A Bike Ride that Pleases Everyone

From the Chicago Tribune. Only problem? Delivery only in Chicago.

The Kinky Llama delivers sex toys, products in a jiff
—John Keilman, February 3, 2009



Inspiration can strike at odd times. Anthony Mikrut got the idea for his business about 3 o'clock one morning, when he and a girlfriend were in search of some ... uh ... products to enhance their ... er ... special evening.

"We figured you can get pizza any time of night," he said. "Why can't you get [sex] toys?"

Thus was born The Kinky Llama, a purveyor of adult goods that promises one-hour delivery—by bicycle, no less — to most places in Chicago. Mikrut, 33, said the company has been around for 21/2 years and that, despite the recession, he's busier than ever.

"I think people like to have a little fun when they're not having the best time in the market," he said.

His West Town home office holds about 1,500 items, from videos to marital aids to specially designed furniture, and he tosses his wares into a bag or bike trailer when it's time for a delivery. So far, he said, all of his rush orders have come at night or in the early morning — and almost all have come from women.

That surprised him; he figured men would be the ones driven by a certain urgency. But one of his customers, Alexandra Blom, said women's desire for quick service could stem from shopping habits as much as libido.

"Men might be more thought-out about it," said Blom, 28, a North Side artist. "I usually buy something in the moment of wanting it."

Mikrut said his ultimate goal is to open a classy adult boutique. In the meantime, he's just glad to be in a business that can truly claim to have satisfied customers.

"Everyone I [talk to], they're always happy," he said. "That's my favorite part."