RUN, DON'T WALK AWAY FROM THIS PLACE! I have nothing good to say about this company after dealing with them now for almost a year. They sold me a very defective and expensive BabyLock machine 11 months ago. and it has NEVER WORKED for more than a few hours at a time. After multiple trips and lengthy service sessions, I still was without a functioning machine, but the business owner kept implying I must be doing something wrong!! ( I have been sewing for over 30 years, but still I changed my thread type, needle type, bobbin type just in case). After the last unsuccessful repair, visit number 6 or 7 in less than one year, I was advised by Baby Lock to take the machine to the Dublin Sewing Center. Within one day, their technician had identified a serious defect in the machine, and the machine was shipped back to Baby Lock for a major repair of this lemon. I am totally disgusted with the owner's noncaring, nonchalant, and unresponsive attitude towards my challenges with this machine. Stupid me - I also bought a vacuum from them during this time. I have truly bent over backwards to avoid writing a negative review for this small local business, but Susan's lack of accountability and poor customer service have left me no choice. It is still under warranty, and i am now on the hook for the dealer's portion of the shipping . BUYER BEWARE!!! read more

I came in here quite a while ago, based on the recommendation of a friend, and WOW. I just have great affection for repair places that explain what the problem is and show you how to fix it yourself instead of charging you a shit-ton of money to tighten a screw or whatever. I thought I had broken my brand-new vacuum beyond repair, but it turned out that the rubber band had just snapped. The guy working here opened up the vacuum, and showed me how to put a new rubber band in. All this for just the price of a rubber band. Amazing. read more

WAY before Yelp, the Internet and about the time electricity was invented, this shop was providing great GREAT customer service. I've gone here a number of times over the years and never been disappointed with the service or the products they sell. I also recommend getting an air cleaner that is the first major difference you will feel when you walk in. I bought one about 8 years ago and it has cooled me off and kept the air in my place so clean and even subtle a huge difference. Is it necessary? No. Is everyone watching their budget? Yes. But a long lasting and especially in the summer investment air cleaner is something I personally do not regret and I have bought a lot of junk in the past I do regret and it was a lot more expensive then it with very little/no maintenance (holding a thin plastic filter under running water for about a minute then wiping it off with a paper towel about once every 6 months). Never broken down or needed to bring it in either. read more

I used to go here decades ago and always got good service, so last week I decided to treat my old vacuum to a tuneup they offer-changing the filter, cleaning it inside-for $50. A couple of days later I turned it on, it made a horrible sound and gave off a godawful smell, so I turned it off immediately, took it back down there and they told me the motor was dead, that they had nothing to do with that, they hadn't touched the motor, and they offered me $30 off the purchase of another vacuum cleaner. I did some research and you can buy them less expensively most anywhere else. Since this happened I have heard from two other people with similar stories, so I would say at the very least, don't go in for the vacuum cleaner tuneups. read more

Went in and had a couple of filters changed. When I got the vacuum home the switch to turn the vacuum on and off had broken so now I have to unplug the vacuum to turn it off. Very strange and annoying as I almost could have bought a new vacuum for what I paid them. read more

Fixed my vac. Friendly well-masked front desk. Look at the new address if you bought your vac there in the past.

I had a very good experience with this shop. Artemis helped me with an old vacuum that wasn't working well and she was friendly and knowledgable. My vacuum cleaner works great now. I will be back. read more

Fantastic Shop! Got in, waited 15 minutes, got out with a working vacuum. Jerold knows what he's doing and they're old school: Customer First! read more

Summary based on several visits over years: --helpful, friendly service --reasonable cost, with advice on repairing instead of replacing --ok parking Great place for dealing with your expensive, though aging Miele vacuum. read more

I love this store and the people who own and work there! Good old fashioned service - I think it's a family business as well? Sometimes I go there even if I don't need anything, just to get a dose of "the good old days." I bought a Miele vacuum from them, so don't have much reason to use them for repairs, just to get bags and filters. They were exptremely helful and knowledgeable when I was trying to decide which vacuum to buy - I remember getting the feeling that they weren't trying to sell me something I didn't need. I've also bought a product that was supposed to remove dog urine/poop stains (some type of enzyme thingee). They told me if it didn't work (which it didn't - nothing works) to bring it back (which I never did) and they'd give me my money back. read more

this place is a real gem. The power brush on my vacuum was broken and the owner fixed it for $10 instead of ordering me a new part. now it's as good as new. I buy all my bags from here. The only thing I wish is that they had longer Saturday hours. Sometimes it's hard to get here since I work. read more

My not so old Riccar canister vacuum mysteriously broke when I was trying to change out the bag. Ok, maybe not so mysterious. I basically tore the lid off the hinges as I struggled to open it. My bad. It was a grizzly break. I digress. One repair shop said, "no way can this be fixed." Not wanting to pay hundreds of dollars for a new vacuum, I took it to Berk Vacuum & Sewing Center for a second opinion - and I'm so glad I did. They managed to find the parts, even though those parts had been discontinued. For under $90 my vacuum is as good as new. I also got instruction from the nice guy behind the counter on how best to change out the bag without breaking anything. Great shop - and their new location has great parking options! read more

I was so anxious about leaving my grandmothers Singer Featherlight with any shop, but, the moment we walked in, I knew it was the right place, the machine would be carefully attended to and all would be well. So incredibly knowledgeable, honest, straightforward and reasonable. So very happy I found this place. read more

Wow. Blown away by the customer service I had today. I brought in my ailing and elderly Dyson and was warmly greeted when I walked in the door. I gave a vague description of the problem to the guy at the counter ("It kinda roars at me in an angry way sometimes") and in less than 30 seconds he diagnosed it as a failing clutch. (Vacuums have clutches? Who knew?) He then examined the rest of my machine and noted that in addition to a new clutch, it needed new belts and filters and that the roller was on its last legs. Punched a few keys on the calculator and shook his head. "You know, I wouldn't sink that much into this," he told me. "You might as well take what you'd spend and put it toward a new machine." A merchant turning AWAY business for the good of the customer? That's almost unheard of these days, but that's what he did. Further, he spent the next 15 minutes with me discussing the pros and cons of the newer Dyson models...even though they don't sell them and there was zero chance at this point of me spending any money in the shop. Although I left without a vacuum (I donated my dying beast to them for parts that someone else might be able to use), I left super happy with the experience. And when my new Dyson arrives and it needs any sort of maintenance, I know exactly where I'll be going -- and where I'll be referring my friends. Unbelievable, A+ customer service in a knowledgeable, friendly environment. Awesome. read more

This place is absolutely amazing! They have excellent customer service and are experts in fixing vacuums. Although they don't specialize in Roomba's, they were able to fix the mechanical problem it was having in about 15 minutes. Roomba told me I would need to spend $450 to ship it to them and fix the issue. I tried to pay Berkeley Vacuum for the awesome job, but he insisted it was a simple fix and there was no charge. I was completely blown away by my positive experience here. I highly recommend them!! read more

A couple weeks ago I decided to sign up for a beginning sewing class. I bought an old sewing machine from a lady on my neighborhood list serve. I was really excited to start class. However, once class started my poor kenmore sewing machine started stinking, breaking at the thread and spitting out black thread! I was really upset as I felt ripped off. My teacher told me I might have to bring it in to get fixed and she was not sure just how much it was going to be. I bought the machine for $50, paid an addition $5 for some random things she added in, if a regular service job was $70...why didn't I just buy a brand new one? I emailed the lady back and she refused to take it back so I was fuming mad for a couple of weeks vowing to never touch a sewing machine again and perfectly fine leaving myself forever domestically challenged. However, a fellow halau sister told me of this wonderful place in Berkeley I should bring it to. Still the thought of $70 to fix a machine I did not even know how to use yet did not sit well with me at all. Today I happened to roll by Berkeley and stopped by to see if they could give me a free estimate. I walked in and strolled pass a very organized and clean work station where a patient (sewing machine) was already sitting. Suddenly he appeared, the Doctor , I mean sewing machine fixer! He was very welcoming and told me "just bring it by and I'll see what I can do". I grabbed the heavy burden of a sewing machine out of my trunk and let him go at it. I could tell right away he is very skilled at what he does. He told me "I think I can have you out of here in 20 minutes". What? That's crazy...and for $25 he said. I started clapping and got really excited...wanted to give him a great big hug...almost...but refrained myself. He also was very open and understanding of my situation. He sat there and answered all my silly questions "whats that...what does that do...what do you mean it needs a felt...its not catching where?" He was so nice that I opened up to him about my embarrassing story of getting ripped off. He then let me know that I did NOT get a bad deal on the sewing machine at all and that he'd sell one like mine for $150 if it was at his store. WHEW... On the other side of the store sat many used vacuum cleaners lined up neatly. I was tempted to look but my wallet grabbed my hand and said "NO!". Our family has had such horrible luck with sick vacuums. Usually we just go with what people say are good brands. However, since I know there is a reliable shop nearby I wouldn't mind spending a few more dollars for a quality one they stand behind and if anything goes wrong...I know the doctor will fix it right up. read more

Our 50-year-old Singer sewing machine had been declared beyond reasonable repair by another shop years ago and had sat around gathering dust. Finally we put a "free" sign on it and put it by the door to take out to the curb. But because its bones were better than those of the plastic model bought to replace it, we decided to make one more stab at restitution and found Berkeley Vacuum on Yelp and took it there. They put it in running order in ten minutes, with all the patience, efficiency, and pleasantness in the world. End of story. Go there. read more

Yesterday I took my vacuum to them the young lady that help me was very nice and efficient. Although there are two other vacuum shops closer to my location Im glad i drove to Berkeley this was worth the drive , great customer service and the price was more reasonable . read more

Excellent service, I see why they have been in business for so many years. I have a 10+ year old Miele that needed a new plug & hose attachment piece. I was helped right away, and was told both repairs could be done right then & there, in 15 minutes time. He let me know exact pricing, which was very reasonable, and everything was done just as promised. Not only that, he replaced a filter and buffed out all the scratches/scuff marks free of charge. It looks almost brand new. Can't recommend these guys enough, they've made me a customer for life. read more

Fast, friendly, effective. Went in with a vacuum which wasn't sucking well and was blowing around debris rather than capturing it. I was in and out of the store in less than 10 minutes with a fully fixed vacuum. read more

The high price of shopping locally. I appreciate local specialty stores, but the vacuum they sold me was 50% more expensive than on walmart dot com and amazon. My mistake to not check online prices. I dont mind paying a little more than at walmart, but all within reason. Their price: $120. Walmart/Amazon etc. $80, including free delivery. read more

A startling combination of 1970's efficiency and soviet-style customer service. They only order parts once a week (Monday) to be delivered the following Friday, ensuring at least an 11 day wait for a vacuum part if you show up later than Monday morning. Who can go a week and a half without a vacuum? I ordered a part with that waiting period, only to be told "the UPS driver didn't show up; they do that sometimes". Breathtaking. read more

Very kind to my children (love that!) Also honest about the cost of my sewing machine's repairs and helped me get a refurbished replacement. They say that the city of Berkeley is planning on re-doing that block and you need to call to speak against that. I grabbed the small paper they had out about it. It says, "If you don't want US and the surrounding stores on our block to move... Please Voice Your Opinion! City of Berkeley Planning Department 510-981-7426 Leslie Mendez lmendez@cityofberkeley.info Proposed new construction of a mixed use Residential and Commercial Building. (120 FEET) 1955-1975 Shattuck Ave. The Bay Architects 1840 B. Alcatraz Ave. Berkeley, CA 94703" If you love this Berkeley Vacuum, call in! read more

I wouldn't trust again them with my good quality knifes, yes I called and they offered to try to re sharpen but if they can't do it the first time right I don't want them messing up my knifes anymore. It's best they stick with vacuums and sewing stuff. Disappointed. My knifes are even more dull then when I took them in. read more

I was very pleased to be able to take our under-performing vacuum in and have it fixed on the spot for just $12.

Awesome service great work done wonderful price! I can't say enough about this repair and service shop and I almost look forward to something else breaking so I can go back. Repaired :late-model Sears sewing machine belt read more

Fixed my vacuum cleaner under 10 seconds...and NO CHARGE!!!

I've been coming to this place for years and they are they are always consistently quick, informed, and efficient! I brought in an old machine and they made it run like new. Then later I was able to trade in my old model for a spankin' new one with a nice little discount! I like em!! read more

Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing has always been my go to place for allergy related products and vacuum cleaner repair. They have a great selection of filters and are very knowledgeable about Miele products. I've always had good experiences with customer service. I had a recent experience with them that was even more positive. They gave me excellent advice and customer service with carpet cleaning to get rid of allergens and mites. I ended up with beautifully clean carpets using the products they recommended. They were also super helpful with trouble shooting my vacuum cleaner which clogged a couple of times due to fine particles released by the cleanser at no charge. Everyone was also very pleasant to work with. They also have a line of e-cleansing cloths that are amazing. We are lucky to have this kind of store in Berkeley. read more

What a wonderful experience I had here! I took my injured sewing machine in for what I thought surely would be a lengthy 'hospital' stay as it had been damaged and barely running after I foolishly lent it out. (Not doing THAT again) Surely it would need to stay, have a part ordered and undergo a complicated operation and with any luck be saved! Within minutes it was opened up, miraculously adjusted, oiled and repaired!!!!! I left within the hour with my newly perfectly working machine, some new needles, vacuum filters for my old Miele, and plenty of change in my pocket. So grateful!! My lucky day to have gone to BV and been served with such expertise and gracious service. Old-fashioned (excellent) service deserves old-fashioned rewards and Mr. Seegmiller and his sweet daughter are getting fresh baked cookies next time I drop by! This is the kind of business that you want to KEEP in business and I'm their newest loyal fan. P.S. They can sharpen all types of cutting tools. Good to know. read more

I love these guys! They are funny as hell and are so helpful and really work extra to make sure I am satisfied. They are always insanely busy, yet manage to help me swiftly. i give them a huge five stars. As a personal side note: since you are a vacuum shop- you might want to vacuum! yikes. read more

Several years ago I brought my Dirt Devil can vac to BV because it stopped working. I was amazed how quickly they unclogged all the Christmas Tree needles stuck inside and returned it to me with a smile. When it came time to purchase a new vacuum, I went straight to BV. I chose the Miele canister model after being thoroughly educated on the product by the staff. Their expertise and customer service are over the moon! I wouldn't shop anywhere else. read more

What great people! I've taken my sewing machine in twice because it was skipping stitches and had great customer service both times. A very nice man (I'm sorry I don't know his name) plugged in my machine, tested it out and found and fixed the problem right away. The first time he charged me only $10 and the second time nothing at all. Highly recommended! read more

They repaired my vintage G&E fan - replaced the wiring, and cleaned and lubricated it. Friendly, fast, and very reasonable price.

I am a huge fan of Berkeley Vac even though there is a repair shop closer to my house. My Miele vacuum turned out to be more problematic and costly than originally thought. Jim called the manufacturer about a part that broke too soon and wanted to get the repair done at a fair price. Service was efficient, friendly , honest and fair. SERVICE WITH HUMOR. read more

If you need a new vacuum, an old one repaired, or replacement bags / filters, you can't beat these guys. They are extremely knowledgeable and seem quite honest, told me there was no reason to buy a $900 Miele instead of the cheapest (then $240) model--which is the best vaccum I've ever owned. read more

Well, after having been on a hitless streak for awhile, Yelp-wise, I was thrilled that Berkeley VSC lived up to the hype. Customer service was friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. As well, they completed the repair AS I WAITED! They did not require a week and deliver rude service (Hello Grand Lake Vacuum Repair). The repair was reasonably priced for the service and parking was easy. What can I tell ya, like the reviews read, this place is a solid 5 star business. Thanks Chris, I appreciate your conscientious service and quick work. read more

I brought in my 10 year old miele which was having trouble with the carpet brush. They never even tried to sell me a new beater -- the guy just said here's what a new brush is like (he put on a new on). Then he said that if I gave him a few minutes he would have my part as good as new. I also picked out a $30 attachment and he showed me a similar one for $11! They were very knowledgeable and don't try to sell you crap. Opened a little late and they had a line...be prepared to wait. read more

WOW! Fantastic and prompt service! I am coming back here another time to have my kitchen knives sharpened!

These guys are awesome. I had a vacuum cleaner where the electric cord had run off the reel. The cord just needed to be reset, but I couldn't figure out how to open the vacuum to reset the cord on the real. And I didn't want to break the vacuum cleaner trying to open it. I had originally taken the vacuum cleaner to one of Berkeley Vacuum's competitors for repairs because they're closer to me. The competitor wanted a week just to give me an estimate on the repairs. I took it into Berkeley Vacuum, they listened to me about what the problem was, and they fixed it in 10 minutes. Yep, 10 minutes. They charged me their minimum fee of $20, and I left very happy and a satisfied customer. Even before I stepped into their store, I called them twice, and each time, the customer service person was patient and explained their costs and process in detail in a way which makes you really trust them. I'm definitely going back to these guys if I ever need more repairs on my vacuum. read more