This family-owned business lives up to their name. If you want a professional job at a reasonable price, to be treated like a person, and not a number, this is definitely a shop you can put your confidence in.
It's kind of an interesting how I came across this wonderful shop. Although I live in El Cajon, I'd always lived closer to La Mesa, and still tend to use some of those businesses. I'm so glad I did my research, and ended up taking my clock here. The repair was less than half the price of another estimate; I saved on gas; and am for supporting businesses in my locale. I've gained a local connection, and trust them, making me want to seek out other clocks for resale, knowing there's room for me to make it worth it.
I'd found an adorable little German-made clock that you could see the moving parts, in a thrift store, for $4.99. It was ticking, but even before researching it, I was sure, even if broken, and sold for parts or repair, it would be profitable. I was excited, seeing those moving parts! When I got home I saw it wasn't keeping time; and, didn't notice it even had an adjustment lever to achieve accuracy....Good thing, because I wasn't aware it was jammed, and upside down; the dial to move the hands wasn't fluid, but good enough. Being on a budget, I didn't consider repairing it, and selling it "as is," but as I did my research I figured it probably was worth the investment.
After considering getting it serviced, depending upon the price, I knew I could get more money if I presented it with a repair receipt. I went on a quest to find a reputable repair shop. My third try was Valley Clock Shop, and I'm so happy with my choice.
First, I received a referral from a shipping place in La Mesa, I've used for years, to an antique store in downtown La Mesa that repairs and ships clocks. I went directly there, but is nearly impossible to ever find parking in downtown La Mesa, and drove around the block a few times, including through a construction zone...I wasn't giving up easily, and pulled over to call the shop, but they had a recording that they'd been temporarily closed, but would reopen the next week. I'll never know what they may have charged...although, I'm guessing that the real estate overhead in downtown La Mesa, likely drives up prices.
Determined to get this done, after that, I went to a repair shop that always had intrigued me, and have seen its signage for decades. I was quoted $75. Deciding maybe it would be best to sell the clock "as is," I called the first shop, less than a mile from my residence, before I'd left for the day, when Googling "closest clock repair to me." Valley Clock Shop. I saw a picture of the signage, and liked the old-fashioned "mom and pop" feel, and in skimming through the nice reviews, got a nice feeling about this family-owned business that has a renowned reputation.
As soon as I entered the shop, I felt at home. It also has a "museum feel," as one can view several eras of clocks, and the sound of many ticking, is magical! Tyler immediately made me feel comfortable in dropping off the clock, without me having an estimate.
Early the next week, I received a phone call, and was told the repair would only cost $29.99. I couldn't believe this was less than half the price I was quoted. I'm in!
I got to meet Kirk, the son, who took over his father's business. He's a very nice man who gives back to the community, mentoring others. I had a nice time chatting with the staff.
After picking it up, I did a "duh," no no that I know better to not do, for I have sold antiques for years....I opened the little door on the bottom to spruce up the clear plastic veneer with a cotton swab. Mistake!...never go inside an item you are not expert to repair. By accident, I moved the dial that moves the hands, causing it to jam. Knowing full-well, that ya don't do this, ever, to such antiques, I came in embarrassed, tail-tucked, to tell them, and dropped it off, saying "if there's another cost, oh well...a lesson learned."
What's even cooler is that it was Friday, late afternoon, the night before the weekend-long Harvest Festival in La Mesa, and the shop would be running a booth all weekend. Tyler told me that I may not get it back for about a week. I was fine with it, and told them to take their time. I can't believe it...by the time I got home, hours later, there was a message that my clock was fixed, and ready for pick up! I could've had it that night. It was a quick adjustment for Kirk, but maybe another place would've charged me.
Most of us are not experts in a lot of things, and we trust that people will be honest. You can trust them, and I will refer them anytime I can, and am likely to do future business.
Thank you so much! Valley Clock Shop is awesome!
A Very Happy customer!
Debbie
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