Gator Vacuum & Sewing Co. — Attraction in Coral Springs

In 2019 I was sick of having to replace my vacuum cleaner every 3 years or so. I didn't mind spending top dollar for a quality vacuum that would last. Purchased a Miele machine from Gator Vacuum for $600, including an extra $100 for a "maintenance plan", offering a 10 year motor warranty. The catch: the "maintenance plan" required me to bring the vacuum in to Gator Vacuum every 6 months, for "maintenance" -- else the plan would be void.

As it turned out, bringing in the machine for "maintenance" every six months was actually just an excuse for them to sell me a $30 filter that could be had on Ebay for less than $10. When I pointed out this fact to the manager, he whined about being a "mom and pop business" that had to make money somehow, and tried to guilt me into paying his inflated prices. At least he deserves kudos for honesty; he didn't bother claiming his filters were special super duper filters that were not available anywhere else on Earth and so were well worth their price. I responded that my household is also a "mom and pop" operation that has to save money wherever I can, and therefore I can't be paying $30 for $5 filters. Eventually, the pandemic hit and I gave up the "maintenance" charade and figured if the machine breaks down I'll just pay him to fix it and he'll be happy getting money out of me somehow.

Fast forward to 2024. The vacuum's power switch is broken. My partner called Gator Vacuum to ask the cost to fix it. He advised that the switch on this machine is known to break down after five years or so -- and yet, he insisted that we bring it in so he could tell us the cost of replacing the switch. When my partner asked for at least a ballpark estimate, she was told "We've already been over this!". So she brought it in. Then, and only then, was she told that Gator Vacuum didn't have the switch in stock, and estimated the switch would cost $200 (It's priced at $25 online). This is nearly half the cost of the original machine (less the "maintenance" plan). He then asked, would we like to trade it in for a new one? Needless to say, that was a hard pass.

I get that small, "in person" businesses are going to cost more than shopping online. I get the need to make a profit. I am more than willing to pay for an excellent customer service experience as well as a quality product. With Gator Vacuum, a decent product experience is far outweighed by this company's arrogant, bullying, condescending attitude. For the first time in my life, I regret purchasing a product that is, honestly, above average. Going forward, I'll happily pay a couple of hundred dollars every few years to Amazon or Walmart for a cheap vacuum cleaner, for less money and without...

If you are looking for a sewing machine repair shop that goes the extra mile to provide stellar service in Broward or Palm Beach then call Gator Vacuum & Sewing Company in Coral Springs, Fl. Receny my sewing machine locked up and would not even turn the hand wheel and it was eating thread and maing monstrous knots... so aftrr I could not figure it out I had to find a repair shop . From my very first interaction with Robert and the entire staff at Gator Vacuum & Sewing I was impressed. I found them on google and they were the fourth company I phoned but the only ones I decided to trust with my machine for service...and my business. My decision was based on the reviews and the interaction on my first call and how they responded when I noted I use a walker and inquired about the options to get service given my challenge to carrying in the machine in the South Florida heat while using my walker. When I called Gator the people were very polite and professional and the staff offered on the phone to bring my machine inside when I arrived which was important for me because it showed they heard my concern. They were totally up front about costs to diagnose my machine which was very reasonable. Upon my arrival the shop was easy to find. It is in a strip mall on a major street and the shop had clear signage and plenty of free parking right in front which for me with my walker is also very important. Once inside the shop they all greeted me warmly and upon startng I had called regarding the machine they quickly went out and got the machine and within less than ten minutes I was done dropping off my machine and handling the receipts. The staff even walked me out to my car with the empty case and opened my car door for me, simply unheard of in this day and age. I left smiling and within a day my machine was dine. I was stunned because...it was fixed- and well before the antipated date. They called and texted me it was ready for pickup...I was truly impressed. When I returned it was ready and wrapped nicely with a service sticker and prior to leaving when I asked on a longshot if they had and sold metal bobbins they said yes, which was amazing (I am not a fan of plastic) I had been searching to buy metal for weeks...and no one had any but Gator Vacuum did - so I bought 6 and they suggested extra needles which I got as well. They carried out the machine, once again opened my car door and upon using my 25+ year old machine it was like brand new. Thank you Gator Vacuum & Sewing I highly recommend you and I am enjoying using my...

Brought my machine in bc the tension wasnt behaving, & I couldn't sew. For $159, you returned a machine that still wont sew tshirt material, even though for many years, it did, without a problem. Your demonstration on a piece of sunbrella is a useless example, as no one wears that stiff canvas product, Sunbrella. I questioned you, & you asked me if I was blaming you. Yes, I am! I paid $159 for a machine repair that still doesnt do what it has done in the past, sew tshirts, no problem. I still cant sew tshirts after spending $159. You said sometimes, there isn't an explanation. For $159, I expect it to work better than when I brought it in. And I expect an explanation. Should've went elsewhere...& will have to now. Update 1.The owner replied saying i had been to other sewing repair shops. I HAVE NOT & I explained i drove by your shop for past 3yrs. that's why I decided to come here. I dont know where any other shops are. You invented this "fact." Not even close. I havent sewn in YEARS! I use it a couple times a year.

I did not insist it was the tension. I had no idea what was wrong with it, & only said i cant get the tension set correctly. You looked at the foot & said this is broken & that you'll check it out. I have no idea what is wrong with it, since it still won't sew regular weight tshirt material, which it did for years, the only thing i ever used it for, which i also explained to you. I do not sew regularly, which i also explained. Only for altering clothes. Ever. You said i did not bring samples...I brought TWO! The super thin tshirt it sewed in the past, & the regular weight tshirt i was trying to sew now, both black. Short memory. You also said "some things cant be explained" when i asked you why did it sew the super thin tshirt I HAD IN MY HAND IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE but now cannot even sew regular weight tshirts, the REASON I BROUGHT IT IN. "SOME THINGS CANT BE EXPLAINED." For $160, you owe me an explanation why you could not get the machine to work properly NOT ON SUNBRELLA CANVAS. I did not raise my voice to you, i was polite & only replied to your question "are you blaming me?" that I am not happy, & left quietly. 0-60? I left your shop quietly & I believe you are trying to discredit my review. You were the one who raised your voice, asking several times "are you blaming me?" YES!

Everything I said is truthful. NOTHING you have said is.

Judge for yourself.. I hope everyone who reads this...