Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center

Needed some keys copied and found this place. Came and got my keys copied and staff were friendly.

They seem to focus more on vacuums and have a good selection if you are looking for one but for me it was about the keys and they did a good job and I would use them again.

For those getting keys cut sometimes those automated machines do a bad job and the keys don't work, that has happened to me in the past so I prefer somebody cutting the keys vs those machines.

I tried Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center because I wasn't entirely pleased with my experience at Richmond Vacuum & Sewing Center. I did not realize that they were owned by the same people and had the same technician until I brought my 1952 Singer sewing machine for a routine service.

In January 2022, my 70-year-old Singer cabinet machine needed some attention. I decided to go to Berkeley Vacuum & Sewing Center next to Stone Mountain -- and was surprised to see Wilson (from Richmond Vacuum & Sewing Center).

He promised to take good care of my favorite machine -- which I had carefully wrapped in blankets to prevent damage to the cabinet (taking the machine out of the cabinet requires opening up the motor housing and disconnecting the wires, a process that I wasn't confident in executing myself).

This was likewise very expensive: $150. When I went to pick up my machine, the surface of the cabinet had unrelated metal items sitting on top of the unprotected finished wood surface. Not cool, as there were deep scratches on the top of my cabinet as a result of mistreatment.

When I got my machine home, I noticed that someone had closed a tool or metal part between the top of the cabinet and the cover, leaving a noticeable indent on both sides.

Other issues:

Cabinet Spring Arm -- I had requested that they look at this and adjust it. Nothing was done.

Bobbin Winder & Handwheel Misadjusted -- Before taking in the machine, I had wound 40 bobbins. As a result, I did not need to use my bobbin winder for quite a while. When I tried winding bobbins recently, I noticed several new defects: the winder wheel won't snap down in place (I have to hold it with my finger so that the rubber wheel makes contact); and the even though I unlock the handwheel, the needle still moves up and down when I try to wind a bobbin.

Poor Customer Service -- After noticing the damage to the cabinet, I called several times to talk to Wilson but never got a call back. I was pretty disappointed with the treatment of my machine but also, customer service in the shop. Difficult parking and nobody offered to help me as I brought my machine in, not even to hold open the freaking door (I had to ask a passerby to hold the door for me). Even when I was taking the machine out of the shop to return home - not a single person in the shop could be fussed to help me with the doors.

This is a 70 year old sewing machine - it's not all that difficult to understand and it's a very popular machine. They should know how to service these things.

I won't be taking my sewing machines there -- and don't recommend this shop.

I'd ordered a new brush and drive belt for my older model vacuum, but soon realized I couldn't install them on my own. I took everything to Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing and they were able to install everything in a few minutes. I could see the technician as he worked and noticed that he cleaned the insides of my vacuum as well as completing installation. All for $20.00! I've been using their services for years and will definitely continue to do so. Pleasant staff, excellent service, local business.

Charged $125 for a 3 minutes blockage removal in the hose and two new filters and a new bag (worth maybe $40 generously) and some cleaning on the outside (which, I don't care, really). Did not replace belt as part of the 'dervice' as they said they would.

I live in Walnut Creek, but the drive to Berkeley was definitely worth it. This place fixed my 22-year-old $900 Miele canister vac that a local shop had told me was not fixable because the motor was shot and there was no replacement motor available. Berkeley Vac diagnosed the issue as the circuit board, not the motor, and fixed my vacuum. The repair price was reasonable and service was fast. I highly recommend this place.

This place is as good as the reviews say it is! I had a problem with my vacuum...it didn't seem to hold a charge and was losing power. I brought it to Berkeley Vacuum because of the high ratings and great reviews and sure enough: the guy in the store quickly figured out what the problem was (it was clogged!), cleaned it out,, told me the filter was fine...I didn't have to replace any parts...and he refused to take any money!!
Good old-fashioned service!
Honesty and pride in good work in 2024! A miracle!

I've used this wonderful establishment for years to repair my vacuums and make a point to dry out of my way because they do such a great job. Thank you for all of your expert servicing!

Wonderful knowledgeable service. Quickly identified the problem with the sewing machine and showed me how to avoid pitfalls. I would definitely use them again in the future.

0 star if I can. The owner will ask you to give him the credit card, and copy the bake side, including the cvv password, expire date, everything you need for an online purchase. I froze it right away, it's a fraud store.

I thought my vacuum needed a new switch. I was told nothing was wrong with the vacuum, I just hadn't put in the bag properly.
No Charge!
I am very, very grateful.
Nancy R.