Self Serve Window Repair & Cameras
Donation protected
Self Serve is a sex-positive alternative to the old-school adult store. We believe sex is healthy and pleasure is good for you. Since 2007 we have created safe space for people to explore their desires and discover endless possibilities for pleasure and healing.
AND we're having a hard time keeping our space safe from vandalism.
In August of 2014, someone kicked in our front door and broke another one of our windows. A few days later, they shoved a hose through our mailbox and flooded the store. Thankfully because it was August in New Mexico it dried quickly, but our floor is now warped and damaged. In December of 2014 somebody broke the glass door again and while we were waiting for replacement glass to arrive they kicked it in again and caused more damage. On Monday January 19th a rock was shot through our front window. A few days later on Thursday January 22nd (while store owner Matie was in the store), another rock was shot through the window. It came through the window like a bullet and was honestly terrifying. We believe it was shot from a high powered sling shot or other trajectory device because the rock broke on impact and a small rock caused big damage. We feel like our store is not safe at night when we leave.
We feel we need to protect the store so that we can provide safe space for our community and staff.
Each instance of vandalism costs about $1000 to fix. Some are more, some are less, but typically this is an unexpected huge bill. Our insurance deductible is $1000, and because it is challenging to access insurance in a sex related field, it doesn't make sense to file claims for the $200-$300 we could collect per claim. We feel like we are treading water, and the carrying costs of this harm are almost overwhelming our small business. This is a pivotal time of year for Self Serve because of the upcoming Valentine's season. Every dollar we put into repairs is one dollar less we can invest into inventory for our busiest time of the year.
Replacing our glass windows with Plexiglass will make it harder to vandalize our small business. Adding surveliance cameras to our exterior could make it possible to catch the individual causing us harm in the act. The cost of both of these projects is not something we can afford to do without help.
Can you help us?
We plan on getting quotes from local companies in the next few weeks to replace the windows with plexiglass, replace our vinyl window coverings, and outfit the outside of our business with cameras. If you have ideas about best practices in this situation please email
[email redacted]
Organizer
Matie Fricker
Organizer
Albuquerque, NM