Took my vintage Singer for a cleaning and tuneup. Was running fine, but was my mother-in-law's machine and had probably never been cleaned. Could see quit a bit of thread dust inside the door. Also asked if bobbin winder could be repaired (it worked, but needle would not disengage so I had to take needle off whenever I wound a bobbin) and was told once it was lubricated it would work fine. Picked it up a couple of days later and when I got it home the bobbin winder didn't work, and the wheel wouldn't turn at all. Took it back (which is a 45 minute drive each way) and the man that does the repairs yelled at me and the other employee that it works fine. I asked him to please show me and low-and-behold, it didn't. Just needed a quick adjustment so that was one problem solved. HOWEVER, when I voiced concern that I didn't think the machine was very clean, same man had an absolute temper tantrum and stormed off screaming at me and the other employee that no one is going to tell him how to do his job. (He said he vacuumed it out) I was stunned! Other employee said let's make this right.....I want you to be happy. However in the end did nothing to fix the problem or compensate me. And to add insult to injury, the prices on their website are not what they charge. They charged $100 for the "cleaning", not the $80 that was on their FAQ page. Tell me, do you think this is clean? read more

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Have been going to Schiller's for some years.   I have an old Italian Necchi and a newer, cheap HD Singer.   I use them for projects, sewing leather and other heavy materials, etc.   I'm no real sewer, so though I try to keep the Necchi oiled and the singer needles fresh, my machines suffer.   Well, I've turned over a new leaf and bought a vintage Viking 6460.   These sewing machines sold for over $1,000 back in 1977 when new--the equivalent today of over $4,400!   The machine I bought second-hand looks near perfect but was frozen up from the characteristic auto-oiling problem, I followed the careful on-line instructions and freed up and oiled the machine and replaced the cracked cam stack.  It ran and stitched perfectly after that but clacked; ahhh, a cracked take up slide.   I've looked at that mechanism and it scares me--all the timing things on the machine are around that; so, cheap as I am, I've decided to take it to Schiller's.   They have never let me down.   I do hope that they can repair it, as parts are a problem and there are few people left in the world who can actually work on these intricate, 43-year-old machines.  How much confidence do I have in Schiller's?   I'm writing this review after phoning them to ask if they'll take a look at the Viking.   If I'm wrong about them--doubtful--I'll come back and talk about it. Update: They did their best, but for once, couldn't quite get it running fully. I then decided to bite the bullet and shipped it to PA for a Viking expert to completely rebuild--knowing that the man will soon retire (last of his kind?) and I wouldn't ever get all the cams working and some tough timing issues completely solved. In truth, they say that only a Viking-trained service person can really fix one of these unusual, complex machines. Some of the more esoteric parts are now being reproduced by 3-D printers! Schiller's did get it running for the most part, but now it's like new. Five stars all around for everybody's work. Happy camper read more

Generaly speaking the staff is very helpful, even though their knowledge of more technical issues related to software and possibly many of the computerized machines is limited. The owner is only interested in his next sale. Make sure your purchase on line is the same object they have in the store. The merchandise in the store is not up to date on the computer in terms of the picture. Forgot to mention, sewing repair staff excellent. read more

I'm actually quite surprised by the mixed reviews i am seeing online. When i needed to get my 20+ year old sewing machine serviced, I asked my new home town of Columbia's FaceBook page to recommend a local place and ALL (over a dozen folks) recommended Schiller's with the highest compliments, so I definitely chose there. The middle-aged gentleman (I'm in my 50s) at the register was so polite, courteous, and helpful. However, while talking to him, a younger man (30-40s??) came out of the back, asked what was wrong with my machine, when i stated that I was having an issue with the tension, he gruffly stated 'cuz your tension is set on 0' and turned the knob and walked away. DUH! You think i tried adjusting the tension and maybe the issue was a bit more serious than that? If he was at the front end, I may have just walked out after that (thus only 4 star rating, and not 5). I dropped off the machine on Saturday and was called on Tuesday that it was done. Fast service! When i went to pick it up, I was charged the standard service & repair charge for my type of machine ($79.95) and i was told I got my money's worth. And I believe it!! I had never had it officially serviced the entire time i had it, the issue is resolved and it runs like a DREAM now. I'm very pleased! Also, since this was my first time at this store, I popped in and checked out a sewing class that was going on. The instructor gladly gave me information about what they were doing and how to find out about future classes. Very friendly. Just before i checked out the sewing class, another couple came in with a machine with a minor issue. I saw the gentlemen immediately look at it. As I left the store and got to my car, I saw the couple leaving with their machine and smiling ear-to-ear. I'm guessing they got immediate satisfaction. I will definitely be returning to Schiller's for my sewing needs and consider them for my vacuum needs! read more

I want you to know how appreciative I am of the outstanding customer service I've received from Schiller's. I've had my machine less than 2 years and have had a few issues with it. Every time I call, I get an immediate response and a willingness to resolve the issue expeditiously. Your technicians are 1st rate, knowledgeable and obliging. I have been dealing with Eric who is always professional, accommodating, and instrumental in getting my issues resolved quickly and providing me with a detailed explanation of his findings. His knowledge of the intricacies of this complicated machine are impressive and beneficial to your customers. I am pleased that I decided to purchase my Luminaire from Schillers, it was worth the drive. read more

Exceedingly Rude, aggressive, petulant owner. As a survivor of childhood trauma, this man's treatment brought me back to that dark time in my life in a heartbeat. Thankfully he employs a patient, informative young couple, the young man repairs vacuums and the young woman is on the sales floor. Without them, I would have walked out. I dislike giving this owner any business but was in need of a quick purchase. Be prepared to be treated very poorly if you deal with the owner. read more

All merchandise is overpriced. The same vacuum that they are selling, in other store is $40-60 cheaper (that's a big difference) Costumer service is horrible! I purchased one part from them and two month later it broke and they refused to exchange it. (keep in mind, that part was only $20) I will never go there again. read more

This is a quirky place and a strange place to review, but since I had such a great experience there this week, and I see that the only other review is so different I do feel compelled. So, this is the place you go when you need actual help from a real person. I rarely sew, I have some strange sewing machine phobia, but i went there this week to have a lesson and the lovely Melissa couldn't have been kinder. I learned a lot -( ended up with a deal on some different "feet" - now I can sew a blind hem, button holes, and a button on the machine!) for a song...but my wonderfilled experience didn't end there- I got home very excited to use the machine and finish my project that has a looming deadline, and it wouldn't turn on??? called 5 minutes after they closed and called it a night. they returned my call 1st thing 9am and asked me to come on down for them to look at it- and they fixed it 4 free while I waited. I was on my way by 9:45- they just replaced the pedal- said they had an extra one bouncing around. I have also been here for my Kirby- it seems the only brick and mortar place to get bags. Yes, they also sell vacuums and accessories- I said it is quirky. I will agree- might not be the cheapest place to get the sewing machine or vacuum - but they will be there for you when you need help. good people. read more

Excellent shop!! Schiller's has been around since I can remember and one of the last home town stores in town. I get honest, quick answers- thank you. read more

I ordered a replacement hose for my Meile Capricorn from Schiller's. It arrived quickly & I attached it to find that it wouldn't work. I called Schiller's & talked to the repair department. It was determined that I probably needed a new circuit board. I told them what my local repair shop wanted to charge for a new hose & circuit board. They were astonished, stating I could ship my machine to them, have it repaired & shipped back for cheaper. Sadly, they were unable to locate a circuit board due to the part being discontinued. I highly recommend Schiller's! I live in Indiana & just wish they were closer. read more

Customers who bring their vintage sewing machines to Schiller's are often given an inflated repair estimate and told that it isn't worth fixing - if they think they can sell you an expensive, computerized machine with features you'll probably never use. I've been tricked into paying an $85 fee, when they told me that they'd give me an estimate before they did any work. I later learned the only problem was the needle plate incorrectly installed; an adjustment that takes less than a minute. This dishonest behavior from Schiller's has put me on the list of people who aren't going back. read more

Terrific resource for all who sew. They serviced my 1947 Featherweight so that it works better than ever and sold me a terrific Brother for more advanced projects. I love the Miele vacuum they recommended, as well. Mr. Schiller and his staff are a pleasure to deal with. read more

I'd rather give zero stars! Worst customer service around. Bought a vacuum for nearly $200, turned it on once and heard high pitch squeals and smelled burning. The so-called life time belt had been shredded to threads and wrapped around the motor. Brought receipt and vacuum to store days after purchase and was met with the rudest employees ever. A middle aged woman with glasses stated that it was top rated and "couldn't be" as if I was making it up. "Eric" took it downstairs to fix it and told us to try again. When we explained we no longer wanted it and simply wanted a refund Eric said that "it was a damaged product now;" that we had damaged it. He held up his hands and refused to help us. We are currently awaiting a call from the owner. DO NOT buy products from this store if you value customer service and kindness. Extremely rude, unhelpful staff. read more

Great customer service, I've bought two sewing machines there and have taken free classes as part of my purchase, making it so I get the most out of my purchase. Never had anything but prompt, courteous answers to any questions I've had. They have also done the annual cleaning on my old machine, and it still runs like a top (dinosaur that it is). They've never pressured me to buy, and are always willing to help me out. I'd recommend them to anyone looking for quality products and service. read more

Bought an embroidery machine a while back (when they were the only store that sold Brother ) and they have been wonderful. I have had a problem with the automatic threader and they have fixed it twice. I email with questions and they email me back even after hours...never making me feel that any question is too simple. read more

After paying good money to have multiple vacuums and sewing machines repaired over the years, not only for myself but for family as well, I am now questioning doing so because of my final experience there. I will NEVER spend another dime in that store. I now feel I have been overcharged as well as lied to about the repairs that were done. His customer service is horrible (once he gets to know you), and he is not to be trusted. I'm now telling everyone who will listen NOT to go there and have actually heard similar stories to mine. He should be ASHAMED!! read more

Brought my Eureka Boss model 4870 upright vacumn to Schiller's to repair brush roll that was not turning. They cleaned and serviced unit, installed a new idler/clamp assembly, replaced belt, replaced brush roll (not mentioned in original estimate). The final cost to repair was about 2X their original estimate. The repaired vacumn seem to run fine although I did notice that even with the handle fully in the locked upright position, the brush roll still turned slightly. After one month the belt had worn out. I brough it back and they supposedly checked it out and told me the belt had worn out and needed replacement. All else was OK although they did tell me that I should shut the vacumn off before I put the handle in the locked upright position and unlock the handle from its upright position before I started the vacumn. I believe that whatever they did (idler clamp) causes the belt to turn even in its fully locked upright position. This condition will lead to premature wear. The vacumn now consumes one belt every 3-4 weeks. I will not go back there again. read more