but it's still not that crash hot. In the old days, you'd turn up, probably with their price list printed off, line up, ask for your parts, pay and leave. I went in yesterday and they'd changed it. You now walk through the shop, pick up what you want and then go and pay for it. I think it's more crucial now that you have that price list with you than it was before, because you're picking the parts yourself, and you need to know what the packaging looks like. So why five stars, after all that? Price. It's probably the cheapest place to pick up computer hardware in Australia. It's so cheap that I'm pretty sure this place is almost singlehandedly responsible for the death of computer swap meets. I've put together a few systems with stuff from here. Haven't had to return anything yet.

MSY is one amazing computer store for people who just want to get supplies and not be hassled by…read morestaff trying to convince you to buy different parts you don't need. MSY consists of walking in and either A. Finding your computer parts (not labelled with prices, though a 'Parts Guide' is supplied both online and in-store with ALL the items they sell and the prices. Some might not like this, but it makes it VERY easy to compare prices quickly between parts!), taking them to the counter and paying. B. Going to the counter and requesting the items which the staff have behind them. The main issue is customer service. They don't seem to be fans of answering phone calls to inquire about availability of products, and often when I go to the store I find the items I'm after are sold out. Luckily they always have alternatives at only a couple of dollars more, but it can be frustrating. As every other review has also said, DO NOT go asking questions here! Some staff are helpful and might answer a quick question (One asked if the amount of RAM was supported by my Motherboard, making sure I don't waste my money buying too much), but most are there just to take your money and keep things going quickly, which a lot of the customers would really appreciate. However, you can look past any issues with the store because of the prices! There is nowhere better in Australia to buy parts for low prices, that's for sure!

As a frequenter of OfficeWorks Chadstone, here is my 2c suggestion: please consider unifying the…read moreusability of both document printing photo printing kiosks. The document printing kiosk allows documents' retrieval thru officeworks@printme.com, but not photo printing kiosk, why? To me, they don't just appear two different kiosks, but two different companies' products! Is it a positive image?!

The Officeworks here in Chadstone is pretty much just like all other Officeworks' except that this…read moreis a relatively larger store. There is a separate 'print & copy' center with self-service photocopy machines (around 3-5 machines), as well as a service desk where you can get custom printing. The other side of the store has a photo center, where photo-printing machines line the wall and you serve yourself. The main reason I'm reviewing this place is that this office works has a little 'office break café'. Its right next to the entrance and only offers around 2 small tables; but it means you can get real hot beverages along with a few packaged snacks. I don't know why, but I find myself constantly peckish every time I'm in Officeworks, this is now the perfect solution. I think it's a great idea, and I'm hoping all the Officeworks start doing this.

This computer store is conveniently located in the subway on Flinders Street connecting to Flinders…read moreStreet Train Station. It is slightly off-putting to come here at first as this establishment appears to be dirty and full of computers everywhere. A great, convenient locale which trades as a computer repair store; a store that buys and sells laptops and is also a high quality and fast Internet Cafe with cheap printing facilities. The rates are fairly cheap; we are talking about $2 for 20 minutes use of the Internet; not unlike paying the same amount for only half the time. And the loyalty system is quite good here as well. Regardless of how long you are on the Internet at any given moment; a minimum of 20 minutes is best to get your money's worth; for every five visits you earn credits to ensure that your sixth visit in using the Internet here is free of charge. Overall great value and prompt, friendly service. The same person is in all the time (he could be the owner) yet he always stops what he is doing at any given moment to look after each and every customer which is good to see; it is fantastic.

Brian is a great guy and he does things a lot cheaper than the stores…read more It's good to keep him in mind if you don't want to get fleeced. P.

Dinkums is great, and by great I mean great until you really need something done…read more As a printer and binder found in the city, they offer a range of printing and binding solutions. They also have scanners for all your imaging needs, as well as computers for you to work on if needed. There's also a wicked guillotine for cutting, and bad one found beside it and a number of photocopiers. All of this sounds marvelous doesn't it? The prices are good and the people are really nice about their work. Ok, bad thing? It's busy. And I don't mean like a little busy. It's insane. I suppose everyone leaves their copying and such to the last minute like myself, and so we like-minded fools find ourselves queuing haphazardly around the couch area in the centre, playing with scrap paper and trying not to lose our minds as we count the seconds to our due dates. You can kind of call ahead and book, but that will only make it quicker once you are actually being served. There hours of operation are good, opening at 10am on weekends and 8am on weekdays, which could be the best time to go.

Look, the quality is pretty good. Prices reasonable…read more But the 'customer service' is an absolute joke. It's busy, but staff wanders around without a sense of urgency or any acknowledgement of their customers. If options weren't limited, there would be no reason to come here. There doesn't seem to be dedicated counter staff, so catch one if you can! Expect to spend at least an hour here even if there are only a couple people in front of you and you have a small job.

Wilkins and Kent stock some beautiful things. Kitchenware, ceramics, organic soaps and candles, and…read moreof course well-made and divine woodwork are scattered around the space. On my last visit I spent a lot of my time eyeing a long handmade redgum bench. Sleek and simple it stood in the middle of the store and radiated comfort. Unfortunately the price tag (well over $1000) and lack of space in my house meant that I didn't have a hope in hell. But I can dream. Wilkins and Kent have some great kitchenware ranges including the Nigella Lawson range, and some exquisite ceramic bowls. On my last visit I bought some ceramic birds that hang from the wall - glazed with beautiful colours they are beautiful little pieces of art and around the ($50) mark, weren't too expensive. The service at Wilkins and Kent is always great, although the store can get very busy so it may take a while to get some service. But friendly and well meaning, the sales assistants are helpful and knowledgeable about the products.

Wilkins and Kent is one of those must-visit stores for me on Brunswick street. Filled with a…read morekaleidoscope of products from pretty table ware to chic bakeware and printed lamps. This is also one of those stores that you need to slowly work your way through in order to appreciate it for what it really is. Incidentally, it would be easy to mistake this shop as a homeware store, but in actuality, Wilkins and Kent specialise in custom designed furniture. And from what we hear, the bosses Jeremy Wilkins and Stephen Kent are the actual furniture makers. If you're looking to create a custom designed piece or are just looking for something to complement your home with, check out this lovely store. Wilkins and Kent also carry a wide range of household décor items, stationery, gardening tools and other bits and bobs - perfect as gifts.

Great value excellent service and delivery packaging. Had an aircraft model kit that hardly anyone…read moreelse stocked. Well done Chris Tim Jenkinson (NZ)

A great model shop with a wide range from remote control models to plastic kit build. The staff are…read morevery friendly and are always will to help.

Cannot speak more higly of Elias in the TV department. After…read morea saga at Good Guys where I cancelled an order after third day of promising delivery, it was a pleasure to deal with Elias & we had our TV in 24 hours. After sales service was great too, I tried to set up a headset with the new TV and it proved challenging. He didn't have to do it but Elias continued to problem solve with me. TV headset all sorted now due to this work. Will go there again for anything else I need - great service and the biggest variety of household needs you could need.

I've recently been doing a bit of shopping. I've been after a few things for the house, and a few…read moretoys too. So recently, I headed into Harvey Norman at Nunawading. This place is a decently large store. I'm really not a massive fan of Harvey Norman for electronic stuff, but occasionally you get a good deal. Usually not, particularly with computer stuff. The laptops and netbooks usually aren't too badly priced. The good thing about this place is the service. The staff tend to know their stuff, they're always offering to help customers, and usually you don't have to wait long before being served. I've brought stuff back for warranty fix ups, too, and I've been relatively pleased with the service I have received under those circumstances. I'll probably go back.