Bookbinders Design

Specifically attended the shop so that I could try out a Stub vs Other nibs for a participant Pilot FP. Was attended by the lady, who did not seem to appreciate that this was the ONLY reason I was there.

Was very surprised (been to several other physical pen stores around the country over the years and one overseas where this does not happen) to find that: “ you can’t test the Stub because we don’t have a Stub nib demonstrator.

Someone needs to tell this store:
You don’t have to fill up a pen completely for demonstrating. Can just dip the nib for a few strokes/words. This does not make a pen a demonstrator and it’s still new and can be sold!

Anyway, I did end up buying a FP, some inks and a diary. Will probably also buy a Stub nib, but not from here - very annoyed by the inconvenience to my time…. Should just buy online.

Other than my personal experience on which this rating is based, shop was well stocked and the gentleman was knowledgeable and helpful. Pricing for the particular FP I purchased was excellent.

Having long shopped and loved shopping at their online store, I ventured into their store recently.

Shocking customer service. The shop staff was constantly on their phone, barely looked up, had a perpetual frown when asked a question, clearly just didn’t want to be there, and made snide comments about customers to the other staff while I was at the POS paying for my items.

I’m just really personally disappointed because I used to love their work and products until I walked into their store for the first and probably the last time. What a shame!

Incredible store with high quality stationary. I've been buying my my favourite Japanese stationary from them for years now! I even had to get a notebook before going away once and Liwei went above and beyond, helping get my click and collect order into an Uber package delivery and to my home in 20 minutes! Customer service and knowledge is above and beyond.

Amazing customer service. Jess was extremely helpful & nothing was too much trouble. A delight to deal with.

Handy to be able to test some pens, found exactly what I was looking for, excellent customer service!

Great selection of stationery with some great deals. I’ve ordered online before but went physically when I visited Melbourne. The staff was amazing and very helpful. Highly recommended if you want to buy Traveler's Company products.

I bought my first fountain pen here! Andy (Andi?) and Tom were great help in showing me and my girlfriend around and helping me pick stuff. Andi has better taste in music than Tom (sorry Tom). Overall 10/10 would shop again.

An amazing shop! With some really great deals and prices. All the staff were excellent even when I popped in 30 minutes before closing they and the enthusiastic Andy helped me troubleshoot an issue I was having with a pen and shared her knowledge with me.
They helped me select the great travellers company brass fountain pen (which was on sale at a steal) and some other great items.
Definitely more warm and welcoming than similar stores in Melbourne's CBD.

Anndy (it's spelt with 2 N's!) was amazing knows product like a rock star, took the time to really help. Highly recommend

Love this stationery store! I've bought before online and just now have gone into the physical store in my trip to Melbourne. Really great array of curated stationery from journalling supplies, pens, stickers, folios etc. I went with my boyfriend, and Andy and Tom were incredible friendly letting us try a bunch of fountain pens to figure out the right one for us and indulged us in conversation (freaking out about stationery hahah). I wouldn't hesitate to shop here again online and in person!
-Jess

I ordered a personalised note book as a corporate gift almost 4 weeks ago. I have not received the item. I've called and emailed and contacted via FaceBook. Zero communication back. I'm without my item and $100 out of pocket. Fair Trading next.

Beautiful little stationary shop with absolutely everything you could need, all beautifully displayed as well.

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Had exactly what I was looking for - leuchtturm1917 and in the colours I was after.

Nice range for a little shop. Staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. Excellent choice for inks and paper.

I can't rave about this place enough. They have wonderful customer service, they are always happy to help and can answer all of your questions. The variety of fountain pens, inks and various stationary products they have is amazing. I can easily spend over an hour (or two) in there and I can't wait to go back!

Aside from the amazing assortment of diaries and pens, their customer service is top of the wazza! I inadvertently placed an online order with the wrong shipping address. I proceeded to email the general address at 10: 00 pm on a Sunday night hoping to get a response sometime the next day. To my surprise, my email was answered within 5 minutes with my shipping address issue resolved. I haven't seen premium customer service like that in years and will definitely be a repeat customer!

Absolutely love the cosy vibe of this shop. Lovely curation of inks, pens, journals, stickers and what not. Must visit once.

I'm based in Sydney and commenting on my online experience. The items they have in stock online are incredible and pricing is excellent. Easy to use website.

The online ordering process is actually really frustrating, I've ordered twice from them and both times I've had to follow up on the order, I understand that it gets busy, however;

Order #1:
9th April: Placed Order
8th May: Followed up order
22nd May: Responded that it was an AU Post issue
23rd May: Order received (sent via express post)

Order #2:
25th May: Placed Order
29th June: Followed up order
30th June: Got an order update that it had been posted
4th July: Delivered

I'm just a little disappointed in the experience, it really tarnishes the rep of an otherwise great store. Just need to keep people updated on the status of the order. It was a large-ish order and would have been fine with delays if I had been informed.

I did get a little freebie due to the delays, however, it wasn't necessary although I do appreciate it.

Lovely big selection of fountain pens and quality papers and notebooks in the Melbourne CBD. The staff are very helpful and they went above and beyond in sorting out an issue for me that I had with a pen - bravo! I will be back for sure.

Update: Owner eventually responded to email and also communicated via phone call and text. While it was a bit hard getting through to them, they were very helpful and followed up with couriers straight away. Thank you for your kindness and prompt dealing with the case, and for providing the great selection of items.

Hi Bookbinders Design,

I’ve previously called the store and also emailed regarding an online delivery that never arrived. It’s been a week now, and I haven’t received a reply via email, and I cannot seem to get through your store front phone number. Can you please get in touch with me so we can discuss how to resolve this.

Erin