I took the machine in, they fixed it in 3 minutes, it's been perfect ever since.

The folks who operate Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing Center have been keeping my beloved 1970s Viking sewing machine operating for years. They charge a fair price for the work they do, and and they often take care of problems at no charge. They explain what the problems are in an interesting and understandable way and how I can maintain my machine to avoid future problems. Recently smoke started coming from the motor housing. I immediately shut the machine off, and raced to BV&SC, expecting them to tell me that my Viking is dead. The gentleman who first helped me, plugged in the machine and started running it. NO SMOKE! The culprit was a mechanism that is not present in modern machines . It's not a mechanism that is essential to the operation of the machine. The smoking occurred when that little mechanism failed, and that most likely it would never happen again. What wonderful news when I was expecting the worst! Oh, and there was no charge for that service. read more

A top notch, family run, local business with some of the best customer service I have ever experienced -honest, friendly, helpful, and well informed. I have been buying vacuum cleaners here for 2+ decades and they are very high quality, reasonable priced and last for a long time. Recently I came in to rent a carpet cleaning machine. Julianne spent 5 minutes educating me about my options and the way to get the best results from the machine I chose. It is an actual pleasure to do business here! I highly recommend this shop. read more

Great service! I bought a serger and broke a part while it was still on warranty. The owner of the store was very kind and willing to go out of his way to make sure it got fixed and there was no charge even though I was at fault. Very kind people. read more

great, professional, speedy service for vacuums and sewing machines! they fixed the squeak on my elna machine and i am forever grateful!

Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing took such good care of me and my old singer machine. These days craftsmen like this are few and far between and I'm so happy to have found them! They owner took his time with me and explained how my machine worked and why I needed certain things repaired or taken care of. I feel he was honest, reasonably priced, generous with his time and energy. I appreciate it and I'll be back. read more

I brought in my vintage Bernina for a new motor and, when asked if I wanted other repairs and a cleaning, I said, "No, the mechanics are working perfectly." I emphasized that they should not mess with the inner mechanics. When I picked it up, they said they had also fixed a plate over the bobbin that had dropped. I took home the machine and tested it. It kept missing stitches and then stalled because the inner gears were jamming. I noticed they had put in the needle backwards. When I called, Jim gave me a very mixed explanation and kept telling me to bring it back for a cleaning. He said their Bernina man, Segmiller, had 25 years experience on Berninas. When I asked why he didn't test the machine after the unasked for adjustments, Jim said that he didn't know how to thread the machine. (I thread it the first time without any experience on a Bernina--it's that straight forward.) Given all this, I will never let them touch this or any machine again. And I have to pay for the damage they did to it. read more

This place is so awesome. I brought my 12 year old vacuum cleaner in because it started emitting a strong burning smell every time I used it. It still seemed to work ok but the smell was a bit alarming. The technician took a look at it, turned it on and verified that the motor was starting to burn out. He gave me 3 options: to replace the motor for $200, to throw it away and buy a new vacuum for $300 or to use it until it died completely (which could buy me a year or more) In order to save it for a few more years and keep it out of the landfill, I decided to go with the $200 fix it option. A few days later, the vacuum was ready for pick up. The owner said he found a slightly used motor and installed it and would only charge me $130. I really appreciated him saving me money and his honesty on telling me it was slightly used so he was charging me less. My vacuum cleaner is like new and I am so happy to have saved it from an early demise. read more

I just took my old Morse sewing machine to Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing based on a recommendation from Stonemountain and Daughter Fabrics. I've been having issues with the tension on my machine and fixes I made only lasted temporarily. It had been about 10 years since my last tuneup, so I figured it was about time. I took a quick break from work to drop it off, and the guy asked me if I had a few minutes for him to check it out while I waited. He sat with my machine and expertly fixed the tension, ground off some burrs by hand, oiled it, and tested it while I was watching. Meanwhile he talked me through everything he was doing and gave me pointers about parts on my machine that I never even knew existed or mattered...all in a matter of 10-15 minutes. I failed a pop-quiz about which way to insert a new needle, and then learned a few more tips about my Morse. My machine is running beautifully now, I have the knowledge to be able to fix it myself next time and save myself from headaches, all for the low cost of $35. I'd definitely come back again and I've already recommended that 2 other friends take their machines here for tuneups. read more

These guys are wonderful. I am new to sewing and had some issues with my machine. They talked me out of a full overhaul on the machine, took the time to get figure out what wasn't working right and tested it to make sure I was all set and then sent me on my merry way with a perfectly functioning machine. All for no charge. They've got a customer for life. read more

Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing Center, a family-run business, is a local treasure. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. I bought a Miele vacuum from them 20+ years ago (they last forever!) and recently bought a second one. When the new power head stopped working shortly after I bought it, they fixed it on the spot for free. Their turn around time for more complicated repairs is nearly as quick. I highly recommend this business! Brenda read more

I love this store! I live close by and have bought several vacuums here over the years. They really take the time to explain things and help you find what you want without pushing you to spend more than you need to. In addition, I just brought in my Mom's vintage Singer sewing machine (working perfectly for 51 years until last week!) for a repair and tune up and they not only repaired it in just a few days but explained the problem ( cheap threads clogging the system) and how to avoid it in future by buying only better quality thread, which they listed for me by name. They also replaced something free of charge. They are honest, do meticulous work in a timely fashion, and go the extra mile to do their very best for you. I will always be a loyal customer. read more

So knowledgeable, helpful, and courteous. I inherited my grandmother's sewing machine and am very pleased I took it here to inquire about it. They knew every little thing about the make and model and took plenty of time to answer all my questions about it. When he touched the machine you could tell he knew all the ins and outs the way an excellent craftsman does! read more

So, I just got a vintage sewing machine that is rather "frozen in time." It hasn't been used in ages, and the formerly lubricating oil has congealed, pretty much gluing the whole damn thing together. I told them what was going on over the phone, and they let me know that it would need a full overhaul, which would cost me around $130. They personally recommended that I only spend the money if the machine had some special sentimental value; I agree, and I greatly appreciate their honesty. I won't be bringing this particular machine in, but they've definitely earned a customer in the future. I really wanted to give five stars, but figured I should wait until I've actually had them service a machine first. read more

Just took in a sewing machine that crapped out on me even though it's pretty new. Apparently this is typical of that model, and the warranty is already out. The guy at the counter was helpful and friendly and gave me a trade-in price on a new machine, even though my crappy broken one was probably not worth a dime. He even carried the new one to my car for me! This place is great. I'll be back. read more

I went to Berkeley to have the threader thingy fixed on my new Singer which I purchased specifically for this addition. No threading - no sewing. The kind gentleman not only fixed it while I waited, he went through my box of of miscellaneous sewing attachments and told me which would work on the Kenmore - my previous machine and which on the new Singer. Informed me that all needles work on any machine. Bought some new bobbins and when I offered to recompense him for the time and information he gave me - he refused and said that, "Giving information is his satisfaction." WOW. Can't wait until my machine breaks down. read more

This place is wonderful- it was so nice to be helped immediately by knowledgeable people who looked at the problem right away. I will go out of my again again to patronize this shop- bravo! read more

i dropped by for some vacuum bags and to clean out my old Royal vacuum, and i was out of there in less than ten minutes!!! i was expecting to have to pick it up the next day and i was so impressed, thanks so much!! so i'm saying thank-you with every one of these 5 stars. They have a nice notions wall too, so i was able to pick up an extra pack of sewing needles too. If my trusty Kenmore sewing machine ever starts acting up, i know where to bring it. read more

I had good experiences with this place, and 3 years ago I bought a used sewing machine they recommended for heavy duty sewing (A "jeans" White machine). My wife did not use it a lot, but was happy with it. Recently, though, she complained that the stitches were irregular, so I brought it in for repair. The repairman said the timing was off and the machine needed cleaning and maintenance: he quoted $ 135. I observed that the machine had been bought there and only had had light use: why did it need cleaning, etc. ?. He shrugged and said they had several used machines for sale starting at $ 200. I declined, went home and searched the Internet. Before tackling the project of adjusting the timing myself, I followed the advice of one of the sites I had found, and changed the needle with a brand new one. SURPRISE ! now the machine works perfectly. So much for the verdict of the repairman !!!! They will not see me again any time soon. read more

Finally got to the point to where the motor in our old (now discontinued) Miele Vacuum was dying. Of the three different motors that model has had, they identified the correct replacement based upon how it was failing. The replacement motor was $135. Given that we were going to do the work to swap it, they said if they guessed wrong they'd exchange it. They also let me know to put the older fan housing on the new motor. The new motor with the old fan housing works great. I trust them. read more

I love this store! They're exactly what a local place should be. They're honest, informative, and offer you options before diving into something expensive. They'll even fix it for free if they can. They also sell interesting little things besides vacuums. read more

Apparently my first attempt to review this site was taken down.....I'm not sure why but it might explain why there seem to be predominantly positive reviews. I will simply say that my experience was less than positive. The service was not friendly, not helpful and not professional. The quote to repair my Dyson was almost $200 when in fact all that was required was a missing piece. The person who greeted me seemed put out and refused to even take the time to fully inspect the vacuum. Everybody has a bad day, but I personally would go out of my way to not return. I ended up fixing the vacuum myself and saved the overpriced estimated repair costs. read more

This store is such a wonderful resources, and I'm sad to hear that it may have to close. I bought our Miele vacuum there, and they've repaired it once for a fair price. I regularly buy the Miele bags there for a reasonable price. I recommend, and I hope the business will survive! read more

It turned out that my vacuum didn't need service or even new filters. They could have easily sold me new filters, but were very honest that I didn't need them yet. They even told me how to properly clean parts of my Dyson so that it would work its best until it does need filters. Helpful service and a good experience all around. I'll definitely go back when I need service! read more

Great customer service. My sewing machine broke right at the end of a project I was working on. I called and they said it would take about a week. I understood and was OK with that. Imagine my surprise when they called back the same day and said that they had been able to fit the repair in between jobs. WOW! It's like it's a new machine. read more

Great family business, I already recommended a friend to take her sewing machine there. Very knowledgeable and efficient service.

I don't doubt their expertise but their customer service is horrid. I use my sewing machine every day. It needed work, so I took it in for that work over the Thanksgiving holiday week. They promised it for the following Monday. When I went to get it I was told that they had not been able to finish it, and in fact, had taken it out of their shop and sent it elsewhere. No phone call about the delay, no gettiong my permission to remove it. Nothing. So when I took the long drive to get there on Monday I was told no, wait until Friday. At 4:45 on Friday they called saying it was ready. I live more than 45 minutes from them so cannot get the machine till next week. For folks who only occasionally use a machine, no problem. For me, a spoiled Christmas. read more

Sure is "as good as it gets". In fact BV&SC raises the bar! My wife and I drove out from Fremont for our Husqvarna which 'got better' with Gerald's magic touch. My grand daughter Rya (s) thought he was the best and sure loves the bit of treasure she got from the pirates chest. Parking is easy and the shop is easy to find. Because there is so much else to do around town the drive out (only 23 minutes) is pleasant and fruitful. Gerald is fun to talk to and makes for time spent in the shop very enjoyable. There is plenty else to see as the shop holds many other treasures for us big kids. Stopping in at Fenton's over on Piedmont capped off the day with great sundaes to keep us over on the ride back home in the canyon. Highly recommend coming to BV&SC. Go Bears! read more

Walked in with two broken vacuums and walked out within fifteen minutes later with both repaired and clean! Under $40.00 to repair both plus two new belts! I will back with my sewing machines and all repairs (thanks to housekeeper!) for my vacuums. The best. read more

I had a great experience today at Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing Center. I came in for a one-on-one instructional on how to operate my SInger Rocketeer. I was helped by Gerald, a friendly and personable guy who really went out of his way to help me understand the mechanics of my little machine. He showed me how all the bells and whistles work, how to clean the more complicated parts, how to correct errors, and what projects I should start out with vs. ones I should begin later on when I develop more experience. After my 30 minute session he helped me around the store, showed me the things I need to start out with, and gave me a little "tips'" booklet to help me if I have any troubles at home. Great experience here, I'll tell you. If you decide to take a one-on-one class here I recommend coming in the early morning (within the first couple hours of opening) and during the week, because they seem to be quite busy here all day long. read more

i had another "opportunity" to visit this place yesterday with my miele - my friend had done some non-invasive surgery on the brush when it sucked up a piece of clothing, and the brush ended up with whiplash. this time i took my sewing machine along too because after 3 years of not using it, i thought it was missing a piece when i tried to put it to work and it didn't perform as anticipated. this visit was almost embarrassing as there were about 5 people in the store who watched the same guy who fixed my vac previously pull it apart, find nothing wrong, put it back together AND NOW IT WORKS!!! ??? i am a new believer in magic. then he looked at the sewing machine, and not only is there nothing missing, apparently i'd put the needle in backwards! :-p ...not going for a job as a housekeeper anytime soon! in the end, he sold me a new, sorely needed hepa filter and didn't charge me for anything else! thank you berkeley-vacuum and sewing center! read more