Harbour's Sew & Vac — Local services in Holly Springs

I took my New Home Mode sewing machine in because the bobbin winding mechanism on the top of the machine came apart. I opened the machine and specifically pointed out to the clerk the part that I'd reassembled and asked to have it checked for proper reconstruction.

When I went to pick up the machine I found that the tension knob had been taken apart which isn't the part that needed to be fixed! Shock compounded by sticker shock at the repair cost.

There was no need to touch the tension knob. I asked to wind a bobbin and then also to sew with the new tension knob. It failed to work correctly with poor stitching on the bobbin side. The bobbin winding part on the top of the machine hadn't been touched.

Upon returning second time the bobbin winding mechanism had also been replaced.

He told me the machine was 40 years old and what did I expect. Well, 35 years is actual fact and if I used it 35 times in 35 years that's a lot. It worked fine to sew. No way these parts needed replacing from over use. The machine contains all metal parts so there's no flimsy plastic getting brittle with age. And I oil it on the occasions that I use it.

I asked to wind a bobbin and it failed to wind correctly. It looked exactly like the "incorrect" bobbin winding in the manual that I keep with the machine. He told me it was fine but when I showed him the picture of "correct" and "incorrect" he had to agree. The repairman adjusted it in my presence.

As I said only the bobbin winding holder on the top needed reassembly. Turns out Sears sells the replacement spring for $3.99. The check spring, which is the part the repairman told me was broken necessitating replacement of the tension knob is still being made and costs $4.99.

I was charged over $60 for the repair. The machine only cost $150 new! It would be one thing if I'd been called and had the opportunity to discuss the repair in advance. In my opinion it's unprofessional to embark upon repairs before discussing them with the owner.

Now I've learned more about sewing machine parts than I ever wanted to learn. And I also learned NOT TO GO TO THIS REPAIR STORE if anything ever goes wrong with my machine in the...

So very disappointed. My recent experience at Harbour's Sew & Vac was all about terrible customer service. I dropped of my Singer machine because it would not start. I paid $20 a diagnostic fee in advance. I got a call the next day, telling me the reason it wouldn't start is because the walking foot I had on the machine wouldn't allow it to go through the set-up. The caller told me I needed not use that particular walking foot and I could pick up my machine.

Much to my surprise, when I came to pick up my machine, I was being charged an additional $87 for a tune-up. I had my machine tuned-up just a few months back (by Harbour Sew & Vac). When I explained that this was not what I was told on the phone and I had not authorized a tune-up. I was not told about any additional expense. I stated this was totally unexpected and not good customer service.

The response of the (non-mask wearing) clerk, was "Well then, I'll just keep your machine if you don't want to pay for it." as he dragged it behind the counter. In addition to the unexpected expense, I certainly didn't expect to have my machine held hostage. He said he didn't know what the owner told me, and he couldn't reach him, besides, he just works there.

When you service an appliance, you expect an estimate of work to be done, prior to authorizing said work. When you question the business about their charges, you should be met with a reasonable discussion and not rudeness. I will no longer do business with Harbour's Sew & Vac and suggested others reconsider before...

Went in to get some assistance tuning my machine for ultra-lightweight fabric, as I'm having some issues with puckering. Unfortunately, they don't offer a service for walking through tensioning the machine to match the fabric. Only service he offered was a $99 servicing which isn't what I was looking for.

Also, the employee had no mask on. I like supporting small businesses, but won't go out of my way to spend $ there if they don't have the courtesy to don a mask. Also, a customer came in unmasked during my brief visit. This is at a time when covid-19 cases are surging in NC and...