Artisan Sewing Machines

[Art]

The idea of you calling me a liar is the biggest joke I have heard. I am happy to hear that Artisan is doing well, but I only repeated comments made to me by SEVERAL of your former suppliers. Add to this the fact that we haven't seen any Artisan ads in the majors for some time, nor have we seen Artisan at any shows for a while. I did say that you were pursuing other interests as I was told by others that you had informed them. I am happy to find that the Company you started in 1968 (when you were 14 or 15) is still doing fine. I would be happy to pull a Lexis-Nexis search of You and Artisan next week to obtain hard copy of some of the other things I have been told. Why pray tell, is Dave now working for Steve (saw him in the Cobra booth at the Boot and Saddlemakers Roundup, hmmmmmmm no Artisan at the show)?

As far as what companies I support, and to what extent; that is none of your nor anyone's business.

Yes, I did purchase several machines from Artisan. I was told by you Jerry, that all the parts were made in the USA. You did not tell me the truth. You even printed these untruths in your advertisements, I still have them and so does everyone else who collects the LC&SJ and Shop Talk. Those two Highlead (Chinese, sure as hell not American) machines I purchased from Artisan are working very well to this day, despite misrepresentation, if I need parts or anything, I get them from Steve.

Art

I am very happy to report that the Artisan company is very much alive and well. We have decided in these economic times to broaden our marketing efforts to include additional industries and not just our beloved leather trades. We design, manufacture, and supply over 63 different models and sub-classes of production and simple sewing and cutting machinery. Mr. Art van Hecke mistaken reported the demise of our company on this thread. His statements are completely untrue. Mr. Van Hecke a former moderator of this thread also happens to be an investor in the company selling Cobra brand sewing machines, he has something to gain by his lies. Although Mr. van Hecke had previously purchased several leather sewing machines from Artisan and for some reason he later decided to help finance and convince our now former salesman, Steve to start his own company, to me his intentions to try and undermine Artisan are very plain to see. This situation is complicated and long, and this is not the place to go into details, but be assured that Artisan sewing machines are doing well and will be here to provide our customers the very best in service, replacement spare parts, and machinery possible. Jerry Zonis, owner Artisan Sewing Supplies, Inc. Since 1968

[Russ]

I have an Artisan Toro 3000, and I'm very happy with it. It is very forgiving and does all that is asked of it. Artisan's service has been good for me too. All that said, when I called them, I also got the full court press running down their competitors. If I hadn't already tried out a Toro and had my mind set on it, that probably would have killed the sale. In my opinion, if you have to resort to running down your competitors, you must not have enough good to say about your own product.

And Art, I completely understand and respect your desire to answer the charges in this thread, but further discussion would be beneath you. Your honesty and integrity in this forum is beyond question.

Russ

[Johanna]

Gentlemen, you both have very valid points, but let's not run with scissors on the forum, please. Jerry, glad to hear Artisan is doing well and successfully diversifying. Art, I appreciate the way you help people determine which machine will do the work they want it to and mention all the choices. Ultimately it's up to the customer to do his own homework and make a decision, like Spinner did.

Jerry, I know you are unbelieveably busy, but I encourage you to drop by any time and give us your opinion. Because you took the time to teach me, I know that any idiot, despite the intimidation factor of running a powerful machine, can run an Artisan, because you got me comfortable sewing with it. I'm sure the same is true for Cobra, Cowboy and Techsew because I know all those guys too, and they are competent and patient.

Jerry, if I can help publicize your expansions, I will be happy to do so. Just send me a press release. I'm sure everyone is curious about what's up with Artisan lately, and that would put matters to rest.

Johanna