Albert got our printer back up and running again quickly. He has a wealth of knowledge and was a pleasure to do business with. We will be using his services again. read more

Gave me free advice on the phone without trying to get me to come in and spend money. This will be my go to from now on.

Albert is awesome! Our office had an emergency with our Brother fax machine that seemed simple at first but we ended up not being to able fix the problem. It was becoming very critical and we were searching for an expert to come out help us as soon as possible. I gave Albert a call and he was able to come out right away to service the machine and was able to fix the problem within the hour! He was very polite, professional, and a very nice man. We plan on reaching out again for his great service...he is highly recommended. read more

I called Advance Office Machines about repairing my personal paper shredder. The owner asked what the problem was and he basically gave me troubleshooting tips. He recommended I go on you tube and try to fix it myself. Instead of trying to get me to bring it in, he said it would make more sense to buy a new one, if I can't fix it. I totally appreciate his honesty and integrity. It is refreshing in this day and age. I recommend him highly. Thank you Albert! Bill Curran read more

It's no wonder that Albert has nothing but 5-star reviews...wow, what an amazing guy! In the process of going through my 'items to be shredded' box (yeah, I'm one of those people that doesn't shred as I go), along with all of the paper items, I also had a few credit/membership cards that had expired, and for which I had been sent new ones. Without really thinking about it, along with all of the expected paper items, etc., I put one of my expired credit cards into the shredder that (uh, apparently) wasn't plastic...no, in fact it was metal. Stupid me, just not paying attention. The shredder was then making this clicking sound, and had to be manually shut off - which I did immediately anyway, for fear of damaging the shredder any further. At first, I was just going to head down to the big box office supply, or to Costco (where I had purchased my current shredder, albeit now in disrepair) and simply replace it. Then, on a whim, I decided to just Google 'shredder repair', and see what came up. When I saw all of the reviews on Advance Office Machines, I thought, "Let's give this a shot before just going out and buying a new shredder." Showed up to the storefront (parked right in front) and told Albert about my dilemma, and he asked, "So where is the shredder now?" "In my car", I replied. "Well go get it, and let's take a look at it." Brought the shredder in and Albert took one look at it and said, "So where is the credit card?" "I don't know...it isn't in the basket below", I replied. He then pointed to the slot at the top of the shredder and said, "That's because the card is still in the slot! The clicking noise you are hearing is because the card is stuck on the sensor and the edge of the card is barely touching the blades." With that, he grabbed a screwdriver and pried the card out of the slot. He then turned the shredder back on, and it, once again, purred like a kitten. "See?", he said, "The card never made it past the sensor! You're in luck!!" Having never experienced an issue like this before, Albert could have asked me to leave the shredder with him, kept it for a few days, and then told me that it needed a new 'whatever', and here's how much it would cost to repair. Instead, he was straightforward and honest with me from the very beginning, and genuinely wanted to help me figure out what was causing my issue. Human nature is to take the time to let EVERYONE know when you have a bad experience or when something doesn't live up to your expectations, but then rarely take the time to acknowledge a business that is fair and honest, and more concerned with a long-term relationship and earned trust...not just going for 'the quick buck'. Albert, you deserve every single one of the 5-star reviews that you have received. You're an honest and genuine business owner that, unfortunately, are few and far between...and I feel so fortunate for our paths to have crossed. Here's wishing you nothing but fortune and success! Bravo!! read more

I'm definitely on the 5 Star bandwagon for Advance Office Machines. First, what a nice, personable, knowledgeable, fair & honest man Albert is. I have that story that begins with a printer gone wrong, Albert doing a quick manual adjustment, and ends with Albert telling me that it's not worth spending money to diagnose & repair it when a new one would cost less. He would not take money for his time, so this is my "payment" to him. He will always get my recommendation should anyone need his services. Just the best! read more

Albert spent an hour with me using Duo to remotely diagnose a Canon laser printer problem--blue smearing on color printouts. He carefully explained some of the actual workings of both the printer and toner cartridges, we looked inside the printer, examined the cartridges, and arrived at a solution, to buy a cyan Canon cartridge and not use the 3rd party cartridges I've been using. BTW he explained that remanufactured cartridges are better than "compatible." I've been getting compatibles from LD for several years and only recently had the ink smearing problem. I'll try another company. read more

I am used to technicians who demand a lot of money and do no work, and who are at the bank with your equipment and everything from your shoes to the top hair on your head. Baranovsky is anything but this, and will go into technical discussion and details, whatever needed, to have you know what the nature of the repairs are, needed, etc. This is a great office equipment and machines store specializing in Canon -- great imaging and document processing. Really good! read more

My venerable workhorse of a printer, an HP Laserjet 2100, went on the fritz. I monkeyed with it a bit, but, fearing I was making a bad situation worse, turned to Yelp to find a repair shop, if such a shop existed. And so I discovered Advance Office Machines, and its admirably skilled and experienced owner, Albert Baranovsky. I made an appointment, brought the machine in, and Mr. Baranovsky patiently walked me through the possible problems and possible repair costs. He is a straight shooter -- he took pains to assess whether or not my old printer was worth repairing. Agreeing that it was, he gave me an estimate and within a couple of days had it ready and purring like the proverbial kitten. So before you consign your broken office machines to landfill, touch bases with Advance Office Machines, and an old-school (but very up-to-date) repair-technician who really knows how to fix them. read more

He tells you if the printer is not worth fixing, I brought in my broken machine and he even tells me which kind of printer to get if I'm getting a new one, he didn't charge me at all. read more

Fastest repair ever! I call at 5pm to see if they are open and if I can drop off my Brother later printer. He tells me to bring it in, so I do. There is a parking space open right in front, which is great because the damn printer weight 100 pounds. The place is tiny and there are copies and printers everywhere. Only open space is a small counter so I heft the machine there. Him: "What is the problem?" Me: error code "unable print 2a". Him: "Do you know what that means?" Me "No?" Long pause. Me: "the website just said mechanical problem unable to print" Him: "that's not helpful" I admit I was a bit apprehensive at this point, but he seemed friendly and trustworthy, so I ask how long and he points to 3 other machines and says it might be a day or two but he will call. I head home and at 7pm, an hour and a half after I dropped it off, he calls and says "Your printer is ready. I see you live nearby, I will wait if you want to come get it." I go to pick it up and get a quick lesson about solenoid switches and some bizarre design choices made by Brother. All fixed and humming like new. Amazing. I am so glad there are still places like this that let me thumb my nose at our disposable consumer culture. I will certainly be recommending AOMS to anyone looking for printer repair. read more

Albert was timely and made a house call to my printer and told us the problems and how to avoid the problems in the future. He was most helpful and knowledgeable in resolving my issue with my printer. I would strongly recommend him to anyone! read more

I needed to set up my canon home copier. I reached a dead end with the fax function. Albert Baranovsky, the owner, is very thorough. He troubleshot the system and discovered that my home phone line wasn't working. He fixed the line and set up the machine. He's not cheap but he's good. read more

I am a one-person business and have had Albert repair my electric typewriter, fax machine, copier and various ink-jet printers through the decades. I bring in the small equipment, but he once made a house call to work on my heavy Canon copier. His turnaround time is always swift. Albert can fix anything. If it's not worth repairing, he'll tell you to buy something new and recommends the best products in your price range. He's honest and always offers very reasonable prices for his work. I am grateful to have found him years ago as he has always kept my home office equipment in top working order. read more

I agree with all the 5-Star reviews. Albert is the best combination of having skill & knowledge and the willingness to listen and give information to his customer. My Epson printer was printing dirty, and all the maintenance steps available to me weren't enough to fix the problem. Albert didn't promise success, but made it clear that he was going to do his best to figure out the problem and fix it. He succeeded! Thank you, Albert. Extra bonus: an on-street parking space was available for both the drop-off and pickup (unusual for Geary Blvd). read more

I was having problems with a shredder and took it in for a tune up. Mr Baranovsky was thoughtful, focused and prompt in explaining what needed to be done and why. He also explained to me aspects of the interrelated set up of my computer and printer, giving the information in a logical and thoughtful way that I had not heard from anyone previously in similar tech encounters. Although his work seems to focus on peripherals like my shredder, his understanding of how an entire tech set-up must work together is refreshing and provides the big picture of how it all fits together. Too many techies are not wired that way, leaving the customer rather bewildered (been there, elsewhere). The shredder was fixed promptly, and all is well. Ah, if only all encounters with the techno-world were so helpful and useful! And PS, the shop is on the north side of Geary, and just around the corner from the shop is meter-free parking on a residential section of 14th Avenue. read more

Excellent and friendly service. I had a Canon laser printer that died under warranty and took it to him as a factory-authorized service facility. He quickly diagnosed the problem and said he could repair it, but that under the Canon warranty I had a choice of having him repair it or having Canon replace it by mail. I told him that it would be my preference to get a replacement, and he was kind of enough to provide the phone number for Canon warranty service hotline and to wait as I called them so that he could verify the problem he diagnosed if that was required. (Canon was easy to deal with, verification was not required and they quickly arranged for a replacement.) His kind and helpful approach made the process easier and made me feel better about Canon products. A note you might find helpful: Mr Baranovsky seems to be a one-man operation, and does site repairs as well as drop-off repairs (Canon covers only drop-off repairs, which is understandable for low cost products). I suggest you call him to make sure he will be in his shop when you arrive, instead of out doing an on-site repair elsewhere. His number is 415-668-9088. Summary: nice guy, very cooperative, and had 40 years experience in printer repairs. How can you beat that? read more

I want to give a shout out to Albert @ Advance Office Machines Systems. I had a shredder that needed repair and was not confident I would find an economical solution. I selected Advance based on good reviews and proximity. I must say Albert, the owner, was excellent. He was old school, very expert and experienced and efficient. He confirmed that my shredder was an very good model and worth fixing. The sticker "Made In Germany" also helped my decision. Albert fixed the shredder with parts on hand in 48 hours!! I also got a free history lesson in Fellowes manufacturing plants! I am a Facilities Manager at a fairly large non-profit organization. I will definitely use Advance Office Machine for future repairs and I suggest you call Albert before you wade into the murky office repair waters. Kudos Albert, Well Done!!!!! read more

I spoke with Albert on the phone about my printer showing low inks and spending days trying to fix this including ordering factory authorized inks, everything. Youtube reset my printer attempts with two guys I tried to get to help. Nothing. Last chance: Epson or Albert! Mac guy told me about Albert. I go in and after a short diagnosis he switched out the ink cartridges and all the lights went off, printer is ready to go. You and I know he could have taken it in the back, kept it overnight, charged me $100 and said it was fixed. He is a straight up guy. I offered to pay something but he refused. I would not hesitate to take whatever business I could to him! Thank you again, Albert read more

If I could give Albert at Advance Office Machines a higher rating I would! Its so nice to do business with someone that is 100% honest and up front right from the beginning. I was referred to AOM by the Canon Service center as my printer/copy machine was not working. The most amazing thing is that while Albert does charge to fix the product he DOES NOT charge if he determines the product is not worth repairing. This has always bugged me about companies. They charge just to look at a problem and even if they cannot fix you still have to pay. And Albert was able to fix my Canon Printer within 2 hours. Kudos to Albert and I would HIGHLY recommend him. read more

Alber is great. He will let you know if the print isn't worth fixing, wont just take your money. Always had a good experience here and I buy inexpensive toner from him as well that works perfect with my HP printer at about half the price! read more

I tried to fix my sputtering printer with the self cleaning steps, but it still would not work. The instructions told me to take out the printer head and soak it for a day or so. I didn't wan to do that so I talked to Albert. He gave me a thorough explanation why my printer wouldn't work and why. He even showed me where to buy the new printer head and how to install it myself. No charge. He could have done it himself and charged me $$$. What a honest man. You really rock Albert! read more

Albert is one of those old school guys who just knows what he's doing. I am so impressed because he gave me the straight talk which in the end meant he talked himself out of a job! Now that's amazing. my story: my paper shredder stopped working. I love to fix stuff, so I watched a couple youtube videos, took the thing apart and realized it was a chewed up gear. But it looked beyond my ability, so I asked Albert. He not only knew the problem, but he told me about the detail involved in adjusting the gears after replacement. The kicker is this, he said he could make it work, but the adjustment is to precise and difficult, that it almost never goes right, and that after a few months the thing would likely regrind itself to death. Now to me, that's amazing. he knew so much and took the time to explain why he should NOT do the work. this is definitely the place I'm returning when I have another appliance / fixit issue. read more

My husband took our Canon printer to Advance Office Machines (since he broke it) as it serves us both in our home offices. The owner is very professional, fair and knowledgeable - he has like 25 years of experience, and we were very happy with the service. Definitely recommend for the price, quality and ease of being able to fix it right here in the city. read more

Albert (as in Einstein) was able to fix my old HP workhorse printer when others had tried & failed twice (and charged me more than Albert did nevertheless). Originally trained as an elevator engineer, Albert lives & breathes engineering & design and does systematic & thorough analysis & troubleshooting for the products his customers bring him. He moves things in & out very quickly...same day service for me, and fixed--really fixed--for the price of the diagnostic. He understands all the finest points of operation & explained everything to me; I only wish I had a doctor, car mechanic, and financial advisor as good as Albert. I am thrilled. I now have his label on my printer & wouldn't dream of ever going anywhere else. Advance Office Machines was recommended to me by the impeccable Phil's Electric. Albert answered my call immediately, was flexible & available, gave me a quote, and offered me pick-up/drop-off service (!) which I did not use as his is a one-man operation & it didn't seem right to have him leave the shop. read more

He started scolding me on the phone because I had tried to repair my printer on my own. Didn't offer help.

Wonderful people to work with. I brought my poor dead printer over to them and Albert had it fixed within the day. The prices are great and I'm a huge fan of local businesses. Definitely, definitely, definitely recommend them. read more

I haven't actually been a customer at this store yet, but I wanted to leave a positive review because of the helpful and honest response they gave me over the phone. I called for advice before bringing in my broken paper shredder. Not only did he tell me that it wasn't worth repairing, he also gave me advice on future purchases. I appreciate this honesty and helpfulness. I will remember this store for future electronic issues! read more

My old Canon multifunction printer was having a paper jam on every print job - driving me crazy. I found Advance Office Machines through Canon and could not be more pleased with the service. He knew right away what the issue was, ordered the part and repaired the printer. The cost was reasonable and the service was excellent. I would use him again without question. read more

my copier was showing an H4 code. i called others places. they had no idea what it could mean, and i'd HAVE to pay the time for them to look at it. but when i when i called this place, Albert demonstrated working knowledge, that the problem indicates teh heater, but he quickly knew it could be something else. i brought in the machine; it worked in teh shop, but he was willing to test it for hte next fewhours. then he called me back with a very satisfactory answer on why it worked in his shop and not my office. he is a man with high integrity. he did not charge me a cent, sayinghe did not work on my machine. with that line, i'm coming back when i have problems, and will refer him to others. this guy is a rare breed, and ought to be rewarded for his business ethics and integrity. read more

My Brother laser printer's output wheels were spinning backward causing paper jams. I called AOMS and spoke with Mr. Baranovsky. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating, and had me bring in my printer that afternoon. He quoted me a reasonable price ($75.00) up front. After spending what I believe to be quite a while working on my machine, he called me to let me know that it was working and ready to be picked up, AND spent a half an hour with me on the phone explaining what he thought had gone wrong and how he though I might avoid the problem recurring. Excellent service from an experienced and honest individual. Highly recommend. read more

I'm giving this business five stars even though I didn't actually use their services because Mr. Baranovsky was friendly, knowledgeable, and honest about the fact that my paper shredder wasn't worth fixing. He could have taken his time doing that and charged me for it, but instead I was out of there in about 15 minutes with good advice about what kind of replacement to buy and how much was reasonable to spend. Very nice man running an old-fashioned neighborhood service business - support him! read more

Our two office copiers have been serviced by Advance Office Machines for three years now and we've gotten nothing but the best customer service. Albert is flexible with his scheduling, frequently helps us over the phone for no charge, and has saved us time and money with his quality work. If you like call centers in India and impersonal service, stay away, otherwise I fully recommend Advance for your office repairs. read more