Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center

"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."

"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"

"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!"

"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."

"Very happy. I brought my Miele in on a Friday afternoon, and they said repairs might take a week. But it was ready the next day, for only $100 (it’s a $500+ machine, & dear to my neatnik heart). Plus, they always have the right bags available, & they don’t try to push new vacuums on you when the old one temporarily... uh... bites the dust."