PART of Christine Belik's business is providing advice and solving the problems associated with baking a perfect loaf of bread at home.

It is a specialised field and often customers have quite specific questions.

Mrs Belik was surprised then to hear about a fellow store owner charging customers $5 to browse.

A Brisbane retailer made national headlines this week after becoming fed up with people who inquire but don't buy.

The owner of Celiac Supplies in Coorparoo posted a sign telling customers they would be charged for browsing after spending hours each week providing advice to people who left empty handed.

>> Check out what our Facebook friends think of the browsing fee here

Although the concept puzzled her, local retailer Mrs Belik could sympathise with busy shop owners.

"Sometimes when I am busy, and someone wants some advice, I often think to myself, I should be doing this or that," she said.

Mrs Belik not only provides bread-making tips for free, she also tests customers' bread machines.

"My husband thinks I should charge for that service, but I think it is good customer relations," she said.

"People are grateful for the advice."