Free Choice Tobacconist Frankston

Free Choice Tobacconist Frankston in Victoria is your typical local smoke shop, though experiences there can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on when you pop in. They’ve got a decent range of products, including your usual cigarettes, rolling papers, and lighters, plus some specialty items like tobacco-free mixes (Honey Rose, if that’s your thing). We’ve heard they’re usually a couple of bucks cheaper than the supermarkets nearby, which is always a bonus.

The store’s meant to be open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, but fair warning: the actual opening times can be a bit unpredictable. Some visitors have rocked up during advertised hours only to find the place still closed, while others have managed to get served even when they’re technically shut. Bit of a lucky dip, really.

When it comes to service, well, it’s a mixed bag. Some regulars reckon they’ve had top-notch experiences with friendly, helpful staff who know their stuff. Others… not so much. We’ve heard stories about staff being a bit short with customers, and sometimes they apparently go AWOL, leaving people waiting around wondering if the shop’s even open.

They take all the usual payment methods – EFTPOS, cards, and cash – so no worries there. The shop itself is pretty straightforward, nothing fancy, but it does the job. Just keep in mind that if you’re planning to visit, you might want to give yourself a bit of wiggle room with timing, given their somewhat flexible interpretation of their opening hours. Might save you standing around like a galah outside a closed shop.

Overall, while it mightn’t be the fanciest tobacconist you’ll ever visit, it’s there when you need it (most of the time), and the prices won’t send you broke. Just don’t expect five-star service every time you walk through the door.