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March 2024 by Jennifer Clark
I tried Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center because I wasn't entirely pleased with my experience at Richmond Vacuum & Sewing Center. I did not realize that they were owned by the same people and had the same technician until I brought my 1952 Singer sewing machine for a routine service.In January 2022, my 70-year-old Singer cabinet machine needed some attention. I decided to go to Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center next to Stone Mountain -- and was surprised to see Wilson (from Richmond Vacuum & Sewing Center).He promised to take good care of my favorite machine -- which I had carefully wrapped in blankets to prevent damage to the cabinet (taking the machine out of the cabinet requires opening up the motor housing and disconnecting the wires, a process that I wasn't confident in executing myself).This was likewise very expensive: $150. When I went to pick up my machine, the surface of the cabinet had unrelated metal items sitting on top of the unprotected finished wood surface. Not cool, as there were deep scratches on the top of my cabinet as a result of mistreatment.When I got my machine home, I noticed that someone had closed a tool or metal part between the top of the cabinet and the cover, leaving a noticeable indent on both sides.Other issues:Cabinet Spring Arm -- I had requested that they look at this and adjust it. Nothing was done.Bobbin Winder & Handwheel Misadjusted -- Before taking in the machine, I had wound 40 bobbins. As a result, I did not need to use my bobbin winder for quite a while. When I tried winding bobbins recently, I noticed several new defects: the winder wheel won't snap down in place (I have to hold it with my finger so that the rubber wheel makes contact); and the even though I unlock the handwheel, the needle still moves up and down when I try to wind a bobbin.Poor Customer Service -- After noticing the damage to the cabinet, I called several times to talk to Wilson but never got a call back. I was pretty disappointed with the treatment of my machine but also, customer service in the shop. Difficult parking and nobody offered to help me as I brought my machine in, not even to hold open the freaking door (I had to ask a passerby to hold the door for me). Even when I was taking the machine out of the shop to return home - not a single person in the shop could be fussed to help me with the doors.This is a 70 year old sewing machine - it's not all that difficult to understand and it's a very popular machine. They should know how to service these things.I won't be taking my sewing machines there -- and don't recommend this shop.
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August 2023 by Dorothy Read
I went in today with a pedal/controller that had stopped working. The guy who was there diagnosed the problem, solved it with a replacement part for a good price, and I left with a functioning machine!
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July 2023 by Audra Barrios
Really awesome helpful staff. Have been bringing my vaccums, carpet cleaners and today for the first time, my sewing maching here for years. Always had a great experience.
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May 2023 by melissa h
so bummed to leave this review - I dropped off a 1 yr old sewing machine to have a broken thread uptake spring replaced. I was quoted 1-2 weeks and that someone would follow up with a call, giving a cost estimate. They didn't call. On the third week I called asking for an update and was told someone would call me. Again, no one called. I finally go to the store personally and the attendant calls the technician who tells me it's a special order part and it'll be another week. I ask if the part has been ordered but I don't get a straight answer, just that it will be ready soon. I tell them I'm going to hold them to it and come back in a week. The following week I ask if it's ready and the tech calls me and he says he's working on it and it'll probably be ready on Saturday. I give him until Tuesday and go back to the store, and it's still not even being worked on. I ask for my machine back & leave. Why not just be honest with me as to how long it's going to take? Or like, let me know you forgot to order it and help me understand? Or maybe call the person you've promised you'd call? My machine just sat in their shop on the floor for 5 weeks and not one of the three employees I interacted with followed up to tell me anything about it. The worst part is that I had to politely badger them about it over and over. What gives? Not a great experience!
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May 2023 by Bruce From Berkeley
I brought our Dyson vac in for a check; it had been wheezing. The proprietress quickly diagnosed the problem, told me how to solve it and refused any payment for the advice. A very competent and very customer friendly store
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April 2023 by Roz Hardy
Great, courteous service. My vacuum cleaner was repaired within a few minutes, at a very reasonable price.
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March 2023 by Roz H.
Great service. My vacuum cleaner was repaired within minutes, at a very reasonable price.
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March 2023 by Kevin Zimmerman
My first visit to this location - unless I'm mistaken, there is a long history and a lot of heart behind this store. The proprietor took one look at the belt I needed to replace, reached behind, and a second later I had the part I had fruitlessly searched three other stores for the evening before. There is a shop dog, toward the back a TON of varied and shiny vacuum cleaners that appear entrusted for service, and in front a pegboard of well-chosen sewing tools and notions. On the other side in front is a display of Sebo vacuum cleaners, a most welcome sight! If you don't know Sebo, forget all those big names, this is quality German engineering and construction. Yes, you have to pay for it, but I believe these to be true workhorses. I am really glad to see a dealer in town. This may be a lot to infer from a simple belt purchase, but if you know the signs of raw competence and an eye for value, I feel this shop oozes with that. Check it out.
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March 2023 by Linda T.
The staff is very helpful and informative. I had to order a part for me Miele vacuum and they were the closest store that could accommodate my request. They knew exactly what I needed and informed me when the part came in. Definitely a go to store for vacuum and sewing machine service and parts.
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February 2023 by Claire C.
I'm very happy with my experience at this shop. I have a big ole Sharp vacuum and I do love it. It was making a weird noise and started to leak dust, etc. the thought of investing in a new machine was NOT what I wanted to do. My long time Berkeley resident friend recommended this place. He thoroughly cleaned, unclogged, and fixed whatever was wrong. He also suggested that I replace canister part that had a broken latch. He informed me that that was a refurbished one which was all the better as far as I'm concerned. I'd much rather have a good repair than a new one not as well made, leaving the old broken one in the dump! It works well and I'm appreciative. It took a week and $85 which I was also happy with! Totally recommend!
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February 2023 by Phylis
Fairly priced! She and staff courteous and efficient.
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December 2022 by Edee H.
I went here to get the power connecter on my brother machine fixed. Prior to this my machine has worked flawlessly for the past 10 years. When I dropped the machine off the lady at the front was nice and told me they would call me with an estimate and I could decide if I wanted it fixed. After a week and no follow up I called them and they said they haven't gotten to it but would call me with an estimate. About a week after that I received a call that when they fixed the machine they messed up the needle control and it now is too the far left and cannot be changed. I have had this machine for 10 years and never had a problem and I'm beating myself up for taking it in here and getting it back ruined. If my review can save one persons machine it'll be worth it.Not only did I never receive a call with a quote, but when they went to charge me they didn't deduct the deposit I already paid and I had to remind them... I feel like it would be easy to forget that you paid a deposit especially after a few weeks and they shouldn't make the customer deduct it or get charged extra. Overall I'm out $60 and a sewing machine and couldn't be more upset. I also understand that mistakes happen and it's how you deal with them that show the integrity of a business... and to still be charged after they broke my machine was insane to me. I'd look elsewhere even if you have to drive further... it'll save you the headache of needing to buy a new machine.
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October 2022 by Virginia H.
Our ancient Electrolux canister was no longer working and we took it down. We left it with them to do some shopping and when we returned, they had fixed the problem and we were able to leave with our good old Electrolux working again! They were professional, prompt, and it was a very pleasant experience
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August 2022 by Wendy S.
I took a small appliance in that had a loose connection. The staff diagnosed where the problem was (a broken wire in the charger) and fixed it on the spot! They had to reconnect first one, then the other wire, and we tested out the appliance in the store - all good! I was ready to pay for this expert service, and they told me no charge!!! The two staff members were so determined to fix the issue, and so kind, that I wanted to write about this in a Yelp review. I'd been a customer at the old address on Berkeley Way, and I'm happy to continue to recommend this excellent store in it's new location.
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July 2022 by Asmara V.
Wilson is a master with a sewing machine! Forever grateful for him fixing my sewing machine with kindness and care. Will always recommend this business for all your sewing machine and vacuum needs ! Thank you so so much !
