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

This is the best place ever and the owners are very kind and honest. I made the mistake of going to a repair center closer to home and they totally ripped me off and didn't really even fix my machine. Oh and then he tried to convince me that I should sell my machine to him for a couple of hundreds and then spend a couple of thousands buying a new machine from him. At Berkeley-Vacuum and Sewing Center, one of the owners took a look at my machine immediately (I thought I was going to have to drop it off and pick it up at a later date), diagnosed the problem, fixed it immediately (loose screw in the pedal) and charged me $20. His honesty saved me a couple of thousands of dollars and created my undying loyalty. There are not many owners and shops like this one!!!! They are very special people. Definitely, give them your business. read more

This place is the epitome of a 5-star business. I lugged my derelict vacuum 3 blocks down here on a busy Saturday afternoon, and they took a look at it immediately. In less than 5 minutes, they had a diagnosis and a very reasonable charge. I decided to wait while they did the repair, and less than 10 minutes later, my vacuum was ready and as good as new. The whole time, they were all extraordinarily friendly, knowledgeable, and more than willing to talk me through the long-term care and maintenance. I cannot say enough about this place, but I am so thankful that they are here! 5 glowing stars! read more

I never ever ever write reviews check my history.. this is by far the worst experience I have ever had I am soooooo upset how anyone can do this .. ordered a belt because the one in my airlift somehow broke :( I seen the reviews of this place and thought it might be the best to deal with... boyyyy was a wrooooongg... my room is in neeed of cleaning ! You would think these guys who fix vacuums understands something like this should be handled in a timely manner ... I ordered a belt with them someone on the phone said one week.. called next week on the day he said would be there... apologized and said it will be in next week.. I wasnt even upset at allll... called again ... once again saying next week... this has happened 3 weeks they want me to wait for a belt I could have gotten anywhere else for a faaarrr lesss wait... whats worst is when I called the owner was trying to laugh at me being upset and saying she has nothing to do with orders being backed up... are you serious.. she litteraly laughed at my struggle and irritation willl never ever ever deal with these crappy people ever again i have never ever felt this way .. screw those guys read more

Such a lovely experience! My little IKEA sewing machine was jammed and my friends and family and I couldn't fix it. I called here and they suggested I bring it by and they could take a look at it. I did and she immediately did some trouble shooting right there at the counter, taking her time to test for various issues. Still no luck, so she helped others while the technician put aside his work in the back, came out and worked his magic. They could have scoffed at the inexpensive little machine, but they were kind, helpful, fast and knowledgeable. I've got a working sewing machine again, all at no charge! read more

During the summer I took my mother's 1970's Singer to them and they fixed it right up - ran beautifully. Then a couple of weeks ago I lost my zig-zag stitch and then the machine stopped completely. Brought it back, and I live in Marin County, Gerald opened it up and I had some thread stuck. He cleared it out and the machine ran perfectly. This seems to have also affected the zig-zag - problem solved. Wonderful thing is that there was NO CHARGE. They do have a 90 day warranty on their work and I was way past that. I appreciate their knowledge and friendliness. I wish we had a place like this in Marin. The one on 4th street in SR is a rip-off. Thank you Berkeley Vacumn and Repair!!! read more

Incredible customer service. I recently acquired an old sewing machine that was missing the bobbin case. I'm a novice sewer, so pretty clueless. I took photos of my machine (which is attached to a table) to the shop to ask about it. The store had the charm of a place you'd find in a much smaller town, in a very specialized but unpretentious "we know everything about vacuums and sewing machines" kind of way. The man I spoke with was obviously incredibly knowledgeable, and also didn't talk down to me or make me feel like an idiot. In hindsight, I feel sheepish that I didn't get his name. He was so kind, and is the main reason I'm writing this review. He sold me a bobbin case, and also gave me a wealth of free, helpful advice on oiling my machine, new needles, etc. He also suggested (but didn't try to sell) that I come back with my machine for a 30-minute, one-on-one instruction session on how to care for and use my particular model, which would cost $30. I felt no pressure, and also felt like I found a GREAT resource for my future sewing endeavors. I'll almost surely be back for that 30-minute lesson. They seriously deserve all 5 stars. I thought other reviewers might be a little crazy in their enthusiasm, but now I, too, wish I had a malfunctioning vacuum cleaner for them to fix. read more

I have brought my White Star Miele vacuum and and then my Elna SU sewing machine in for repair. On both occasions, the service has been top quality. Their knowledge is supreme on both topics- vacuum and sewing. They consistently advise repair on only what is necessary. And walk me through their troubleshooting. I feel so pleased after a trip to the vacuum store, even if I am just buying vacuum bags. A solid solid business! read more

Professional, responsive and very fair. We have a really nice vacuum that my mom bought us and they have been nothing but fabulous and helpful when it comes to servicing our machine. Highest recommendation. read more

I went into Berkeley-vaccum and sewing machine to get my sewing machine fixed and tuned. They walked me through the problem I was having and the different ways I could fix it. One of the potential fixes even involved not buying any new parts, and they told me that they didn't think I needed a tune up at the moment. They also taught me many other things about my sewing machine and made minor adjustments to make the machine work better all at no cost. If their goal was to gain a new loyal customer, they did it! read more

Wow, great service and very knowledgable staff. I had a minor problem with my sewing machine that I just could not fix on my own and they fixed it for me on the spot while I waited and for a very reasonable price. One of the best repair shops I've been to in the Bay Area! read more

RUDE! HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I decided to visit this little gem to purchase a vacuum cleaner today. The woman who was behind the cash register saw me enter the business (she watched me from the time I got out the car until I reached her). I got to the counter and she decided then would be a good time to get on the computer. Not once did she acknowledge my presence,she was acting like I was invisible so I did both she and I a favor and left. WTF? What type of business is this. Here I was ready to spend several hundred dollars on a new vacuum but had to deal with STUPIDITY! They never have to worry about seeing me EVER AGAIN! Save yourself and NEVER visit this horrible place they call a business! read more

A really nice place to go to. They helped me IMMEDIATELY and I was out in less than an hour. I had 3 vacuums to fix and the pricing seemed reasonable. :-) read more

Quick, easy to talk to, professional, and inexpensive repair for my vacuum cleaner. Thanks!

My vacuum cleaner's switch decided to die several months ago. I needed it fixed pronto. While Berkeley Vacuum isn't the quickest gun in the west, I had confidence in their workmanship and quality and reliability. It took about 5 business days for the switch to be replaced, and it came out to be about $30 for parts and labour. Not bad. The fellow I spoke to on the phone beforehand was friendly and informative. He gave me an approximate price quote, which was the second lowest estimate I had received. That, combined with the excellent reviews the store has received, persuaded me to bring my vacuum to Berkeley Vacuum for repair. Recently I wanted to do some vacuum and upholstery cleaning. Got some astronomical quotes from professionals, and decided to try my luck at doing it myself. Rented an industrial steam cleaner from Berkeley Vacuum, got a quick and thorough tutorial on how to use the system, and was more than happy with the results. It costs $30 to rent the steamer for 24 hours, plus $3 for the optional upholstery extension hose. The cleaning solution will set you back $12-$40 depending on the square footage you need to cover. This is far more affordable than the $200+ quote I got for cleaning the love seat and sofa alone, not to mention the carpets! One drawback is Berkeley Vacuum's location on Berkeley Way, which requires paid parking. Pros: the staff is helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly; product selection is excellent; prices are reasonable. read more

I love these people! I bought my miele from them over 20 years ago. Since then I moved out of Berkeley. So I made the mistake of taking my vacuum to another shop. After receiving a wildly overpriced estimate ($300) from the other shop, I took my miele to Berkeley Vacuum. The man who helped me immediately tested it. I had trouble with the power head not turning and knew that it had to be cleaned and serviced. He quoted me $65 and it was ready in 3 days! These guys are honest, trustworthy and they do an excellent job. Don't take your vacuum or sewing machine anywhere else! Really! read more

As a professional costumer, I come here a LOT. These guys are amazingly helpful and honest. Can't recommend them enough. Great selection of notions too... read more

The folks here were super nice. Chris, especially. I brought my sewing machine in twice in the same day (I dropped it on the way home the first time) and he not only repaired the machine but also patiently explained several aspects of it that had confused me. Prompt, nice service, fair prices and interesting selection of products. read more

Great customer service. They knew what I was talking about when I said 1948 Singer 15-91 and they helped me select the appropriate needles for my machine based on my project and the preferences of their large customer base. They also provided me with a phone number to a shop in Oakland that can service my industrial JUKI. Above and beyond customer service. If you don't see what you need, ask them and they'll probably be able to help. :) read more

Gerard took a look at my Baby Lock sewing machine, knew exactly how to repair it and gave me tips on how to keep it running well for less than 40 bucks. I didn't even have to leave it there. How often do you get great service like that nowadays? read more

I recently rented a carpet/upholstery steamer here and had a great experience. The staff were knowledgeable and courteous and the price was great. I will definitely go back next time I need something in their line. read more

A rare and lovely shop run by people who know and care about their trade. Very kind and helpful staff. I come here for sewing machine parts and needles. read more

These guys are great! I walked in 5 mins to closing expecting to have to leave my machine- they took it immediately and spent the next 15 mins making the repairs- I got to walk away with my machine working. Thanks!!! read more

I had the same experience as Mickey M. $20.00 and 10 minutes, problem solved. In the old days I would have put the vacuum on the curb and gone out and bought a new one for $$$. These shops are harder and harder to find and I am glad it is there!! read more

These guys are very knowledgeable. I needed to know the best way to tackle a long overdue deep carpet cleaning and they had great advice on technique and tools. I followed their directions and my carpet is much brighter and cleaner. read more

This place it GREAT! I brought my vacuum in and within about 2 minutes the problem was diagnosed, and then just a few minutes more and the parts were replaced and I was all done! AND they gave my old vacuum a quick cleaning so it sparkled. Price was reasonable, too. Very happy with my experience here! read more

I went in the other day prepared to come out with a used sewing machine. I asked some questions of the man who waited on me and felt I got very short shrift in terms of answers. Finally I said "I need to think about it" - I hadn't been encouraged to try any of the machines now was I made to feel I was worth his time -- and he responded "Don't think too long." Needless to say, I am not going back I ordered a machine online. read more

I brought in a vacuum cleaner to basically be unclogged. The rollers on my vacuum were working beautifully. After I picked it up the rollers were no longer working. I brought it back and they said it was some transmission/motor part and would cost up to $150. I was rather peeved that my vacuum cleaner was not fully working after picking it up from them. I left it for scrap as I can get a new one cheaper than that. This place seems better for sewing machines, and perhaps, it depends who you talk with. On the phone they were trying to accuse me of breaking the vacuum when all I did was turn the blasted thing on. But, whatever, I had to rant. read more

Great service from a local family business! I brought my sewing machine in for a tune up (the timing on my machine was messed up and it needed a deep cleaning). The folks at Berkeley Sewing and Vacuum inspected my machine, gave me a reasonable estimate comparable to what other sewing machine vendors charge, and gave me back a tuned up machine the next day. And they provide professional and friendly service. Can't ask for more. read more

I LOVE this place! I've had my vacuum cleaner serviced here, and was really pleased with the work. My mom recently pulled out her 1973 White sewing machine, which she hasn't used in decades, and it wasn't working right. She tried to have it serviced where she lives, but the guy basically took her money and did nothing. So I took the machine to Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing. These are true professionals who clearly care about the quality of their work. Their customer service is also top notch. Once I got the repaired machine home, I discovered I couldn't reattach the presser foot to the inside of the sewing cabinet, so I brought it and the cabinet to the shop and they attached it for me, labeled all of the cords, zip-tied up the excess internal cord, and even fixed a hinge on the leaf of the sewing cabinet that had gotten bent in the process of me loading and unloading it into and out of my car. If your vacuum or sewing machine is on the fritz, please don't just toss it and buy a cheap new one; take it here. They will give you an honest assessment, and if repair is possible, they will charge a fair price. It's so much less wasteful, and you'll be supporting a small, local business in the process. Or if you are in the market for a new vacuum or sewing machine (they also sell refurbished sewing machines), come here. You won't regret it! read more

My dog sheds a lot. No, a LOT. He should be nekkid, he sheds so much. The old vacuum finally stopped doing its thing - namely, getting the fur off of the carpet - so after a bit of research, I went down to the fine people at Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing Center. I told them my problem of having to practically groom the floor of my house, gave them rough specs of the space that needed to be vacuumed, and they pointed out a couple of options for me. At checkout, they put the vacuum together for me, reminded me about some extra bags and off I went, with one of their lovely vacuums accompanying me home. Six months later, it's still doing a marvelous job. Even after extremely heavy usage (i.e. the dog's blown his coat TWICE during this time), it's still going strong. It's to the point where I almost *like* vacuuming now - totally instant gratification because you can plainly see the clean happening! The people there were knowledgeable and nice, even professionally handling lady in the shop who seemed to be trying to monopolize ALL of their staff. The only bad part is that the vacuum was pricey. No more than a high-end vacuum, but definitely more than a K-Mart brand. Guess you get what you pay for! read more

I had an awful service. I brought my sewing machine and they only had two prices for repair services: 35$...even for what ended up being only a cleaning I could have probably done on my own...which probably explains why he wanted to hide in the back to "work on it"! The other service was over $125. When he came back to the front of the store with the machine...he showed me the point already made on a piece of fabric but cut the thread quickly after showing me the straight regular sewing point. I asked to try the zig-zag and his answer was;" Too late I cut the thread!" and he pointed the zig-zag on the piece of fabric saying he had tried it in the back, and he was not going to put more thread on the machine to show me a zig-zag point. "There,s only much we can do for $35 dollars" he said. I couldn't believe he said that ...$35 for 15 min...and it takes only a few seconds to put more thread on a sewing machine. I took a chance, not wanting to argue and hoping I could thrust him. I have no car so I had to carry the machine all the way back to Oakland on the commute....and guess what! My zig-zag is not working! I will never go there, ever again. Thrust me! read more

These guys know everything about sewing machines and are often glad to help without charging. They have a large inventory of parts and accessories. parking is reasonable and their prices are reasonable. read more

After grumpily accepting our Miele vacuum for a repair covered by the warranty and saying it would be 7 to 10 days, they took over a month to fix it and when I picked it up it was covered in dust. read more

Just had my vacuum repaired at Berkeley vacuum. What a great experience. Everyone was very helpful. I will definitely be recommending this shop to everyone Excellent service ! Very personable and knowledgeable Glad I found this place :) read more

Over the years I've been in to get my mother's sewing machine repaired for her, my vacuum repaired, sewing scissors sharpened, and now to buy a second machine for myself. Whatever I go in for, they're always amazing. read more

I called and was told the vacuum model I wanted would be arriving in a week and I'd receive a call when it arrived. After waiting 10 days and not hearing from them (their answering machine doesn't take messages) I called again and was told the Miele I wanted would surely be in sometime within a week or two and I'd be given a call as soon as it came in. Two months later and no call from them, so I called again and was told no one recalled ever having a conversation with me. Eventually I purchased my Miele elsewhere--- at a place in Richmond where the service was excellent and included lots of extra free vacuum cleaner bags! read more

Long time reader first time disappointer... I used these "Gentlemen" in the past for sewing machine repair. So when I found the machine of my dreams I wasn't going to take it to anyone else. I will admit upfront I had my final follow up with them too late. I should have nagged them like a mother does her child to clean his or her room. Back to the beginning... I picked up my working dream machine. They had lost the peddle. I said "no big deal, I have another machine I can use. I trust you'll call me when you find it." I worked on another machine and waited. After not hearing from them for 2 months, I called again nope hadn't found my peddle yet... 6 months sorry still hadn't found it. But would keep looking and call. It's 2 years later, I now need my dream machine take it out and... oh right the pedal is missing???? I called today. They won't honor me at this point because I never got paper work from them saying they had lost my pedal. ...So go to the Bernina lady on Piedmont Ave for sewing machine maintenance and repair. She may not be the nicest but at least she has honor and integrity. I've taken my bosses machines to her and they have never been lost. She calls when there is a problem! read more