Montavilla Sewing Centers

Ordered via phone, an extension table for my sewing machine. paid with master card. It was to be picked up at the Gresham store as I live in Salem and my family would pick it up for me. Cancelled the order 3 days later and was told that they could not credit my master card back but would give me a store credit. What good would a store credit do me when I live approx 60 miles away. Called my master card company and plan on disputing this charge to my card when it gets posted. more

In 1976, my parents bought a new red Viking 6460 for me and I've sewed innumerable costumes, drapes, jeans, fixed tents, leather, you name it, my Viking could handle it, ever since. I never had it serviced. When it started to make a 'kachunka chunka' noise, I took it to Montavilla in SE and was abruptly told, ""It's done. Nope, can't fix it. No one makes parts."" I inquired, ""Can't I find another one and part it out or ... ?"" ""Nope, you'll have to buy something new."" Rude and dismissive. It was at that point I realized how 1) Attached I was to my sewing machine, 2) I didn't want anything new and 3) Out of touch with the economy and how Portland works Montavilla Sewing Centers were. I found good reviews of A Common Thread and without relaying the story, dropped off my Viking. They never called me back. I finally got someone on the phone after leaving a voicemail and having to call back again before getting voice contact. A Common Thread said the same thing was wrong as Montavilla, and that they couldn't fix it, but they knew someone who could. So, they sent my Viking to Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Newberg. Nick (the owner?) of Ace Sewing and Vacuume respected my old Viking, agreed that new was not necessarily better and said he had a source for parts because the Vikings were ""so good and in demand"" that a manufacturer was making parts for them now. Nick was able to fix my machine and it's good as new. Yes, it cost $299.85 but I got a new cam stack, slide, a full service and a new needle plate. My old red gal is back in business and after looking around briefly, I'm hopeful she'll be the last sewing machine I'll ever buy. Best birthday present I ever got! Thanks Mom & Dad! Thanks to A Common Thread and a big special THANK YOU!!! to Ace for doing the job Montavilla was too snooty to care about! more

I have bought three sewing machines from Montavilla sewing center. I have had nothing but terrific service from them. The first machine I had only a few days when it didn't work any more. I took it back , they looked at it and very politely told me that if it was not threaded correctly, it would not work correctly. They were right. Boy, did I feel like an idiot. But not once did they make me feel uncomfortable because I was a moron. Any time I have any little problem (usually a user problem), I take it in and they help with solve the problem. Only once did the issue actually require repair that cost me money. I was told it would cost $30 an when I went in to pick it up it was only $20 They underestimated the charge and was honest enough to not over charge me. I would recommend them to my family and friends and when the time comes to buy a new or better sewing machine I would definately go back. I still have the first one I bought (15 years ago) and it still works perfectly. These are the kind of people I like doing business with. Their business has expanded over the years, which means they are doing something right! Might want to consider that when you are looking for a sewing machine. You might be able to get a sewing machine cheaper at Walmart, but what do they know about sewing machines. You get what you pay for. more

I brought my machine in to be serviced at the STARK STREET LOCATION, as the decorative stitches were not working. Only sewed straight and zigzag. Bill left a message saying the unit needed to be replaced and that if they could get the part, it would cost $80 - $100, with labor around $300. Bill strongly suggested it would be more worthwhile to purchase another machine. I was out of town and got back to Bill a few days later. Told him I wanted to keep my machine because I primarily use it for quilting, and I did have another machine. There was much hesitation. I then decided to get a second opinion. Had difficulty getting my machine back. Bill said they'd call me when it was ready as it was apart awaiting my decision. Waited the whole next day. Called them to tell them I would pick it up at a certain time, and Steve said it would be ready. It wasn't. They told me they couldn't find it. I told them to look on Alex's bench since that was the technician working on it. Steve said it had been moved. When I got it back, it was filthy, and Steve was sure to mention that this was the machine that couldn't be fixed. Took it in immediately to a reputable dealer. Addressed my concerns while I stood there. Seems Montavilla had worked on it because the decorative stitches were miraculously working again, just not in the right order. Had it fixed within the week at a cost of $40.00! Big difference between $40.00 and $400.00! Cons: UNETHICAL PRACTICES! more

I love this locally owned business. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Not at all pushy. Loved the sales people and the repair folks. I traded in my machine and upgraded to a Janome DC3018 and I absolutely love it! I followed up with their free sewing classes to teach me all the features on my machine. (Thanks, Bobbie!) I would highly recommend this business to any serious sewer. My best friends mom recommended this store to me as she is a professional seamstress. As far as she is concerned, ""there is no other place that comes close."" Pros: Let me take my time, sewing lessons, have layaway... more

unless you like to be misled and ripped off. I took my machine in and the repairman immediately told me that it could not be fixed. He said that parts were no longer available for my machine and that the motor was probably blown. A diagnosis he made without even looking at the machine. He than proceeded to steer me into the showroom and tried to sell me a $1200 machine. He was willing to take my machine as a $200 trade in even though it was ""pretty useless"". I took my machine to the Sewing Room instead and $80 later it was up and running. My machine is a Pfaff from the late 80s. I think that they would have fixed and resold it had I fallen for their low down swindling scheme. more

I agree with the reviewer who said this company has a used car lot mentality. My mother and I have both bought machines from this company in the past 7 years and both machines turned out to be worthless pieces of junk that needed a lot of work. Mine was a used Singer and hers was a brand new Riccar. The sales people are pushy and the mechanics are snobs. I believe they don't care about the quality of machines that they sell because they plan to make buku bucks off of you when you bring your machine back for repairs. Horrible service and overpriced repair, stay away! Pros: none to speak of Cons: Pushy sales people, overpriced repair more

I've been sewing since I was a kid and I've found Montavilla Sewing Centers to be an excellent source for all my sewing needs. I really enjoy how they sit down with you and show you a variety of options of sewing machines---they have a huge selection! I also appreciate all their classes and events--lots to choose from and good support for your sewing, quilting and embroidery interests. A good local business to support! Pros: Service, Selection, Support more

I bought a $300 machine that I was told was the best in its class, and because of the bobbin, it would never or rarely jam. Jammed the forth day I had it, broke needle, and then machine wouldn't sew. Took it to the store on 82nd, and one of the service guys tried to sell me another machine twice the amount as the current broken machine. He also down-played my machine and contradicted the sales guy from the other sister store. Service manager was a total swine, and refused to replace the machine, blaming it on the store manager's decision. He told me that he would fix it, but that I would have to take to the store I bought it if I wanted to exchange it for a new one. He also told me that he would fix it, but that there was a back-log at the store I was at. Pros: None. Cons: Unprofessional, unethical, rude. more