Firstly, I came to this book shop at 9:05am (5 minutes after opening) so there weren't any crowds to fight with at all. I went there to sell a few books and buy a few, the staff member I encountered was very casual and friendly, she paid about a third of re-sale value for the books which was fine by me cause I had trouble selling them myself. I could easily find the books I was looking for, purchased them and bam, I was out of there in less than 5 minutes. This book store is excellent, 5/5.

I've dealt with this school book shop for quite a few years, to fill various book lists and found them satisfactory but not stunning. It seems to be a bit hit and miss. Sometimes there is a crowd out the door, fighting for a copy of a novel, sometimes there's actually a staff member who will assist you. These seem to be a little scarce at times.

They have the text books and novels required by most Melbourne Schools and a range of technical books and workbooks as well as stationery. There are new and used to choose from, but often the used are not that much cheaper.

Worst thing is when you come to re-sell your book back to them, you get a very poor return. They then sell this back to someone else for a lot.

We queued to buy the books in one of two lines and then found we were in the "wrong" one.

So, do your homework about what you want. Be prepared to help yourself, and look around in the second hand stuff, you could get a bargain.

Tricky to know when to go - if you go too early the books are not all in stock, if you go too late in the holidays they are all sold.

I can't fault them on ringing me when my ordered books came in. We had taken some home but one was out of stock. When it came to picking up though, they either couldn't find it or wouldn't believe I'd already paid for it.

A comprehensive book shop but they could brush up on their customer service.

Don't park in the main street, too many traps and you'll get a ticket. Park in the small side street.

Approximate cost: $Wide range of new and used prices.