The blog entry in which we address the future of BMF Effects.
First, I want to express my utmost gratitude for the outpouring of support, both public and private. I cannot begin to put into words how much I appreciate it. With that being said, let's get into it.
To answer some of the questions I have been asked.
1)Sometime between February 12th and February 27th, my storage unit was broken into and cleaned out. The only things that were not stolen were my smoker, some packing supplies, and small items of little or no value.
2) What was stolen were some power tools, personal belongings, and the entire backstock of BMF Effects parts including enclosures, PCBs, potentiometers (custom made and off the shelf), switches, resistors, capacitors... just about everything I use to build pedals.
3) Yes, the police are involved and because of the total value of the stolen items, it is a felony investigation. Detectives are assigned to the case, the storage unit is being dusted for fingerprints, it is considered a crime scene, etc. The facility was a secure one on the level of Public Storage, US Storage Centers, etc. A unique code was required to enter the facility at two different points, there are security cameras rolling 24/7 and the footage is being reviewed. My unit was on the second floor, so the person(s) that did this would have had to pass by four cameras to gain access. Since a code was needed to enter the facility, there are two scenarios.
- The person(s) piggybacked on an existing tenet to gain access and again to exit.
- Someone with a code was the perpetrator.
If there is a bit of hope to be had, some of the items stolen were either large or easily identifiable which would make saying, “Hey, that’s my __________!” when it comes to reviewing the security footage.
4) Yes, I had insurance, but it will not be enough to recoup my losses. Especially with the price increases in raw materials and services I have mentioned recently. In the big picture, this is essentially a crippling total loss.
5) Do I know who could have done this? I have no clue. I do not feel as though I was targeted. Plus, very little of what was taken had any street value. The parts inventory could not have been sold to a pawn shop, etc. and most likely ended up in a dumpster somewhere. I have also been asked if I think it could have been someone I know. The answer to that is no one I know knew in the local area knew about my storage unit. Given the rash of storage unit break ins nationwide, I suspect it was just my turn.
6) Do I think my property will be recovered? I am not optimistic. The items of value could have ended up on Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, etc., and I would have had to catch those listings almost immediately. Once the seller deletes the ads, the transactions are basically untraceable. The only scenario where my property might be recovered is if the person(s) that broke into my unit moved everything to another unit in the building. While it would be easy to determine this by not seeing my items being carried out the exit of the facility, I cannot imagine anyone would be stupid enough to pull this move and think they could get away with it.
So where does this leave BMF Effects?
1) As of February 27th, BMF Effects is on an indefinite hiatus while I get my head around what has happened, work with the police, and deal with the fallout. The website, contact form, email address will all remain live, but the inventory will be zeroed out and no new orders will be taken.
2) Regarding existing orders… I need to review them individually and see what I can fill and what payments need to be refunded. I am asking for everyone’s patience during this process, and you have my word that you will be made whole.
3) Multiple people have suggested starting a GoFundMe campaign. Honestly, I think the amount that would need to be raised to recover properly would be beyond the generosity of the people that have supported me. While I am not opposed to the idea, falling short of the goal would be another kick in the shins.
4) I do have some raw enclosures at the house as well as some new projects I was looking at releasing this year. I would be throwing money away by disposing of the parts on hand, and the logical thing to do would be to complete these pedals and put them up for sale. I cannot say when this will happen but after 20 years, I am not okay going out with a whimper.
Well, I think that about covers everything. Cross your fingers, send thoughts and prayers, do a naked rain dance, bark at the moon, or whatever it is you do for BMF Effects as I will take all the positive vibes I can get right now.
Illegitimi non Carborundum.
Scott @ BMF Effects