Selling sex toys online has become more and more popular over the years, and it’s not altogether crazy or out-of-reach for people to start selling sex toys out of their own home! All you need is a business, a website, a wholesaler, and you can pretty much make it from there!
Check the legalities
First things first, you don’t want anything to stop you from setting up in the first place. Selling sex toys online isn’t illegal, but in some areas you do need a permit to do so. You can apply for licence here, but it’s best to check with your local council first!
How will you sell them?
Will you do things more old school like the classic Tupperware parties, but this time with things that vibrate and buzz? Sex toy parties skyrocketed thanks to Ann Summers, but given the current restrictions in place in good old 2020, they’re probably not the best option.
Given that the sales of sex toys through online retailers has shot up during lockdown your best bet is to set up a basic website that has an e-commerce option so people can place orders through your website and you ship their products to them directly.
The industry you’re entering will also make payment processing a little difficult. But not impossible. The sex toy industry carries a “high risk” label because people are worried about being judged for buying them or feeling embarrassed after seeing an adult store appear on their credit card statement, so they may decide to refund or chargeback.
It ain’t just about the vibrators
Remember that the term ‘sex toys’ doesn’t just mean a tiny bullet vibrator; it also encompasses a whole bunch of other toys. So don’t be afraid to branch out and offer more to your customers!
- Lingerie – including plus size and male lingerie
- Latex
- Sex dolls
- Bondage clothes
- Fetish wear
- Bondage gear
- Cosplay and costumes
- Lubes and massage oils
- Adult DVDs
- Condoms
Find your niche
No matter what industry you start a new business in, you always need to find a niche. Where are your products and your offering going to slot in? Is there a particular gap in the market, or in your area, that you have identified? If you were a big brand name then you could offer everything under the sun in the adult world, but you’re starting from scratch.
Find your supplier
Now this is probably the area that has left you scratching your head the most. You can’t just rock up to your local sex shop or place a massive order with Lovehoney. You’re going to have to go wholesale.
Opting for wholesale sex toys is how you can keep your costs down, as you buy in bulk at a reduced costs and then mark them up slightly when you sell onto the public. Not too much though – you don’t want to price out your ideal customers – but it needs to be enough to make your new business venture worthwhile.
Think about your packaging
While we’re sure you’ve had a great deal of fun thinking about your logo and brand colours, you’re going to want to steer clear of any packaging that gives away any details of your business niche. While, of course, there’s nothing wrong with buying and using sex toys – we’re not the kind to judge! – some people will still feel embarrassed about ordering sex toys online and having them delivered to their door.
So, you’re going to want 100% plain and generic brown box and paper packaging. Discretion is going to be a huge selling point for you.
Get yourself out there
Social media platforms (generally) don’t allow adult content. But there are ways to get around it. You won’t be able to able to do any paid ads to promote your new little business so you’ll have to rely heavily on organic content. Facebook will be stricter than other platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, especially as the latter allow you to cleverly use hashtags to make your content visible to the relevant audiences.
