El Cajon Sew & Vac

Quite pricey, above providing average customer service, and borderline rude.
I took my machine in about a month ago and picked it up about two weeks later. I assume it is fixed but haven’t tested it yet. I was not impressed with their customer service to say the least.
Dropping it off the lady did a diagnostic on the machine while talking about it to the other two employees. The only time she addressed me was to give me the price. The other employee even thought she was confirming the price with them. She took a seat to look at the machine but never offered me one at the very large table with plenty of chairs even with me being visibly pregnant.
That could have been overlooked — maybe she was new and focused on her job. But the second time I came in a different lady was cashing me out. She handed me a paper with lots of notes and told me to sign the bottom. When I took it and began to read she abruptly said «You can’t read that, just sign the bottom.» What?! Who asks for a signature while refusing to let them read. They also told me when I dropped off my sewing machine that if anything extra was needed they would call. Apparently not as there was another $ 5+ added and no phone call.
In all, quite pricey, above providing average customer service, and borderline rude.

I brought my Kenmore vacuum in because the brush had stopped spinning. It still wouldn’t work even after I pulled all the hair, etc off of the brush. I thought maybe a belt had broken, so I brought it in. Jimmy took one look at it, and reached down and pushed the ‘overload protection reset’ button. POOF! Fixed! I blushed and laughed at myself – who knew there was such a button on a vacuum? Of course he wouldn’t charge me a dime, even though ‘the other guys’ want $ 30 just to take a look. He has an encyclopedic (think Google) knowledge of vacuums and sewing machines. (My Mom always takes her sewing machine to him for servicing, and the service is always as good.) Another satisfied customer!
PS: I learned that my Kenmore doesn’t even HAVE belts! Thanks Jimmy!

Just took my Singer in to Jimmy. It was stuck in reverse. He fiddled with it fixed it immediately. Then checked it out for squeaks. Oiled it up and said, «nice to meet you. No charge!» You don’t get treated like that anymore!

Jimmy is hands-​down the most honest and intelligent sewing machine person in all of Southern CA (speaking from experience on taking an old electronic Singer to LA headquarters of west US for constant repair. I had purchased a Viking 1+ from the previous owner, and Jimmy kept it updated and going until I purchased a Designer SE. The only time I have problems (of course) is when I’m in the middle of a sewing project. He is honest about waiting time, does his best (especially when out of warranty and I have to pay for it) to keep costs minimal, and usually can diagnose the problem on the spot!!! I am constantly amazed at his working knowledge and down-​home attitude and humility. This is a gem of a repair guy! His wife, Sally, is amazing at her knowledge of so many facets of sewing and embroidery. Both Sally and Jimmy have hired THE BEST teachers around, and they know their specialties inside and out. There is no sales pressure, but they do demonstrate the top features of the top models, that make you drool… and show you how you can do the exact same things, with your model (of course, not quite as easily…). The lessons with the new machines are incredible, learned many things that as a sewer for over 50 years, I never knew. The monthly machine clubs, with their discounts for that-​day sales is a must-​be-​at, but be sure to bring something you’ve done to share… They have had my business from day 1, and as long as I’m hereabouts and sewing, they will have my business for life. ‘Nuff said.

I’ve been a loyal customer of El Cajon Sew and Vac for several years now. I initially inherited a Viking Designer I from my aunt and took it to another shop for service because they were cheaper. Bad move. The service I received was minimal and didn’t quilt tune up the machine to my liking. Later I took it to El Cajon Sew & Vac. At first I was leery of paying so much for a basic service, but let me tell you, Jimmy is well worth the extra few dollars for getting top notch service. Since this initial machine, I’ve purchased two more sewing/​embroidery machines from them (Viking Designer SE and then Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe). I’ve taken them in for regular maintenance and have always been treated very very very well.
If you are looking at purchasing a sewing machine, whether entry level or top of the line, the most important thing to consider is the after sale service. You get that in spades at El Cajon Sew & Vac. Jimmy and Sally are both very conscientious about taking care of their customers. There have been many times that I’ve needed a little extra help figuring out how to use these high end machines and both of them are always willing to take the time to walk me through the steps needed so I can go home and do it on my own.
I love the sewing club that meets on the second Saturdays at their store. They have a wonderful instructor who demos a sewing technique and there is tons of show and tell from people like me. The people are friendly and always helpful and fun. Even if you haven’t bought a machine from El Cajon Sew & Vac, you are welcome to attend the sewing clubs and classes that they offer. They start at 9:30 and run until just about noon. Shopping discounts are also offered on sewing club days if you’ve attended the demo presentation.
I could write a novel about how wonderful the shop is and how great the staff is, but you really just need to come in for yourself to see what I mean. I promise, you won’t be sorry. El Cajon Sew & Vac is the only sewing store that I recommend to my friends for any of their sewing or embroidery needs. I’ve been to other local sewing and quilting clubs, but none of them are as friendly or as welcoming as El Cajon Sew & Vac. They’re terrific!

This is the best sewing store EVER! My husband bought me a vintage featherweight from Jimmy and he got a great price! Then, later he purchased a Husqvarna Viking embroidery machine for me. (yes, I’m spoiled). Anyway I took the FREE classes that came with my Viking machine and the teaching staff were amazing, I learned so many new tips and tricks that my machine can do. Also, I went to one of their Viking Club Saturday morning events. It was so fun. A bunch of Viking owners show up and showcase their latest creations. The owners (Mr. And Mrs. Jimmy Moore) offer free coffee and pastries and have amazing raffles and giveaways. It goes on for a couple hours each month. And there’s an optional class afterwards. The Moore’s are awesome people and their store is great, the staff is great. They are low key but super knowledgeable and helpful.

This is a great place to do business. Jimmy is so knowledgeable and was very patient making sure that I understood how to operate and maintain my sewing machine. It’s nice to know that such outstanding customer service still exists. Thanks, El Cajon Sew & Vac.

I have had my Viking Designer1 serviced annually by Jimmy at this shop for years. He’s a great technician. I’ve rarely has issues with my Viking but two days ago my fetcher broke near my bobbin when I was working on a rush sewing job –Jjimmy was able to replace the tiny but essential part while I waited — usually I must make an appointment for repairs. This is a big Shout Out to Jimmy for helping me out in pinch. He is the only repairman I trust with my used– everyday machine. I strongly recommend him for all service work.

I have a 60 year old Pfaff sewing machine that has been serviced every 4 or 5 years since my mom purchased it new. Needless to say, it’s not easy finding service for it anymore. This time I took it to El Cajon Sew & Vac and had the best service ever. The machine works like a dream now, smoother & better than it has ever been in all these years, maybe even better than when it was new 60 years ago.
The service person, Jimmy, was absolutely great. He was very knowledgeable, helpful, courteous, and professional. Best of all, he was more than willing to spend the extra time to do the job right, and all while charging a fair price.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate my experience with this business as a 20 — which is something very hard to find these days.

Love this place! Customer service is awesome and the owners are genuine and honest people. Highly reccommend El Cajon Sew & Vac!

El Cajon Sew & Vac is a great store! I am a retired man who is learning to use (and repair) an old Singer sewing machine for mending and Jimmy Moore (owner, with his wife) has been most generous of his time and knowledge in getting me started. He is an enthusiastic all-​in-​one teacher, mechanic and salesman. In the retail world these days one very seldom finds a store where anyone knows much about the products, and even less about using or repairing them. Well, this store is definitely the exception!
The moment I walked in I knew I was in the right place. I did not bring my machine, but I needed some parts. Jimmy asked a few questions… «Is it a slant needle, does it look like this one» (he points; the store is filled with sewing machines, new and old) then he vanished along a narrow aisle and returned with the parts in hand (and my Singer was 40 years old). But that was not the end of it. He holds up a part…” when you put this in, be sure to loosen the hand wheel first, but don’t drop the little screw down inside…” You get parts and expert advice. If a part or attachment does not fit, you can return it and try a different one.
Of course they know how to sew as well. I do a lot of mending/​alterations on jeans, but have to patch/​darn the knees by hand because my machine can’t get inside the leg. I asked if a «free arm» machine would work for this, and a nearby person (perhaps Jimmy’s wife) said… «No! Just rip out part of the leg seam, mend the knee, then re-​stitch the seam» Now why didn’t I think of that?
I am expert at repairing mechanical devices, and I can attest that Jimmy knows how to fix sewing machines, new and old. I infer that the is equally able with vacuum cleaners. He’s good because he understands how they work… you know… all those funny little pieces moving this way and that.
Sadly, this kind of store is a vanishing breed in America. I will buy all my sewing needs here, and maybe some day another machine. Or take one of their sewing classes.
Oh, something I forgot to say: I love this store!

I brought my Electrolux vacuum in to be serviced and I had an electrical problem. They called me later that day to tell me my vacuum was in great shape, did some minor cleaning and that I had tripped a safety latch on the inside. I was told to come in and speak with Benny when I came to pick it up. I spoke with him and he showed me how to trip the safety lock. No charge for anything! I love that they helped me and didn’t try and take advantage. Definately will be back!

Came in to get a vacuum and air purifiers. They have a good selection of vacuums in stock and weren’t in a big hurry to push you out. They service them too. Nice people and no pressure.

A sewing and vacuum store open on Sunday! Just what I need in my busy schedule.
I was greeted by the owners the moment I walked in. Found the specialty needles I needed for my machine and quite a few other items I had been wanting. The time at the store was worth the trip in from Chula Vista. When I checked out, Jimmy, the owner made sure I was aware of the classes they offered; very nice. I signed up for two and signed my mother up for one I know she will enjoy. So I look forward to coming back soon, not just for the classes I signed up for.

I brought in my Husqvarna Viking embroidery machine because the tension was just not right. These high end machines are supposed to adjust automatically but recently it just wasn’t working. This shop was recommended because the guy is an «authorized repair/​serviceman» for Husqvarna machines. I was told by the owner who does the actual repair that he was very busy, because he’s the only guy in town who is authorized to work on these machines, and it might take 3 months to get my machine back. Well. It did take three months, several phone calls, and several hundred dollars, only to get it home and find the tension still doesn’t work!!!
Now here’s where it gets even weirder. When I first brought in my machine, I asked him about stitch regulators for this particular model, and how much did they cost. He said they were «really expensive». So I asked again how much and he said, «around $ 500». Since I had researched the cost of buying a long arm machine, I felt that $ 500 for an add-​on that would allow me to do the same type free-​motion quilting would be a good investment to see if I liked quilting my own things. So I asked him to order one for me so it would be in when my machine was fixed.
When I finally did get my machine back, he said he had a «rebuilt» stitch regulator that he’d sell me. He had my machine set up with this rebuilt stitch regulator, and showed me how to use it. Cost? $ 200. Wow, not bad. Except when I got it home, and hooked it up, I realized it has an intermittent short that causes the needle to speed up and not stop until I completely turn it off. So, sometimes it works fine, other times not so fine. A closer look at the whole gizmo, and I noticed that although he gave it to me in a Husqvarna box, the actual parts do not have that brand name on them anywhere. So I went on-​line to see what they actually look like if I’d ordered a new one from Husqvarna, and to my surprise, they are actually $ 1200! (and yes, they do look slightly different).
So, I’m confused: When I asked him to order me one, did he just not know what these things cost when he quoted me the $ 500? In truth, I’d have paid the $ 1200, because if you know anything about long arm machines, you know that you can’t get one for that price anyway!
Oh, and that original problem of the tension being off for regular sewing – still not working! So I can’t use that machine until I find a repair guy I can trust. I know I should give the guy a chance to make it right, but I’m not going to leave it with him for another 3 months.
The lady that worked there, I think it’s his wife, was a real sweetheart, and very helpful each and every time I stopped in. So I’m not happy to report my negative experience with her husband, except for what happened recently:
At a sewing class, I shared the above experience, and four of the women there told me their stories of having to leave their machines and it taking months to get them back, having to pay too much, and not getting the original problem solved. I asked why they hadn’t written a review about their experience on Unilocal: because it would have saved me a lot of headache and money. And they all said similar things: His wife was always so nice and helpful, they didn’t want to say anything to hurt their business, they just wouldn’t go there ever again and would never recommend him.
So, I’m adding my voice: if you need anything other than a repair, they’re very helpful and kind.

I have been searching for a sewing machine for days… hours on the internet to only be more confused than before I started my search! After pulling a coupon from the Penny Saver, I went to the El Cajon Sew and Vac to look at the advertised machine. Peggy, who is VERY knowledgable about sewing machines showed me a different, reconditioned machine they received on trade in. For $ 20 more, I bought the reconditioned machine that retails for around $ 700. Before I even said that I wanted to buy the machine, Peggy spent about an hour with me showing me all the features on the machine. Well, she sold me on it! Upon purchase, she gave me a bunch of needles, a cover for the machine, 6 months of service, and a sewing class at no charge. In addtion, I received a 10% off coupon for all future purchases at any store. I spent a little more money than originally planned, but am very pleased with the service and machine I got at this store.
Note: Go online and print the $ 20 off coupon for purchases of $ 70 or more.