I purchased my first sewing machine from Ray's based on my friends recommendation. She informed me that the original cost of the sewing machine you purchased from here will go towards an upgrade. Now that's a great deal. The granddaughter of the store's owner made me feel very comfortable from the moment I spoke to her. She asked me several questions to have a better idea of what I plan to use the machine for. She also showed me special functions the Janome had. I especially loved the button hole function. I have used my machine during my adventurous moment to re-purpose a few eighties sweaters. And my Janome hasn't failed me. Ray's also offers classes to get familiar with your sewing machine. I haven't taken advantage of this since I live in SF. I may have to stop by this weekend to see if I can get a cover for my machine. They weren't in stock when I purchased the Janome. read more

I bought my Janome sewing machine here a few years ago, and I absolutely adore it. It had 15 hours on it after it was used at a trade show the previous weekend, so it was practically brand new, and I bought it for almost half off. The woman who sold me the machine was spectacular and very knowledgeable. I took a sewing class through LG Recreation, and the instructor told me Ray's and Janome were the best, so I knew I was in good hands. I also attended a how-to-use-my-machine class with Ken shortly after I bought the machine.The class was just okay; nothing to write home about. It was actually sort of a brag session about all the different sewing feet that he'd invented. I recently took my machine in for service because my kids lost one of the screws, and I thought I needed a tune-up. They were done days sooner than they quoted me, and I didn't have to pay for rush service. Lindsay helped me close the transaction, and she was very kind, helpful, and generous. I will definitely return for all of my sewing needs. read more

Great Guy Went to fix my sewing machine 2 months ago and Ray fixed my timing alignment for free. Appreciate it very much. Very nice chap and service. He has some other sewing machine made in Japan. Great demo and I can tell it is a good sewing machine. Will try to get one later. Would recommend him. read more

Like many others during the Covid-19 pandemic, I began making fabric masks. After a few hundred, my beloved Janome's feed-dog broke. Ken looked into repairing it but was unable to find the needed parts in the US. I decided to purchase anotherone Janome Sewist machine from him. Yes it took many months to arrive (due to Covid production and shipping delays), but ultimately Ken was able to locate a used loaner machine for me to use. The superior customer service has made this new machine acquisition perfect. I should add that I am branching out into quilting; today Ken helped me add some special presser feet to helped me be more successful when quilting. Whenever you need to purchase a new machine, maintain or repair an existing machine, or purchase needed notions you should go to Ray's Sewing Machine Center in San Jose. read more

I bought an Elna serger from Lindsay last month. I was so impressed with her knowledge of sewing machines that I visited the store again to look around at the other machines they carry. I wasn't going to buy anything because I thought that it would cost too much ($ one thousand or two) to get a good machine This time Ken was showing a Janome sewing machine to another customer. As I watched, I saw that has it had a ton of useful features for the kind of sewing I do. I asked the price and realized that I could afford the machine easily. What I want to emphasize is that both Ken and Lindsay (his daughter) totally know the sewing machines they sell. Ken knows the repair end of the business, so they don't carry machines that are not worth owning. We are lucky to have this kind of sewing machine dealer in our area! read more

I worked with Ray on an old machine. He was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. He knows his stuff and his prices are reasonable.

Stopped by because I had a Singer sewing machine that I couldn't get to work properly. Turns out I just had the wrong bobbin. Bob came out to help me and he was extremely helpful, friendly, and informative. He explained why the bobbin I had was causing problems for the machine. He even provided me with the correct bobbin at no charge! I will definitely be bringing any and all of my sewing business here. read more

I am so disappointed with this business,s owner Ken. In Oct 2017, I took my Elna Su for replacing broken bobbin extractor. i had purchased a new one from internet that i took with me. They serviced my machine and told me that another small part is needed before bobbin extractor can be replaced. ken told me he has ordered the part and would call me when part arrives. I brought my machine home but never heard from ken. Every 3-4 months i called him and inquired about the part he ordered. each time he had some new story to tell me where the part was being made. Mars, Moon or at some undiscovered planet. Finally, after 1 year and 7 months, when i called he said part arrived and i should bring my machine to take care of replacing bobbin extractor. i was thrilled, took machine back. ken assured me it will be done in a week. he never calls so i called several times after 1 week had gone. 3 weeks went by..each time ken said "this" week. On Saturday i called and told the person who answered the phone( Not ken) and i was on my way to pick up my machine. when i got there..Ken showed me how machine was fixed and working perfect. sadly, that was not my machine. i recognized and pointed out that this machine did not look like mine. he insisted it was mine. I looked around and found my machine on a counter with my name, phone number and date. He acted surprised that he fixed wrong machine. I needed a machine so he offered me to take this other machine home as loaner until he fixed my machine in a "week". so i did. A week later i went there on Saturday and stored was closed. another wasted trip from Fremont to meridian ave. when they opened on Tuesday, i went back. By now, i just wanted my own machine back fixed or not. Now i was afraid Ken would give my machine to someone else. when i went there Ken was not in the store but another man located my machine. it was not fixed. he said he was going to fix it that day. My then i had lost all trust in anyone who worked there. I begged to return my machine. This man did not know history of what had happened. I returned loaner machine got my machine back. that had a my address sticker underneath from the years when i first bought it. I have never experienced any such unreliable service in my life. so disappointed. I had to write this review to get it off of my chest...my 1 year and 8 months frustration with them. read more

Great place to buy or repair your machine if needed. The people are super nice and helpful.

I've been a customer for almost 40 years. Whether purchasing a machine or needing help this is the place. The saying that you don't just b a macine you buy a dealer. This family owned business has stood the test of time. My friends have found the same wonderful service and great Janome machines. read more

I have very mixed feelings about this place. I like to support small businesses, and they are pretty good about taking machines back for an upgrade. But... There seems to be a lot of people around, but it is really a one man show. A few years ago I took in 5 sewing machines to be fixed or serviced. They were all fairly basic models that are used by students. The machines that just needed to be serviced have all done well. The machines that needed to be fixed, had problems within 1 or two sessions of using the machines. This year I went in to purchase a higher end model Janome. He had the model that I wanted for a slightly lower price then I had found online, however when I went to the store, Ray's was sold out, and it turned to be, that the machines were better priced because they weren't new. While I was there he introduced me to an older demo model at a substantial savings. I thought I could live with it, and I was told that I could bring it back and the cost would be credited towards the model I originally wanted. Well, I got it home, had issues with sewing the button holes, called to tell Ken that I wanted what I had originally come for. It took two months for the store to get the machine I wanted. Ken was very pleasant and said he would give me the best price on the new machine. He said he's try to get the machine price close to $2000. When it finally came I was charged "what it cost him" which was $2,700, PLUS 10%, PLUS taxes. So in the end the machine cost me about $3,000. NOT what I expected, but I was stuck because I had the store credit from the other machine. Sewing machines plus (online seller) had the same machine I wanted, for $2500...TOTAL. No shipping...no additional tax. And that is the price they have had the machine for all year. That means their retail price is $200 lower than Ray's "at cost" price. (Ray's should be buying form them.) So I ended up paying $500 worth of tuition for a lesson learned. I think Rays may be a good place to get machine accessories (they are cheaper than sewing machines plus), and a good place to get your machines oiled, and maintained. But go ahead and purchase online. You may not have a brick and mortar store to take lessons on the machine, but $500 buys a lot of fabric, and almost everything you want to learn, can be found on youtube. read more

Best sewing place in the country! In the top 10 dealers around the world every year. 70 years in business speaks for itself. To maintain the highest level of service, this stays mainly a one man operation, as such, service can be slower than you'd like, but you will get the best for your money because you deal directly with the business owner instead of a bunch of employees. They've been twice inducted into the Sewing Hall of Fame. They work with a lot of charities and frequently donate machines to battered womens shelters and theatre companies. All in all, a top notch local business! read more

Our first purchase from Ray's was an embroidery machine that we will use for our business, creating logo wear. Ken, the owner and son of the company's founder, helped us with choosing a machine that met our needs and we were pleased with the choice. Following that purchase, our 20 year old Pfaff sewing machine died. Ray's also does repair work, so we took it in for service. Ken, the service expert, informed us that the machine was dead (an electronic board failed that was no longer available), so we purchased a replacement machine on the spot. Total tab so far about $2K for the two machines. We're happy with both. We're getting back into sewing after a long hiatus and had a need for our Pfaff serger, but it too was malfunctioning. Too much time of no use and corrosion had taken its toll. We went back to Ray's for Ken to look at the machine in hopes of a repair. After two weeks we were informed that the machine was not repairable and we should "just throw it away". Here's where the problem begins. I wasn't satisfied with Ken's answer, since our serger has no electronics - it is a strictly mechanical device. Within an hour of bringing the machine home, I had diagnosed and corrected the problem - a light coating of corrosion that was preventing one of the components from moving freely. This was done on my kitchen table with simple tools that everyone has at home. I am NOT a sewing machine expert and have never looked inside one, but I am fairly competent when it comes to mechanical devices. The only thing that was done by Ray's was to dump a bunch of oil into the mechanism. It doesn't look to me as if the machine was actually opened up to any great extent. Suffice to say, I'm unhappy with the throw-away mentality and the almost complete lack of effort to correct the problem. I'm beginning to wonder if our old sewing machine was scrapped when it didn't need to be. My feeling is that Ray's just wanted to sell us another machine. I think we could be considered good customers of Ray's, but we will be shopping for a new sewing machine dealer. Ray's has abused our trust and we will not be back. read more

How disappointing! What a way to kill a young person's dreams. My 11 year old son loves sewing and designing so much, he chose a serger over a Playstation. He designs and makes all of his own clothes. His serger broke in our move, we looked up Ray's, read the reviews and took it in. The reviews couldn't be less accurate. The owner was less than friendly. In fact, if I could describe someone as passionately disinterested, I would. I described the problem we were having to his glazed eyes. He filled out the ticket. Called when he said it would be ready. We picked the machine up. (Not important, but, we were offered a discount if we paid cash, so we did.) My son was so excited to get back to work! (He had grown and needed new clothes.) A half yard into his project, the same issue we were having before happened again. The machine, according to my husband, was cleaned not repaired. The problem remains unfixed. We prefer to fix things rather than throw them out. But, I've lost the receipt for a cash transaction. At 1/3 of the cost for a new machine and after spending $100 to clean a machine. We're likely to just get a new one. Lessons learned: 1. Always leave a store when the owner displays aggressive disinterest. 2. Don't pay cash. 3. Keep your receipts when you do. read more

So...I've never technically been to this store but Ray's really does deserve 5 stars! My mom purchased a Janome embroidery machine through Ray's at a craft fair many (many) years ago. After that, she seriously went on an embroidery/sewing frenzy. She even made all the dresses that I wore in 4th and 5th grade (: Well, that machine is still working WONDERFULLY to this day. It was a few thousand dollars at the time but quite the investment considering 15 years later, it's still sewing as good as ever. I recently took up some craft projects and decided to learn how to sew, myself! And of course, I'm terrible. And I kind of broke it already :( It survived 15 years with mom and about 15 minutes with me. Clearly, I did not inherit the sewing gene. I called Ray's to ask them if they had any idea why the machine was shredding the heck out of my thread! No matter what I did, or how low I put the tension, it just kept fraying and breaking. It was so frustrating!! I decided to call Ray's since my mom said they were the friendliest people around and spoke with a woman named Lindsay. She was SO helpful; she schooled me and gave me a few reasons explaining why threads shred in the first place and helped me trouble shoot the problem over the phone so that I didn't have to bring it all the way down to San Jose! One other thing that I love about Ray's is that it's a family owned business that has been in San Jose for over 55 years. They're experts in Janome embroidery/sewing machines and have such GREAT customer service. Something that seems to be lost in the craziness of today... I'll be taking my Janome Memorycraft 9000 to Ray's for oiling and all that good stuff sometime in the near future. I can't wait to oogle over the amazing - and expensive - things that Janome has created since the 9000 came out! read more

Since I'm an avid quilter on a quilt guild Board of Directors I'm always looking for vendors, shops, that I can pass the word of superior customer service....this is a place I will definitely not recommend. read more

Wow, they are knowledgeable and fixed my old sewing machine up in no time. He even did extra work for me on cleaning up my machine. It was covered in dust. Works like new now and I'm happy that I didn't have to get a new machine, which I couldn't afford anyway, so I'm sewing happily at my new station. read more

If you are tempted to buy a "Ray's Special Edition" lift up the special edition sticker and see what you are really going to buy. BEWARE OF A KNOCKOFF. I lifted up the label and found that the name and/or model number had been painted over with black ink. A refund was given with no hesitation or question. read more

I'm a 3rd generation customer of Ray's. They provide knowledge, service and a friendly smile. I took my Baby Lock sewing machine here after I inherited it from my Grandmother. It hadn't been serviced in 10+ years, but they got it all spiffed up and working good-as-new. I highly recommend them for service or if you're looking for a new machine. read more

I took my beloved 70s Bernina 830 in to Eddie's Quilting Bee for repair, way back in January, as I thought that given that the store is a Bernina dealer, they would know what they were doing. A few days later Eddie called to say he had looked at my machine and that the pedal was broken, it would be about $200 for a new one, but that they don't last long, and why didn't I trade it in so they could use it for spares, and buy a nice brand new Bernina from them...... You lost me around the time you suggested using my late Grandmother's beloved machine for spares Eddie! I think not. Not trusting his verdict, I looked around for another place to take it for a second opinion, and found Ray's, where it seems according to Yelp, that lots of displeased Eddie's customers take their machines to have them fixed properly after Eddie's have botched the job. When I walked in with my machine, Ken knew without me even taken it out of the bag exactly what Make and Model my machine was, and then showed us a picture of him from back in the 70s (when he had hair) when he used to tour the Bernina 830 around craft fairs in the US! He was very knowledgeable about all the different machines, I knew it was in safe hands, and sure enough, there was nothing wrong with the pedal. It was the motor brushes. It is now fixed and running smoothly once more. I wonder if Eddie even opened it up and had a look? Great service. read more

Very nice, very helpful. helped us figure out (for free!) what was wrong with my wife's 30+ year old sewing machine. Even sent us to a competitor when they didn't have the part. We'll be back when she's ready to buy a new machine. Thanks! read more

Stopped by to look for a new sewing machine. Not a very comfortable experience. Won't be returning even though they sell the type of machine I'm interested in. Ashame, because they are close to home and work. read more

They always do a great job servicing my two Jamone machines. I also recently brought in my great grandmother's 1934 treadle sewing machine that hadn't been touched in years. They were able to repair the machine and got in perfect working order despite the machine being locked up with rust. They also cleaned the actual machine and wood cabinet. So thankful they were able to bring a family heirloom back to life! read more

I'm really sad this didn't work out. I brought in my grandmother's old Sears sewing machine to be serviced so I could use it for the first time in years. Ray told me it would be 4-5 days. Told a nice story about when he met Prince. Said my machine was a "good old machine". Was kind. I waited patiently for over a month and heard nothing. No one ever called me to approve repairs or expenditures ,or update me, or extend the service time table. So I just decided to go get my machine today. The woman who helped me sort through and find my machine was very nice but couldn't help beyond giving me my machine and apologizing. Which I appreciate very much. The tag says "need plate". I can't tell if anything was done to it. I don't know much about sewing or machines. I'm willing to learn and trust - but I need communication to do either of those things. read more

I bought a sewing machine at Ray's a few years ago and took it in for servicing. I had issues with bird nesting, especially when using the lock stitch button. I took my machine in and when I got it back I still had the issue. I gave them a call and the owner of the shop told me to come back, that he would take a look at it. He tried briefly the machine only and told me to use a different stitch that would automatically lock the stitch instead of the button, that it would solve my problem. I got back home, sewed a little bit more and I still get thread bunching up under the fabric no matter what I do. I waisted time and money and I'm done with Ray's. read more

I had to get my Singer repaired a while back and was in desperate need of a tune up. They took it in and fixed er up just in time for me to throw a 40 hour project at it which it took like a champ. Unlike previous reviewers I did not have someone try to sell me an expensive machine, even when I peeked at them out of curiosity (which I was fine with as I'm happy with my system). My experience was great and the price for the work done was within reason. I will go back again if I need my system fixed again. read more

If you're looking for a Janome Sewing machine or anything sewing machine related Ray's is THE place. Ken, the owner, grew up in his father's store back in the day. He's been running the show for decades now with honest good old fashioned service. His machines, parts & service are first rate & up to date. He's got everything from starter machines to the latest greatest new fangled computer optimized embroidery, sewing, serging or quilting machines. Always friendly superior service whether you come in for a bobbin, machine servicing or the ultimate machine. The BEST full service sewing machine store around. read more

I received the most attentive and helpful service here when looking for a new sewing machine a few weeks back. I live up in SF and had tried visiting a local shop only to get no attention or help trying evaluate their machines. Found Ray's Sewing Machine Center from a google search and called ahead to ask if they had some models I'd been looking at online in stock. Even over the phone, Ken took the time to explain their offerings and ask what kind of machine I was looking for and make some recommendations. Went in the next day and he spent at least an hour with me explaining the different features and letting me try out the machine. I really couldn't be happier with the service, the machine, or the price! I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. Give the Janome 8200 a whirl if you stop by, it's a pretty great machine for a quilter. read more

The owner, his daughter - who ever works there is so nice & helpful!! One of my best shopping experience! I wish all electronic/appliance place can demonstrate the product like they did. How great is it to walk into a store & have someone show you every little thing that an appliance can do (rather just a sales person who doesn't know crap, besides the "start" button) Well, in this case, they only sell sewing machines, so here we go. My mom wants a new sewing machine, but it was hard for her to understand the new technology these days when we go to Fabric stores or Costco/Sears to buy new ones. So I found Ray's in hoping they can just fix her old one. The moment she got into Rays, it was like a candy store for her (she thought it was just going to be some old store with a drop-off window). All sorts of machines for sewing, hemming, quilting. So Ken showed her different sewing machines for her needs (nothing too heavy duty or complicated - just to hem my jeans *hehe*). He was like an owners manual, showed her everything a machine can do, even with different footings & stitching. After being impressed, amazed and treated with respect. A mom bought one for her new projects. Ken even gave us some freebies that catered to her new project & gave minor discounts. Weeks after, we even went back to him cause something got stuck in the machine & he fixed it for us with no problem. Now, WHO can provide such assured service for you these days when you buy appliance? NO ONE! read more

This is the best store I've come across, Ken and his daughter Linsey are very kind. And I had the honor to meet Ray "Dad". I bought my MC 6500 some years back and still love my machine very much. Ken is a genius in fixing machines. I never came across a business who are the most kind people "who help their customers". I put my machine on lay away until it was paid, then it finally came home. Where do you find a business that helps you buy a machine you really want, but have to go the OLD FASHION WAY, called LAYAWAY. Anyway I STRONGLY RECOMMEND RAY's Sewing. And they have many fun classes of all sorts "WHOO HOO". And they will teach you how to KNOW your new machine. Once you start sewing you will be sooooooo happy in your heart just knowing "You made it" Shirley read more

I really appreciate the service and support I have received at Ray's. They sell a great product, and they back up their sales with courses and training materials. Ken has been a big supporter of the local guilds, and I'm impressed by his dedication to community. I like to support local businesses that give back, which is what Ken does. Keep up the good work. read more

Love, Love, Love Ray's Sewing Machine Center. Ken and his team know everything about sewing, quilting, thread, attachments, old machines, new machines, etc and are so willing to share the knowledge. They are Friendly and Helpful. Great prices. This place is excellent and a real KEEPER. KEN, PLEASE DON'T EVER LEAVE US. read more

I normally never write a review but I really appreciate the work done on my sewing machine! The lady receiving my sewing machine didn't impress me at all in regards to the mechanics of my machine properly getting fixed.... But dropped my machine off anyways because a friend recommended this place. Got a call the next day from Bob saying that my machine was tuned, timing fixed and he even gave me tips on how to avoid messing up my timing while sewing super thick materials. In the store, the owner, Ken, was able to provide even more information regarding types of needles best used for thick fabric... Something about the nickel coating and stronger metal. I also learned that needles are good for about of 8 hours of continuous sewing before needing to be changed, great to know and it makes sense... But never considered switching my needle before it broke or bent! read more

If I could give a zero, I would. I took my daughter's sewing machine in there back in August. I live in Gilroy so it was a bit of a trek. They said they would contact me regarding repairs within a couple of weeks. In September, they called to say they were looking for a part. Then I never heard back from them. I have called and called and called. They never answer their phone and never return my calls. I don't want to drive up there only to find out they are not open that day since they never answer the phone, I assume they are seldom there. What a rip off! My daughter is a young teacher who teaches special needs kids and wanted the machine repaired so she could do projects for the kids. I guess I will have to buy her a new machine at this point since I feel responsible for taking it to such a shady operation. read more

Just upgraded again to the Janome 11000,,,, these guys just get better and better. They now have some great classes with Gloria, Joanne, et al. I drive from Santa Cruz just to go to Rays.... read more

Called about how to properly install the bobbin in my older sewing machine. Ray was so nice, carried my machine in/out of the store and just showed me for nothing. Super kind and thoughtful. I would recommend him to anyone needing sewing machine repairs or help. read more

I had a great experience with Ken on the phone who answered my questions and suggested I come in for more guidance. I have a 25 year old Kenmore that is in excellent condition. I have been very busy quilting with no problems. When I started to make outdoor cushions I started breaking needles right and left. I felt I needed to get an industrial machine but wasn't completely sure. After a trip to Rays Sewing Store, I left with proper needles and a thorough education from Lindsay. I love a store that doesn't push it's products and sales but rather cares so much about customer service. I definitely will purchase my next sewing machine from Rays. read more

About two years ago, I bought my second sewing machine from Ray's. (The first one got stolen! Can you believe it?) I am, right this minute, doing some work with my current unit, and I felt I had to stop and post a quick review. This machine is a pleasure to sew on. Ray's gave me a very good price on both of the machines I purchased from them, and they were extreamly helpful as I tried to select a unit that would meet my needs without paying for features I would not be using. I'd call my experience a total success! (Now, I better get back to my stitchery.) read more

I am a big time fan of Ray's. I bought a machine thirty years ago from Ken's dad and have bought machines since then from Ken. I have recommended the shop to many friends and family who have purchased machines there. They and I have had machines repaired and tuned up over the years. Prices are reasonable. Recently, it feels as if the folks there are 'sometimes' like all of us, running to hard and flying by the seat of their pants. That doesn't work in a service repair business. Having said that - the staff is extremely knowledgeable, good- hearted , friendly , and supportive of the community. I will continue to support them. read more

Took my sewing machine in for it's first servicing in 10+ years. I only started sewing more 2-3 years ago. Lyndsay was nice, and took in my machine. I got a phone call a week later, and tahdah! It's like new! I was a little put off by the telephone etiquette & actually considered never coming back, but I let it go, thinking it was more me than anything. When I picked up my machine & spoke to Lyndsay a little more, she was nice & friendly. Answered my weird "newbie" questions & welcomed me to come back again. I like that they put a little sampler patch of the stitches to show you all is well.I don't know if that's something they do everywhere, but for my first time I'm happy. I will definitely go again. It's only a couple blocks from home & I can actually just ride my bike on over. I was also given a 25% off coupon when I dropped off my machine, so the damage $ wasn't too bad. I totally recommend you go in & just stop by to see what they have, and what they offer if you've never been in. read more