Smoke Ape Tobacconist

Smoke Ape Tobacconist in Caulfield East, Victoria, is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to local smoke shops. They’ve got pretty decent opening hours, running from 6am to 11:30pm on weekdays, and shorter hours on weekends (10am to 9pm Saturdays and 10am to 10pm Sundays). Though we’ve heard some folks mention they sometimes close up shop earlier than advertised, so maybe give them a bell before heading over if you’re planning a late visit.

The store stocks a wide range of smoking products and accessories, and visitors say they’ve got quite a decent selection to choose from. Some regulars reckon they’ve got reasonable prices, but there have been a few mentions of inconsistent pricing, with different staff sometimes quoting different prices for the same items. Bit dodge that.

When it comes to customer service, well, it’s a bit like Melbourne weather – unpredictable. Some customers rave about excellent, courteous service, particularly mentioning a bloke named Vincent at the front desk who apparently does a ripper job. Others, though, have had less than stellar experiences, with complaints about staff attitude and service quality. It’s probably fair to say your experience might vary depending on when you pop in and who’s working that day.

The shop itself looks pretty decent, and they take all payment methods including EFTPOS, cards, and cash. Just remember, like any tobacconist, you’re better off checking what you’re buying before leaving the store. Some customers have mentioned issues with exchanges or refunds, so it’s worth being careful with your purchases.

If you’re thinking of dropping by, maybe your best bet is to visit during peak hours when they’re more likely to be properly staffed. While some folks have made this their regular spot, others reckon it’s hit or miss. Fair dinkum, it might take a visit or two to form your own opinion about the place.