My go to spot for anything vacuum related. I have a Dyson which has been a phenomenal performer over the years but I have had a few part issues (electrical plug and power button). They have fixed both and done my maintenance on my vacuum to help keep it running over the years. Love this place and highly recommend just don't expect fast service and follow up on when they said they would have it ready as they don't always call but typically, this doesn't mean the vacuum isn't ready. They seem short staffed but good on service! read more

This place has been through a few owners but the current owners are excellent. They serviced my very old Kenmore vacuum from Sears and it is working amazingly well. Like new again. I paid $139, I think and got a complete clean and service and this thing is like it's old self. I love fixing things so they work. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I am very happy with how my vacuum came out![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, poor communication and I was responsible for payment for work that I did not authorize.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I dropped my vacuum off on a Tuesday and was told I would get a call the next day with a quote on how much it would cost to fix my Dyson vacuum.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Two days passed and no call, so I followed up on Thursday and the owner picked up the phone sounding very annoyed and told me "This doesn't happen overnight. You need to give us more time because we are backed up right now."[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]She said she will call me in another one to two days with a quote.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I wait an entire week and don't hear back from her so I call again the following Thursday and the owner picked up and told me how much it would cost to fix my over 10 year-old Dyson.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It was more than what I wanted to pay so I told her I would think about it and call her back to let her know if I wanted to proceed with the work. I called the next day, Friday, to let her know that I don't want to proceed as I want to look into invest in a new vacuum instead with the amount that I was quoted. No one picked up so I just went down to the store to pick up my vacuum, and was told that work has already been done on it, and I was responsible for the payment of repairing it or they can take the new part out. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The guy I picked up from was helpful and showed me other vacuum options and gave me a small discount for the inconvenience so I ended up paying for work.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

!!!DO NOT BRING YOUR SEWING MACHINE HERE!!! I was charged $255 for almost none of the servicing or repairs I was promised. I have an old Pfaff 461 industrial that was second-hand. I got the machine to stitch for myself after a thorough cleaning and timing. I was very proud of that. The machine worked just fine, but I had noticed that the lower oiling system was not spitting oil, and the feed dog shafts had disintegrated wicks. I decided to bring it in because I was so busy that I couldn't spend more time on the repairs myself anymore. I also wanted a professional to ensure it's working as it should. Turns out there are no professionals here. I thought, a repair place next to a popular fabric store, surely they must be good! I was wrong. Alas, I brought my machine, spare parts I had, and a list of specific repairs I knew it needed. The work included replacing the oil wicks, applying new grease to the gears, replacing the grease gasket, and inspecting the lower oil feeding mechanism. I made sure that the age of my machine would not be a problem, and she assured me they could service and repair it. They quoted me 2 weeks, and I agreed. They said they would call me when they needed to order parts or encountered any issues. By two weeks, crickets. So I call. I am greeted cheerfully, saying the machine is in perfect condition and is ready for pick-up. Would they have ever called me? I am happy, wow! Everything is replaced and ready to go. I'd like to ask about the specific repairs that were included in the letter. She says no, they didn't do any of the repairs, they can't find the parts. The part in question: wool wicks.... She says that I have to buy them myself and bring them in so they can be repaired. I think: I don't want to wait another two weeks after the parts get delivered, that's a total of 6 WEEKS my machine is in their shop. I decided to visit them, wondering what else they didn't repair from my comprehensive list. I arrive to find no technicians on site. The woman was coarse, questioning my knowledge of the machine since I got it second-hand. Saying that the machine is so old that it's hard to repair, something I made sure wouldn't be a problem when I left it with them in the first place. She tells me the technician will call me to answer my questions about the repairs that he made. I never received a call for three days. At this point, I read all the terrible sewing machine service reviews, and I'm over it. I decided to go in person for the third time. I walk in to just a technician working who does not speak English well. I asked him what repairs were made. He goes on to tell me that he wasn't the one who did it, but the needle bar and hook were timed. Okay... the most basic timing mechanism. What about feed dog timing? Reverse mechanism? Stitch length? I ask about the lower oiling tube, but he doesn't understand. Is the simple needle and hook timing the $255 service fee? He says yes. I was charged $255 to time the needle bar and hook. Unbelievable. I look closer, and he says they oiled it. The reservoir is EMPTY. I REPEAT, EMPTY. He says the gears were greased. I come home and take off the bottom plate--no grease on the gears. I run the simple hook oil spitting test. No oil. I had to remove the oil tube to find a blockage. Surely they didn't even check it. I cleared this myself, by the way. I also ordered grease, new wicks, and a new grease gasket. They said they could not find these parts. The only thing they did was time the needle bar and hook (by the way, it was stitching and had been timed before; this was the least of my worries), and added some drops of oil on the presser foot shaft. Otherwise, my machine was left dry and neglected. For a lovely price tag of $255, no communication, a questioning of my knowledge, and a feeling of betrayal. Please, if you care about your machine as much as I do about mine, DO NOT bring your machine here. You will be lied to and overcharged. read more

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My assistant and I brought in my Riccar vacuum requesting a full internal cleaning. We clearly explained that the vacuum had been used in a potentially moldy environment and that we were concerned about mycotoxins contaminating my new home. There was no mechanical issue--only a need for a thorough disassembly and internal cleaning. However, upon retrieving the vacuum and inspecting it ourselves, we found that no internal cleaning had been done. Despite removing only a few screws, it was immediately clear that the interior remained untouched. When we called to request a refund for the unperformed service, our request was denied. Given that my assistant and I were able to complete the cleaning ourselves in about an hour--something a trained technician could likely have done in 15-20 minutes--it's extremely disappointing that the job was neither performed nor refunded. I hope you will reconsider this situation and issue a refund, as the service paid for was not delivered. [[HIGHLIGHT]]At the very least, I hope you'll take this as constructive feedback to improve communication and service quality in the future.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Needed some keys copied and found this place. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Came and got my keys copied and staff were friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They seem to focus more on vacuums and have a good selection if you are looking for one but for me it was about the keys and they did a good job and I would use them again. For those getting keys cut sometimes those automated machines do a bad job and the keys don't work, that has happened to me in the past so I prefer somebody cutting the keys vs those machines. read more

A while ago I received my grandmother's 1910 Singer sewing machine. She died in the '80s, so it's been sitting around for almost 40 years. I brought it in for a tune-up, and they didn't even blink! The machine works smoothly, and is well-tuned. Hurray! Thank you! read more

Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center - Singer G-66 sewing machine - Appliances & Repair Near Me - Berkeley, California

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. read more

Once again, a stellar job. I have a 17-year-old Miele that I thought was a goner: handle broke in two places, cord no longer retractable, and engine finally gave out. But as a practicing environmentalist, I'd always rather repair than replace. (And a new one now costs more than $800!) Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing fixed all these problems for just $195, & only took a few days to do it. A total bargain, and now my faithful old friend is back home humming along, good as new. Thank you! read more

I brought my old Kenmore sewing machine for them to fix. I paid $129. I got the machine back and it began to smell of burning when used. and the bobbin winder jammed up. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Too bad it was too late to take it back, (my bad).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Take your machine to Grand Lake vacuum instead. read more

I'd ordered a new brush and drive belt for my older model vacuum, but soon realized I couldn't install them on my own. I took everything to Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing and they were able to install everything in a few minutes. I could see the technician as he worked and noticed that he cleaned the insides of my vacuum as well as completing installation. All for $20.00! I've been using their services for years and will definitely continue to do so. Pleasant staff, excellent service, local business. read more

I used to patronize this store, but a nasty experience there has kept me from doing business with them ever since; I won't even buy their vacuum cleaner bags. About ten years ago I brought in my venerable (25+ years old) Hoover upright because although it worked perfectly otherwise, the power wouldn't turn off when I clicked the switch, so I was forced to disconnect the cord at the plug every time I needed to shut off the machine. While I waited in the store the clerk totally disassembled the Hoover, and after some time reported that the part he needed wasn't available, so he couldn't fix it. Then, instead of putting the appliance back together again, he refused to do so on the grounds of "safety"; as a customer I was treated like a six-year-old who doesn't know how to unplug an electrical appliance safely from the wall socket. Because I had no way of reassembling the vacuum cleaner by myself (nor the tools to do so), I had to abandon it in the store. I felt like someone who brings in a clock that tells time but suddenly won't chime to a shop that takes it apart, admits they cannot fix it, and leaves its separate little pieces scattered on the floor. The store may have profited from my machine as a source of spare parts for other repair jobs, but it lost my business forever. read more

Honest. Reliable. Trustworthy. Long-standing business. So glad this vacuum repair and sales business is still around. read more

This place is as good as the reviews say it is! I had a problem with my vacuum...it didn't seem to hold a charge and was losing power. I brought it to Berkeley Vacuum because of the high ratings and great reviews and sure enough: the guy in the store quickly figured out what the problem was (it was clogged!), cleaned it out,, told me the filter was fine...I didn't have to replace any parts...and he refused to take any money!! Good old-fashioned service! Honesty and pride in good work in 2024! A miracle! read more

Wonderful knowledgeable service. Quickly identified the problem with the sewing machine and showed me how to avoid pitfalls. I would definitely use them again in the future. read more

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 ! read more

I used to bring my 1946 Featherweight Singer to the old shop on Berkeley Way once a year for a cleaning and tune up. They always did a great job and it was good to go when I brought it home. I brought it to the new location last November (I think) and for numerous reasons was not able to "test drive" it until recently. Sorry to say, I've had nothing but problems with the tension every time I've tried to use it since then. Given that it cost ~$200 to have it cleaned/checked and now the I can't use it at all, I'm pretty upset. Yes, I should've dealt with this much closer to the repair time, but circumstances did not permit. What now? Take it to yet another service/repair place and pay again for something that wasn't broken when I brought it in to the first repair shop? My trust is broken, as is my sewing machine. I am not a happy camper. UPDATE: The owner has responded to my situation and I will take it back for a recheck. I REALLY appreciate her response to this situation, especially since it took me so long to notice it. read more

Update. At my initial visit I was told my vacuum cleaner needed new filters for about $40. With a tuneup it would be $80. The kind woman there also said I could try cleaning the filters. So I thought to give it a try. I cleaned the filters, which was easy. I started up the vacuum and still no suction. I took a closer look and I could see the obstruction. I'm not handy with tools, but I was able to clear and clean the problem. So now I've downgraded my review. The people at the store were honest, just didn't diagnose the problem. To be fair, if I couldn't fix it myself, I would have returned for them to complete the repair. read more

I was gifted a Miele vacuum cleaner which was awesome but I had no instruction on how to make the most of it, let alone maintain it etc. When the "change bag" light went on, I headed to Berkekey Vacuum & Sewing. There were a couple of people in line already when I arrived but surprise! This outfit knows how to move a line! in less than 5 min I was getting first rate attention on my vac questions. The person checked & validated that I had installed the new bag correctly AND showed me how to install the HEPA filter. I was elated to get this instruction so quickly and directly, because I had fiddled with that HEPA filter and could not figure it out. She also wrote today's date on the filter as a reminder to replace it one year. When I asked what the charge for today is I was told $0.00!!!! Hands down GREAT service. Super knowledgeable staff as well as amiable and efficient. They surpass the gold standard imho, and certainly above and beyond any other vac shop I've ever visited in my lifetime. Thank you so much!! Also - they have LOTS of vac (and sewing machine) models on display so if you're looking for one, go here. You will get solid Answers to all your Q's, in a no pressure, friendly environment. read more

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. read more

I think I'm rough on sewing machines because after a year or so they start making horrible noises. I had no idea what was wrong and there are a lot of places that rear they repair sewing machines but don't. This is such a lovely business! Easy drop off and great communication from the staff. The guy knew what the issue was right away and said it would be ready "next week" so imagine my excitement when it was ready 2 days later! I use my machine a lot and I was super happy with the tune up/maintenance price. I aways also able to get a much needed case for it. I highly recommend this business! read more

I thought my vacuum needed a new switch. I was told nothing was wrong with the vacuum, I just hadn't put in the bag properly. No Charge! I am very, very grateful. Nancy R. read more

I don't often write reviews and have never posted a negative review, but I feel obligated to do it in this case. I took my sewing machine to this shop because of all the good reviews. My experience was not good. I was initially told it would take a week. It took almost two weeks. At one point I got an apology saying they had gotten busy. They seem to have a problem managing their workload. The communication is not good. I had to continually call them to get the status of my machine. I was told someone would call me back many times without return calls. I took it in to have the tension adjusted and they didn't adjust it properly. The recommended tension by the manufacturer is between 4 - 6. It was set to 7. I didn't want to take it back to ask them to adjust because I worried it would be months before I got it back. I ended up taking it to a different shop and got it back in under a week. I do not recommend this shop. read more

Charged $125 for a 3 minutes blockage removal in the hose and two new filters and a new bag (worth maybe $40 generously) and some cleaning on the outside (which, I don't care, really). Did not replace belt as part of the 'dervice' as they said they would. read more

I only stumbled on this place because of Google and because my vacuum of 10+ years (handed down from a friend) finally broke after all this time. (RIP my old vacuum -- you will be missed) And yes, I could've ordered from Amazon, but I didn't want Bezos to be richer, and I'd still have to get rid of my old vacuum somehow anyway, and without a car, the Berkeley Recycling Center is a bit far for me... whereas this place was only about 7 blocks... Also, #SupportLocalBusinesses, right? So I went in just to see if they could take in my old vacuum... ...and I walked out with nothing.* Why? Because they came by my apartment an hour later to deliver my new vacuum and take my old one off my hands. Delivery and removal of the old one was free, I just paid for the vacuum. I thought that was a pretty neat surprise :-) Also, my new vacuum is so dang sexy. I feel like an adult now. *I lied; I walked out the store with replacement bags for the new vacuum--It seemed silly to have them deliver that. read more

I live in Walnut Creek, but the drive to Berkeley was definitely worth it. This place fixed my 22-year-old $900 Miele canister vac that a local shop had told me was not fixable because the motor was shot and there was no replacement motor available. Berkeley Vac diagnosed the issue as the circuit board, not the motor, and fixed my vacuum. The repair price was reasonable and service was fast. I highly recommend this place. read more

I bought a vacuum a month before the pandemic and I love it. Pricey sure but I plan on never having to replace it. I know I'm in my 30s since I told a good chunk of my friends about it and they are all jealous. The guy who sold it to me was very nice enough but I really liked how much he knew about the products and answered all my questions including things like are their only certain dealers that can fix this machine? How likely would I be able to find a dealer throughout the state or country? Are the bags easy to find? etc. read more

I've used this wonderful establishment for years to repair my vacuums and make a point to dry out of my way because they do such a great job. Thank you for all of your expert servicing! read more

I came here after the Ace Hardware store botched my spare key. After getting my spare key made and trying it at home, success. It worked. When I visited there was no customers, so service was fast and friendly. I will come back here again when I need to get a spare key(s) made. read more

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. read more

I've been using them for years. They are incredibly helpful, and they manage to keep my vacuums running efficiently.

They fixed my clogged vacuum hose while I waited - in 15 minutes and for a very reasonable price! Yeah!!

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 read more

I dropped off my industrial sewing machine for repair, and was told they'd call me with an estimate for the repair. After two weeks I called them for the estimate, and was told they hadn't looked at it yet. A week later I called again, same story. After waiting a month, I called them a third time, and was told that they were unable to fix the machine and had no idea what was wrong with it. I would have appreciated them telling me that before they kept it for a month. I took it to Apparel City in San Bruno, who were able to fix the machine with no problems within a week. If you have an industrial sewing machine, don't come here, save yourself time and trouble and just make the extra drive to Apparel City. read more

Very gratifying to find a business that's willing to take the time to diagnose a problem and is willing to repair it rather than try to sell you something new! The power attachment on my 10-year old Miele Titan vacuum stopped working. I took it in with the rest of my vacuum to find out what was wrong. The amiable proprietress started the diagnosis right on the spot! Power attachment and wand were working; it was the hose that had a shredded wire. She said if I could wait they could repair it within 30 minutes. Wow! And the charge was just $65. Very friendly, professional, and efficient service - highly recommended. read more

My mother in law purchased a singer sewing machine at a garage sale and it needed some fine tuning. The people here were very friendly however I felt the coat was a little high as it cost us $15 for a belt and then $135 for the service. We should have bought a new machine but we have the old tank to work with now. read more

Remember when you bit the bullet and spent all that money on a Dyson or Miele and you promised you'd make it last? So do it. Fixed a switch and got a total makeover of my 10 year old Dyson here, runs like new. Don't bin it, fix it. read more

Brought my 30-yr-old sewing machine in to have them fix a crappy tune-up, and was instantly impressed. They were very busy (a good sign) but acknowledged me right away. When the clerk tested my machine, she identified the problem immediately. Another good sign ! The job was done in a matter of a few days. When i picked up my machine, I spoke directly with the technician, who explained what was wrong and what he did. There were not hidden costs or crazy charges. All around excellent experience. These guys are my new sewing machine repair shop. Fantastic ! read more

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. read more

The service here was quick and friendly! I bought in my broken vacuum and was expecting to wait a week or two for it to be repaired. Instead, the guy at the counter was able to grab a replacement part and fix my vacuum in less than 5 minutes. Incredible. I am beyond happy with this place and I will come here in the future for any vacuum related needs. read more