This is one of a dying breed: a small shop that is owned and operated by a family who really cares about doing a good job. Is it really a 5-star business? I'm not sure how to assign a rating to a store that sells vacuum cleaners and sewing machines, but this type of business adds so much to the quality of life here that I'll give them the extra bump up to the maximum possible. (In the worse case, maybe they're only 4-star worthy, but now we'd be splitting hairs, and it's a great place by any measure.) By the way, CV Vac & Sew has been in business for well OVER 20 YEARS. Forget the reviews on Yelp; any place that remains in business for over two decades in a small community HAS to be good. We bought a brand-new Riccar vacuum cleaner from them in December 2007. Jessica (the daughter) spent hours with us explaining the differences between the various models. She is patient, helpful, and she really knows her vacuums. We've also brought this in to CV Vac & Sew for regular maintenance, and their service was comprehensive and quick. Once we had a minor problem, and again they immediately dropped whatever else they were doing to make sure that the problem was quickly addressed and that we were satisfied customers. You won't get that at Wal-Mart or Costco. (The problem turned out to be minor and was corrected on the spot at NO charge.) As I mentioned, places like CV Vac & Sew contribute to the quality of life in small towns like Gardnerville. I'll go out of my way - and even pay more up-front - to buy here to support them and our community. While I'm ranting here, I'll mention the movie "Walmart: the High Cost of Low Prices"; have a look at http://www.walmartmovie.com/facts.php As another aside, we learned a great deal about the economics of vacuum cleaners during the past few years. Before we found CV Vac & Sew, we purchased vacuums from Target or some similar place. We usually paid around $150, and each of these lasted a couple of years. The Riccar (made in the U.S.A.!) vacuum did cost well over $500, but the quality is head and shoulders above the made-in-China models we used to buy. Jessica was able to show us that a number of critical components in the Riccar are made of materials like metal or even wood, compared to plastic in the cheapo, department store vacuums. Also, she showed us things like better quailty bearings and seals on the Riccar that simply aren't included in those $150 vacuums. Thus I think that, in the long run, the expensive Riccar vacuum is going to cost us much less. read more

I agree with all the 4 star reviews, I wanted to add that before you bring your vacuum in go on Amazon and find out what it would cost to replace it with a new one. I wish I did. read more

How cute are these people? I was seriously thrilled to give them money. A mom and pop operation - the father does repairs, the daughter works the desk. They have their dog in the store with them which I love and they are seriously so nice, friendly, and southern-like that I feel like I should have been sitting on a porch drinking iced tea while discussing my vacuums various ailments. My vacuum, which was blowing and not sucking, is now completely fixed with new bags, filters, belts and brushes and I'm pleased as punch. read more

I agree with 1 and 2. The ecomonomics work out spending this kind of money on a vacuum and the service and knowledge will always win out in the long run. read more