Gator Vacuum & Sewing Co.
“I’m taking the time to write this review because this is more than just a story about repairing a vacuum — and I truly believe exceptional service deserves to be recognized.
I bought my Rainbow 25 years ago, shortly after September 11, because of the terrible air pollution we were experiencing in New York at the time. That Rainbow became part of our home and, incredibly, worked faithfully day after day for 25 years.
And then, almost symbolically, on September 11, 2026 — exactly 25 years later — it stopped working.
I brought it to Gator Vacuum, where I was told that the motor was gone. At that point, I contacted Rainbow directly to understand my options. Obviously, after 25 years I wasn’t expecting a warranty. I was offered a brand-new Rainbow for approximately $3,400 — practically the price of a used car! — or a refurbished unit for around $1,000.
The refurbished option didn’t feel right to me. I would be spending $1,000 on another machine without knowing its history, what had failed before, what had been replaced, or how much life was left in the rest of it.
Then Robert from Gator Vacuum called me.
My Rainbow was already taken apart, and he asked what I wanted to do with it — repair it or let it go.
I asked, “What would repairing it actually mean?”
Robert explained everything clearly. Yes, it would cost around $1,000, but I would be getting a completely NEW motor with a 10-year warranty, a new HEPA filtration system, and replacement of numerous parts that, understandably, had seen better days after 25 years. One of my old parts was literally being held together with Scotch tape!
Suddenly, the decision became very clear:
Spend $1,000 on a refurbished Rainbow with an unknown history…
OR spend approximately the same amount rebuilding MY Rainbow — the machine that had been with my family for 25 years — with a brand-new motor, new filtration system, new parts, and a 10-year motor warranty.
For me, there was no comparison.
I trusted Robert and Gator Vacuum with my old Rainbow, and I am SO happy that I did.
Within about a week, I received the call that it was ready. I picked it up today, and OH MY GOD — I could hardly believe it was the same machine! It looks incredible inside and out. Robert even installed a new, longer power cord as a complimentary bonus.
And the suction? AMAZING.
My 25-year-old Rainbow feels like a brand-new machine.
What impressed me most, however, was Robert himself. He didn’t simply repair my vacuum. He took the time to explain the differences between buying new, buying refurbished, and rebuilding what I already owned. His knowledge, honesty, professionalism, and decades of experience gave me the confidence to make the right decision for myself.
There is something very special about a person who opened his business more than 30 years ago as a young man and is still there today, doing his work with the same knowledge, pride, professionalism, and personal attention that makes customers walk out with a smile.
And today, I walked out carrying my Rainbow again — the same Rainbow that has been part of my life for 25 years, only now with a brand-new heart.
Thank you, Robert, and thank you to everyone at Gator Vacuum for giving my Rainbow a second life.
Here’s to another 25 years! ❤
God bless you and your business. Businesses like yours are exactly why supporting experienced, honest, local professionals still matters.”
