My Meile stopped starting, so I called and was told "no appointment necessary; just come in." When it was my turn, the wonderful employee plugged in the vacuum, and after a couple of tries it started, started again and started a third time. She fixed it! Well, maybe it's not fixed, but it's working again. What a nice experience. Support this shop, keep it around. We need it. read more

The service here was quick and friendly! I bought in my broken vacuum and was expecting to wait a week or two for it to be repaired. Instead, the guy at the counter was able to grab a replacement part and fix my vacuum in less than 5 minutes. Incredible. I am beyond happy with this place and I will come here in the future for any vacuum related needs. read more

My Dyson vacuum stopped spinning so I found these folks on Yelp. I think it was a problem with a switch. It was $20 to do the investigation to see if it was fixable and $60 more for the fix. It took about 9 days. Great value for me (dyson ball vacuums are about $300); the people were nice and dropoff and pickup were pretty quick! Definitely would use these folks again! read more

They were very organized and helpful with my needs! The sales person went that extra mile to assure my satisfaction.

A gem of a two-generation, two families-owned business (two friends and their sons). They sold us a vacuum cleaner 5 years ago, and there was absolutely no pressure to buy something expensive. In fact, after asking about how big our apartment was, if we had any pets, and how often we vacuum, they steered us to a cheap one on clearance. When I recently took it in because it emitted burning rubber fumes, one of the owners whipped out a screwdriver, replaced the belt, showed me how to know when to change it, gave me an extra belt for next time, and charged $10. Better than buying a new one! We've also rented a carpet shampooer and had good experience with that. read more

Excellent service, fast and friendly. Problem: My approximately 7 year old refurbished air purifier( surround air XJ 3000 model ) was starting to get louder. This purifier has been with me through heavy traffic neighborhoods and areas with lots of soot and environmental residuals. I'm thrilled that Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing could fix it. They checked the components, cleaned the housing and did a lube job. It is now working beautifully and will give me more years of usage. I'm thoroughly satisfied with their work. They went beyond my expectations. And to boot, their prices are reasonable which saved me from making an expensive purchase. The repair person is personable and professional. I contacted them before coming in and they responded within hours & were enthusiastic about me doing business with them. Thank you so much BVC. If I have any other problems with appliances, I'll be sure to use your services and will recommend you to all my associates. By the way, they are in a good location( plenty of parking, in front of the shop, available on Saturday and on weekdays.) read more

Left my daughter's sewing machine here for service, and had to prepay $130. The technician said he was making a note that the pedal and power cord (one unit) were with it. I noticed later the receipt noted "no case no pedal," but thought that since the pedal and power cord were integrated, that was their way of indicating there was only one cord left. When I picked it up, this essential component was gone. They insisted that I did not leave it. I had to fight with them to get a replacement. I have a second machine badly in need of service - I won't be taking it here. read more

These guys get an extra star service, but my perfectly functional Miele broke after being serviced by these guys. The spring powering my retracting extension cord broke, so I took it in to be replaced. I stupidly also agreed to a 'maintenance check up' which is what I think resulted in my broken vacuum. There was a whole Nextdoor thread about how this place routinely ruins Miele vacuums and needs to be avoided. I'm so sorry to write this review since I want to support a local business, but I wanted to voice a warning for those who don't want to see their very expensive vacuums ruined. read more

I am totally thrilled with the service I received at this business today. I arrived about 30 minutes before they closed, and they were slammed. No big deal, I expected to have to leave my sewing machine with them to be repaired, probably for a few days, at any rate. I finally got to the front of the line, and the gentleman (he told me his name, but I am a total airhead and almost immediately forgot it--my bad) asked me if I had 15-20 minutes to spare. I told him I did. He said he could go ahead and fix the machine on-the-spot, in that case. Well, that tickled me pink. And that's exactly what he did. I had to wait for him to serve the considerale number of customers still waiting in line, but I walked away with a perfectly working machine less than 30 minutes later, all for about 85% less than what I was expecting to spend. The repairman was very honest and told me the job was quite simple, and he therefore charged me only a nominal fee. I was pretty blown away. It's a real pleasure--not to mention a surprise--to find such ethical professionalism and total honesty these days. I will definitely be going back to this business any time I need any work done on my machines, and will be wholeheartedly recommending them to my friends who sew. read more

I had been to Berkeley Vacuum's second store in ElCerrito, which recently closed due to difficulty managing two locations. Staff are extremely helpful and polite. I have always appreciated their service and advice. Purchased a lightweight daily use floor vacuum, great for floors and the occasional rug. Pleased w the product right out of the box! Support these guys - they deserve our support and business! read more

I've been making masks for friends and family, so when my own sewing machine didn't work, I was disappointed, and had to borrow a machine from an acquaintance. They are slammed right now, with everyone taking up old hobbies, but I still got my machine back in less than a week. And the guy behind the counter is friendly and knowledgable. I got my White sewing machine in middle school about 40 years ago, so I was impressed. read more

Took an older Elna sewing machine here for servicing, and they did a fantastic job. They're knowledgeable, were kind to me with all of my questions. I'm so glad this place is here! I was prepared to wait at least a few weeks for my machine to be done, but it didn't take too long. In 2013 I visited them, brought another vintage machine in (Singer sewing) and at the time, they said it just needed oil and not a service. I believe this place is honest and does genuine good work. Worth every penny! read more

I was having some problems with my sewing machine, called to find out if this place could help and was told I could bring my machine in for a free estimate. I confirmed that a technician was on site that day through the end of the day was told yes and immediately got in my car to bring the machine in for an estimate. When I arrived 20 min later, I was told that there was no technician and I had to leave my machine and pay a $20 non refundable deposit. I was also told and I confirmed several times that the technician would review my machine and call me before doing any work on it to let me know what the problem was and what the cost to fix would be. Two days later I received a call saying my machine had been serviced, that I should come pick it up and that the cost was $135 for an overall machine servicing. I told the person that I had not agreed to any servicing or been notified of what the problem was and he told me that there was no way to figure out what was wrong with the machine without taking it apart and that's why I hadn't been called and was being charged. I explained this was not what the shop communicated or what is stated on their website and voice mail. He said "That's the way it is." When I came in to get the machine the woman at the desk was the same one who'd assured me nothing would be done without a call and an estimate. I explained the situation to her; she remembered me but also said "Oh they didn't call you? Sometimes they forget." And proceeded to charge me full price in order to get my machine back. I pushed back and she looked at me and snippily said, "It's my mistake, sorry" then walked away. Honestly, if anyone had genuinely owned up to their error and made an effort to find a path forward that was reasonable, I'd have been fine. But people were rude and made no effort to correct their error and in the end I ended up having to pay a bunch of money to get my machine back...an amount that was more than half of what I paid for the machine itself and something I would not have authorized if I'd received the call for the quote I was promised. I would not return or recommend this place. read more

The current ownership is a significant step down from the previous family who were the longtime owner/operators. Took my vacuum in just before the pandemic to be serviced, The man who handled the transaction told me that it would be no problem, that I needed to leave a $25 deposit on the $75 quote. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago I get a call from someone who tells me the vacuum is unfixable and that they can "recycle" it for me, or I could pick it up along with my $25 deposit, that they had all my info there. I told him to recycle it and I would stop by and pick up the $25 deposit. I go in yesterday and was told I was lying about the $25 deposit, that it is always $20. In my case, IT WAS NOT A $20 deposit, it was $25, as acknowledged by the individual I had spoken to previously. I was then told by the woman who I was told was the "boss" by the cashier that since I didn't have my receipt with me and I wasn't being truthful about the amount of the deposit that I wasn't going to get anything. The "boss" was remarkably rude and entitled. These current owners are a dreadful replacement for the family that owned the business previously and built their reputation on top flight service and competitive pricing. We've done business with them for years; never again. These aren't the same people by a LONG shot. Do business here at your own risk. There are better (MUCH better) options available. I'll be investigating them next time I need "service". Unethical people. One can only hope they'll use $25 they didn't return to me to put it toward taking a course in business ethics. read more

I thought my antique vacuum was broken but it turned out that I only needed to replace the rubber belt. It works like new again, thanks to Berkeley Vacuum. I also needed help with my antique sewing machine. The slide plate came off and Susan was able to put it back on. Thanks to Susan and all her know-how, she put it back on the machine and my antique is good as new. I highly recommend Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing Center. read more

We were so happy to find the exact vacuum we wanted and buy it from a local business rather than order it online. The owners are really helpful and knowledgeable and we love our new vacuum! read more

Rented a carpet cleaner. Equipment was clean and in good condition. People were friendly and helpful. I would definitely use them again.

These guys are amazing. Super experienced and have been in the business for a while. This is a high quality local shop. DON'T get a vacuum from Target or WalMart. These folks will give you an honest assessment of your needs and will not nickel and dime you. They are absolutely not "used car salesmen". I bought a nice Miele and will be working with them for as long as I can. They do it all. Update (8/20/19): I'm still using my vacuum after I bought as a Christmas gift for myself. Still going strong! read more

Friendly service and quick estimate. I messaged them about a knife repair and they were able to refer me to a specialist.

A few years ago, I was having issues with a Baby Lock sewing machine. I had it repaired at Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing at their Berkeley Way location. The technician was helpful and the repair was done within 2 weeks. In 2020, my mother's vintage Pfaff, which originally belonged to my grandmother, was in need of some serious repair. I told her I knew the perfect place. It was during the early days of SIP but with so many folks sewing masks, the shop was extremely busy. The staff was very kind and told me it would probably be around 2 weeks. Sadly, that wasn't the case. Since my mother's machine was so old, they had a hard time getting a switch from a parts supplier. I had dropped off the machine in June 2020. I must have called them once a month just to check on the machine. Finally in March 2021, I got a call from Wilson, my SIP contact at Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing to tell me the machine was ready. It had been so many months and there were days when I thought it was beyond repair. Wilson never faltered and improvised with a used switch. I was so thrilled to see my mother's machine after almost a year in the shop. She says the machine is so quiet now. I am grateful to the staff at Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing, especially Wilson for all the work put into salvaging my family's heirloom. read more

These folks are fantastic. My wife and I have been in a couple of times with our poor aging sewing machines, and they've always managed to fix them or scare them straight. Most recently, my wife's (inexpensive 10 year old) machine finally bit the dust, and the guy there was super kind and honest about the value of fixing it, and the likelihood of the fix lasting. My machine he got going again, including all the zigzags! They also have a lot of fun notions, very reasonably priced. Wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

I just brought a hose over with a Hot Wheels car lodged in. I worked on getting the little 1969 Chevelle SS 396 out of that hose for over two hours last night, cursing myself for complaining about suctioning up Lego pieces in the past, because this was so much worse. I went down to Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing Center with the hose (and stuck car). The owner, Susan, was very kind. They got it out in a minute and didn't charge me (I would have understood if they charged a small fee, and it's not unusual these days for places to charge a sizable minimum, but this was so appreciated). It was a reminder of how important it is to support our local businesses and community. I'm glad I went down there, which also reminded me that my sewing machine has been sitting in my closet and needing service. So glad we were able to save a part from going in the landfill and if there are issues with my vacuum in the future, this is the first place I'd take it to. read more

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

Slow to greet me but great, quick service on my vacuum after a short wait. Would go there again!

Bought a very expensive, over priced vacumn (didn't check prices online-big mistake) that they recommended. Vacumn was even broken before I took it out of the box. Vacumn has not been a good vacumn, has broken twice, second time, went to center to find replacement part-they confusedly took down info, had no sense of urgency finding part, later even misplaced the order, and finally, to add insult to injury, never got back to me. I would say if you have a simple fix of a machine and they can do on the spot, use them, otherwise they just aren't reliable any more. read more

Berkeley-Vacuum and Sewing Center fixed our Dyson HEPA Pet vacuum cleaner in 20 minutes and only charged $20 for the labor and $40 for the part. Most of the places we called about getting this part replaced quoted us $75 for the labor alone and said it would take several weeks to order the part. Berkeley Vacuum had it in stock and fixed it on the spot! For someone like me who has cat allergies as well as a pet cat, I can't afford to leave my HEPA vacuum in the shop for weeks, because my home would be uninhabitable for me! So a place that can get the job done immediately? Awesome!! read more

Wilson Soch is the nicest guy, I called when the foot on my sewing machine refused to stay on, he told me to bring it in, and was able to quickly diagnose the problem (the piece that attached it to the sewing machine was broken). He replaced the piece, re-attached the foot and it was good as new!!! I asked him what the charge was, and he waved me away!!!! Unbelievable, I was happy to pay for his expertise, time and the part...but he was kind and generous. I will be back for any other repairs (again, which I am HAPPY to pay for) at such a professional and friendly store. read more

Bad-ass vacuum dudes! They changed the belts in my 39 y/o Hoover - a gift that I've inherited from my parents wedding - this weekend when old Hoover started to blow instead of suck (lets keep it clean people). They also cleaned off the outside of the machine and de-stringed the carpet rolly thingamadoodle, making my floor sucker work like new. All it took was 15 minutes and $40. The guy at checkout said that my powder-blue baby was one of the best vacuums ever made, and to hold on to it. Great to hear from a place that sells at least one vacuum that costs $1,000. read more

I use both vacs and sewing machines in my one-person business, and I've been coming to Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center since I moved from the City 14 years ago. I have always experienced honest, direct, and dependable service from them. (And - business aside - I was once highly impressed by the sensitive, humane treatment I saw staff members giving to a homeless man who wandered in, clearly disoriented.) The other day I brought in a small portable vac I had bought from them several years ago but only used a few times. A small plastic component had broken. Could they order a replacement part? Chris (the owner, I believe) looked online and determined that a replacement part could not be bought. Instead, he took down my name and called the manufacturer: Riccar. Riccar offered a new vac (updated model with improved features!), at no charge. I just picked it up. My gratitude to Chris for doing business the old-fashioned way and earning my trust and allegiance. And clearly he has the right relationship with his suppliers - Riccar, in this case - because they trusted what Chris told them and did the right thing, too. Thank you Chris, Riccar, and BV&SC! read more

Another great find. I brought in an inherited ELNA sewing machine that hadn't been touched in years and these guys hooked me up. They showed me the operating basics, replaced the bulb, tested out the parts and set me up with new needles and bobbins. Friendly, efficient and inexpensive. Can't wait until my vacuum breaks! read more

I love this place for its 'Can Do' attitude and friendly service. Berkeley Vacuum has been in business a long time and I hope they continue to be around for many more years. I had no idea they repaired anything but sewing machines and vacuums, but I saw on Yelp that they do repairs so I called to see if they could replace the cord on a client's waffle iron and they said bring it in. I brought the waffle iron in and while I was waiting to be helped another customer brought in his lamp to be repaired. I had an industrial lamp in my car that also needed to be repaired so I asked if they could also repair that and they said sure no problem. Here's the really impressive part, I was called less than 24hours later to pick up my items. I couldn't believe how quick they were fixed and it's not like they weren't busy with other customers. read more

The guys at Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing have fostered my alteration fu and corsetry habit for 14 years, through two carefully matched low- to mid-range sewing machines and a generous handful of extra-blonde moments. The service matches the ambiance; small town etiquette applies. It may take a minute to get oriented, but give it a shot. Once you find their candid, cordial groove (this may be set to a Charlie Daniels beat) you'll find a lot to appreciate. Their selection of notions and sundries is as complete and nicely priced as their machines, and the service is at once brisk and warm and always impeccable. read more

Service is awesome. I took my brand spankin new Euro Pro Shark (sewing machines seem like really good gifts to give and get, but really, one ought to do the research and find the right machine for them, that machine will NEVER be a Euro Pro) because I couldn't get it working. One gentlemen sat with me until 5:50pm (They close at 5:30 and I rolled in straight from work around 5:10), and showed me how to clean and oil my bobbin area, adjust the tension, etc. He got the machine humming along smoothly (although he did mention that it was, how do you say? a piece) and sent me along my way. So as soon as I took it home from the shop, it stopped working. I swear, I did not even touch it, no touching. So I take it back a few days later and a different fellow helps me. He takes his time, looks at the machine, gets down in to all those dirty areas, and then proceeds to tell me that the machine is basically, a piece. Instead of encouraging me to pay him the $100 he thought may be necessary to fix it (apparently it was a common problem with those machines), he told me that if there was any possible way to get rid of that awful thing, I should do so promptly. I respect that, honesty is good. He didn't even charge me the customary $20 for researching the problem. Great service. Btw, still trying to get rid of that Euro Pro...anyone looking for a broken, cheaply made machine from Target with no manual?? Hit me up! read more

The guys at Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I needed a small replacement part for my Riccar N2000 -- the hinge for the hose inlet on the rear of the machine had snapped -- and figured it was something I could fix myself. I called Berkeley Vacuum and they immediately knew what I needed. They were happy to send me the part in the mail and now my vacuum is as good as new. Thanks, guys! read more

One more vote for "This Place Rocks". I took my sewing machine in because it was doing something annoying that I thought signaled some sort of problem with the machine. The man behind the counter at B-V & SC got right down to business, plugging in my machine and testing it every which way. He investigated for probably 20 minutes before coming to the conclusion that my machine wasn't broken--no repair needed!--but that it just wasn't capable of doing the particular thing I was wanting it to. He showed me what it was, indeed, capable of, and how to work within its limitation. All that time and advice cost me exactly $0.00. I bought a couple sewing notions--they have an awesome selection at excellent prices--and vacuum bags, which I've been meaning to get forever, and went on my way. This place has that old-fashioned kind of service that our parents talk about; I think the word for it is "good" service. For that reason, I will try to patronize them whenever possible. Places like this deserve my business. read more

Fantastic customer service and quality of work. I've brought my vacuum in for a repair on two occassions and they were able to fix it while I waited. Very affordable, knowledgeable staff. Would definitely recommend them to anyone. Thank you! read more

I thought my machine was a goner. In the middle of stitching a particularly dangerous curve, the needle sped up and wouldn't stop until I pulled the power plug. After which, sparks flew, followed by the pungent smell of smoke. Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing recognized the symptoms immediately, something particular to my machine and its vintage. The technician pulled the noise (electrical noise, not sound) suppressor, and after a bit of airing out, my trusty machine is back in service. read more

Love it here. Just bought my second Miele vacuum from them. Also have purchased an Elna sewing machine.....and have brought both the Miele and the Elna in for repairs over the years. First, the Miele pricing is just right - you really won't find it less expensive online (I like purchasing these items locally anyway, but y'all know we wanna know if we got a deal). And they're great when it comes to service as well. They are super knowledgeable about both vacuums and sewing machines and will walk you through a lesson until you get it. When I first got my sewing machine and the guy gave me a lesson and I saw how adept he was I was amazed. He really knew how to sew. Yes, I am guilty of pre-conceived sexism in sewing. Dude showed me what's up. I shall never assume men can't sew again. And PS - I taught my son (and daughter) to sew, and while he doesn't do it anymore at 15, he can still stitch a mean line AND repair the thing for me. Oh, okay, looks like I still have a little sexism leftover. hee hee Anyway - go here. You won't be sorry. read more

It took 4 whole minutes and 15 cents to get my vacuum fixed by Berkeley-Vacuum. You guys rock! Here's the story. I brought it in to another repair shop in Oakland on Grand Avenue, because I was told the brush wheel wasn't turning. The guy there said it would likely be 3 days they'd need to keep it to open it up and they'd charge me for that diagnostic. I just asked if he would plug it in and try it (sometimes my machines behave as soon as they're in the hands of a professional, whether they get worked on or not). Sure enough, it started right up and they guy said the wheel was turning just fine. I brought it home and tried it, but found the wheel was not, in fact, turning at home. So, I decided to try Berkeley-Vacuum instead. I thought I might have to leave it with them so I put all the change I had in the meter (15 cents, for 4 minutes). Instead, they evaluated the condition of the vacuum on the spot. More than that, they showed me that the wheel should not be turning when the machine is upright (a safety feature, so that if you tilt it up to check if the wheel brush is turning and touch it with your hand, it doesn't shred your hand). They showed me that when I depress the pedal to unlock the vacuum so the handle is at a diagonal and I can run the vacuum, that the wheel brush then engages and works just fine. Problem solved AND an education gained. This will save me time and money in the future. Berkeley-Vacuum is the best! read more

Berkeley Vac has the very Best Customer Service. Easy Parking. Fair price points. Outstanding Inventory and really smart people to answer myriad questions. They fixed my Vac Cleaner in minutes - new belt and few little tweaks -and it is like new. Brand new. I appreciate outstanding customer service and never hesitate to bring a client's sewing machine or vacuum cleaner to this unique store. Highly recommend. Plus, they have everything you need for sewing - wonderful selection of scissors. Yes, I am a big fan. read more