Are you planning to buy your first sex toy and want to get it right on the first try?
Worry not; long gone are the days when you had to be embarrassed or terrified of this experience. Today, shopping for sex toys has been made much simpler, thanks to technology. Whether you are a very shy person or just love your privacy, online shopping is here to your rescue.
But before you rush into buying sex toys online, you have the responsibility of knowing the dos and don’ts of shopping safely from the comfort of your location. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about purchasing sex toys online.
Rule 1: The Basics of Online Shopping Always Apply
Unless you still live under a rock, you have already purchased some items online. You, therefore, know that not all online stores are equal. As a fact, the convenience of online shopping presents several challenges, from fake websites and scammers to stores selling low-quality products.
The same applies to sex toy sites, as not every online store selling these pleasure devices is created equal. What this means is that before you rush to make an online order just because a store has affordable sex toys, you need to consider the following:
- How secure is the site, and what’s the privacy policy? Look for the SSL certificate, which is used to show encrypted connections. Third-party trust seals such as Norton Secured or McAfee Safe are a plus. You should also pay attention to the site’s privacy policy for clarity on how your data will be used, especially if you value safe and discreet shopping.
- Does the site have clear product descriptions and competitive pricing? Fake or clown sites will rush to showcase a product without clear descriptions. Such sites also have suspiciously low pricing as they know this will instantly make more people want to make a purchase. Unfortunately, in most cases, you will end up getting scammed (credit card fraud) or receiving counterfeit or low-quality products that are a great risk to your health.
- Does the store stand by its products? Any authentic store will be confident of the quality of its products and will offer a fair purchase and return policy to protect its clients.
- What do past clients have to say about the store? Besides focusing on how an online store presents itself, it’s equally important to consider reviews from past clients. This will provide you with a non-biased overview from a neutral third party on what to expect even before you can add that product to your cart and check out.
Rule 2: Safety First
Now that you are aware that you should only buy sex toys from a trusted store, let’s dive into what you need to prioritize when choosing a sex toy online – your safety. Yes, you read that right.
With so many brands and designs of sex toys, paying attention to the little details goes a long way in ensuring that what you use on or in your body is 100% safe. But aren’t there standards that all manufacturers should adhere to?
The reality is that while there are standards laid down for FDA approvals, CE certifications, and compliance with other regulatory bodies, the nature of modern business transactions makes it hard to track every sex toy in the market. This is why, besides considering the brand, you need to focus on the materials used to make any pleasure device.
A general rule of thumb is to stick to male and female sex toys made of body-safe materials. The best picks are:
- Medical-Grade Silicone. This is the gold standard for most sex toys, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. The winning edge for toys is that they are non-porous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.
- Stainless Steel. These toys offer the advantages of being non-porous, durable, and perfect for temperature play.
- Borosilicate Glass. These toys are elegant, shatter-resistant, and maintain suitable temperatures for use at any time.
- ABS Plastic. These toys are the best pick if you opt for plastic as they are hard, non-porous, and usually very affordable.
Note: Avoid buying sex toys made of jelly rubber, PVC, and any other unknown materials, as most contain chemicals that can be very harmful to you.
Rule 3: Prioritize Your Type of Pleasure
The convenience and excitement of being able to buy sex toys online shouldn’t be an excuse to splash money on any great-looking pleasure device. You don’t have to own everything at a go as this is a journey that should get more thrilling over time.
Instead, the best approach is to shop based on product categories that best suit your interests. For example, if you are a couple, you are better off prioritizing couple toys that can be enjoyed together. Equally, if you are not into anal play, then backdoor pleasure devices are not the best picks for you.
Most importantly, pay extra attention to the size and shape of the sex toy you want to purchase. As a beginner, it’s always a good decision to start small, especially if your choices of devices are dildos and anal toys, before you can be confident to go for the bigger toys.
If you want electric sex toys, you should also think beyond the size. Find out more information about the device, including its volts (some sex toys can only be used in certain regions due to electricity standards) and how loud it can be. For example, if you live with a roommate and your vibrator has a loud vibrating noise it might not be too comfortable/convenient to use it as regularly as you would love to.
Rule 4: Yes, You can Get Quality at A Bargain Price
Whether you are buying male or female sex toys online, you don’t have to break the bank to get the priciest item for the assurance of quality. You can still get a quality sex toy at a bargain price and get to use it for years satisfactorily.
Use the oldest trick in the book when it comes to online shopping: know when to snag a deal. For example, most stores run offers and promotions at different times of the year, and these are the best times to make that purchase. These include end-year clearance sales, Valentine’s Day specials, and Black Friday sales.
Do not forget to consider how a store handles its sex toy deliveries. Some stores allow you the privacy of sending your pleasure devices under anonymous labels. Others also send you unmarked/plain boxes or gift boxes so no one else but you knows what you are receiving. This is great if you are worried about someone else snooping on your package.
However, take note that a store whose prices are too low is probably offering a deal that is too good to be true.
Rule 5: Trust Your Instincts
Never forget that when shopping online, the buck stops with you. Don’t just buy a sex toy based on hype or because it looks cute (most ladies make this mistake).
Remember, you are responsible for the purchase you make and should take time to consider all factors that make a sex toy great. Most importantly, learn to trust your instincts, especially when you feel that something might not be right. In most cases, you will be making a good choice and avoiding the disappointment of buying the wrong/low-quality item.
Conclusion
Buying sex toys online has become a breeze, thanks to the thousands of stores that are dedicated to helping you spice up your sex life. Nevertheless, you must prioritize your safety and privacy whenever you are shopping for that fun toy. This guide covers everything that you need to know before you indulge in some fun retail therapy.
Are you feeling ready to shop? Check out our store and browse through our exclusive collection of male, female, and couple sex toys, handpicked specially for you.