Why you should buy a sewing machine from a local shop (this one!) Online stores any more are swamped with fake reviews from bots. There's simply no substitute for hands-on demos and the expertise of folks who have been in the business for years. I replaced my 1980s-era machine with a modern Babylock, with all the bells and whistles (and very few features I *don't* need), and although it was a major purchase, not one regret! I spent quite a bit of time poking around, trying things out, and asking lots of questions. The owner couldn't have been more patient and helpful. Seriously, I don't think I could have purchased from a better vendor, online or off. Kudos to Rich's Sew & Vac--they are wonderful! read more

They are closed for good. I'm so sad, they were my favorite sewing machine store, and for repairs.

This store is great, with a wide selection, clean and well organized. They even helped me access a coupon to save me more money while I was checking out. I will be frequenting this store regularly! read more

Do not bring your machine here under any circumstances. I brought my 2k Bernina here at the end of December, and by mid-March the mechanic, Tim, had tried to give her back to me 4 times when she was still slipping stitches. I had him write a guarantee the last time that I would be repaid for the labor if she did it again so that I could take her to a competent mechanic. After two days she slipped her tension again. I took her to a Bernina mechanic who reported that she hadn't even been cleaned, oiled, or had burs filed off her hook, and that she was definitely still slipping. I took Tim proof from that mechanic and asked him to uphold his guarantee and he waffled around his wording and said it was only for him to try and fix her for a fifth time. During this entire process the rest of the staff there have been dismissive, rude, and attempted to convince me I am imagining new faults on a machine I have been using daily for 8-10 years. Their warranty is worthless, they will lie to you and blame any failings of theirs on you, and they should be shut down. I will be calling the better business bureau and warning folks to stay away on every platform I can find. I have lost thousands of dollars of worktime thanks to the incompetence of this shop and were I not a much more kind person than they deserve I would be well within my rights to sue. Do NOT bring your machine here. This was at Rich's Sewing Annex which is the same mechanic. read more

My sewing machine was acting up and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what was wrong with it. Another place quoted me at least $50 just to look at it, I took it in and Emily fixed it within minutes for no charge! Everyone in the store was so kind and helpful, even giving recommendations on how to avoid the problem in the future. Cannot recommend them enough! read more

FANTASTIC SERVICE That is all I can say. I shopped around and they were by far the best overall place to buy my new sewing machine. I would highly suggest them. read more

Can't say enough good about this business. I would give it ten stars if I could. Incredibly beautiful and spacious showroom with tons of models on display. Super clean and orderly. The staff was also professional and attentive. They know their stuff. I had my Orec vacuum repaired there. They stopped what they were working on, assessed the problem, and fixed it in minutes. They are the best, and from my experience you won't find anywhere better than Rich's. Highly, highly recommend!! read more

They are probably very good at sew and vac but don't buy a hot tub they have no idea what they are doing. they quoted me a spa and gave me a brochure of a tub that wasn't even the same, I put $100.00 down on the spa and had them order it because of the super long delivery time, the agreement was when my refinance went through I would pay more on the spa. then the spa design kept changing and they kept saying it was an upgrade from what I was getting but was still not sure 100% what I was going to get but I liked the brand. Then when they started calling and pressuring me for more money and the spa delivery was still way out I decided to cancel my order. VERY unhappy and would not recommend buying a spa from them.... read more

Somehow I managed to get a pen stuck in the hose of my vacuum. I tried and tried to get it out at home. I finally decided I'd pay whatever crazy fee to see if the vacuum cleaner store could get it out. To my surprise they were incredibly friendly and tried really hard to get it out. They did get it! When I asked how much I owed them, they said nothing!! Super example of above and beyond customer service. I'll be back when I need a new vacuum. Thank you! read more

I had a clogged vacuum cleaner from trying to clean up pine needles. They were able to unclog it for and did not charge me for their time. Very nice staff. Would go there again for a vacuum cleaner issue if the need arises. read more

The staff at Rich's are so welcoming and fixed my problem right away. They not only were quick to fix my sewing machine, but the told me how much it was going to be up front and also talked to me about any issues that come up. I feel like they valued me as a customer and made sure I was fully included in all aspects of the repair. Thank you for all your hard work!! read more

Seems like people either swear by Rich's or swear at them. I've only had good experiences here, and ended up buying my sewing machine from the Albany store. I didn't feel pressured to purchase a more expensive machine, had a good experience with the one-on-one class I had on how to use my machine, feel comfortable that I could have more classes should I need them, and haven't had a service issue to date. Dropped my machine off, they gave me the date it would be done, and it was done a day early. So... not sure who is getting shafted by this business, but it hasn't been me. Also, the service has been helpful in the store, AND they have a great selection of thread. read more

I have been disappointed by Rich's twice. The first time, I brought my machine to be tuned up and have the light fixed. The machine worked great. When I got it back, they said that the technician had adjusted the feed dogs and tuned it up. Great. I paid my $125 and took my baby home. It didn't work as well, and the light still didn't work. Had to adjust the tension to make it sew well again. My second and worst experience is the reason that I will never buy anything bigger than a bobbin from them. I purchased a used Babylock Imagine from the Albany shop that the salesman told me was about one year old. These are not cheap machines, even "slightly used". I brought it home, took it out of the box, and discovered the original receipt for the machine in the packaging. It was from 15 years ago, and they had paid hundreds of dollars less for it (inflation). You can imagine how I felt! I was so disappointed and I felt cheated. Naturally I took it back to the store and showed them the receipt. The salesman (who I believe is the manager) was very apologetic and said that the shop had sent it to them as a nearly new machine. He sold me a new one at a discount. I believe that he wasn't in on the scam, and don't think that the people here in Albany are bad, but I don't trust the franchise. I have to drive to Eugene to buy a Pfaff from a different dealer because I don't want to deal with their service if the machine has problems. read more

This review is for the Salem store on Lancaster/Market next to Fred Meyer: Do not look any further-- this is a top-notch, knowledgeable, honest and customer-service-oriented place. Julie went above and beyond patiently answering all my sewing questions and the repair guy (Christian, I think was his name) fixed my sewing machine on the spot! I couldn't be happier! This is just a gem of a spot in Salem. I highly recommend! read more

Nothing but problems having my machines serviced for the last 4 years. I have had to take them back in just about every time. This last time, I took it in asking for a certain piece to be replaced and nothing else done. Well, they didn't replace that part and fixed something else. That's the last straw. On a side note, I have been driving to the Salem store so that I don't have to deal with the manager in Albany. They send their machines up there for repair anyway. The staff in Salem are nicer. But this last time the Albany manager was there, he put the machine in the wrong area so that the repair guy didn't even know it was there until I called to check over a week later. Then the wrong repairs were done. Maybe you get good service if you buy your machines from them but I will be going to Eugene from now on. read more

After waiting 5-10 minutes for anyone to acknowledge my presence (there was one other customer in the store), a man with grey hair and a black apron asked politely if he could help me. I said, "Yes, I'd like to know your price for giving my vacuum its yearly cleaning and belt change." He took me to the price chart on the wall, and pointed to the cheapest of the numbers, which was $79.99 or $79.95. I said "Wow, the place I used to use in Salem has you beat." He said, with a sneer (though maybe his face is just that way) "Oh, well ok then," picked up my vacuum, moved it to right in front of my feet, and put it forcefully on the ground there. I said, slightly shocked, "Oh. That's it?" and he said "yes." As any sane person should do, I walked out. Ironically, I may have paid his price to save the inconvenience of doing the chore myself, if he had simply said "Sorry ma'am, our prices are firm..." or something equally respectful. I am a business owner and I respect a person's right to set their own prices, however I left this exchange with such a sore feeling I knew I wanted to write this review so hopefully no one else has a similar experience. Maybe this man will even read my review and hopefully understand a little better how he came across in this particular instance. read more

I bought a $500 vacuum from them. A couple of years later, the belt snapped. I took it in for a 2 minute fix and they charged me $12 for labor. By my math, that's about $360/hour. Here's a tip: Les Schwab has repaired a blown tire for me for free. As a result, I am a loyal customer and will always purchase my tires there. I won't purchase anything from Rich's Sewing and Vacuum again. read more

I have had a positive experience with the Albany store and its employees. I was able to buy a Pfaff Creative 4.5. The employees answer any questions that I have and are willing to help me with my machine. A friend of mine told me about them for years and encouraged me to shop there. I am grateful to have taken her advice. read more