educational

Sex Toys for Fun and Profit

Once upon a time the topic of sex toys was all but taboo for even the most "liberated" of women. This situation has changed, however, in part by mainstream media's open "normalization" of sex toys through hit television shows like "Sex and the City."

Although many women might still appear to keep quiet about their sex toys and which ones may be their favorites; in the right crowd, they'll share all of their secrets and perhaps even go as far as to show their friends exactly how each one works.

It's all about having the right environment – an environment that makes one feel safe and comfortable before sharing such highly personal and intimate details. Wanting this secure feeling translates to the purchase process. For example, I have a personal sex toy collection. My actual purchases of each of these toys was the direct result of feeling like I had "an invitation to a world of pleasure," rather than an embarrassed feeling of just wanting to run and hide...

Good sex stores understand this, with the seller trying to make his or her offers inviting, while making the customer feel able to find help that will point them in the right direction when questions arise. But what about "the convenience factor" of shopping from home, as well as many women's desire to not be seen buying sex toys? For many sex toy consumers, the perfect solution can only be found by shopping online.

The online sex toy shopping experience has come a long way in recent years, with many web-based retail outlets offering not only a wide variety of products at often discount prices, but as an extra bonus, a non-intimidating, safe and educational shopping experience. As a result, for many store operators, the online adult novelty business is booming. But what are today's male and female shoppers buying?

Recently, XBiz caught up with some of the biggest players in the sex toy market and asked, "What Is Your Biggest Sex Toy Seller?"

Here's what they had to say:

"Looking at our top-10 list, much of it is made up of our Cyberskin products, from the Cyberskin Cyber Cock to the Cyberskin Xtasy Vibe," Scott Tucker, CEO of Topco Sales, said. "This unique material is a consistent best seller for us, especially when used in creating realistic pieces, because it truly recreates the feeling of real skin."

"If I had to pick one line, I would say it would be our Vixen Series, Vivid's official Functional Erotic Glass Art," Rick Plank, president and owner of Phallix, said. "There are six signature pieces featuring the sensual and erotic aspects of Vivid Starlets Briana Banks, Dasha, Kira, Mercedez, Sunrise and Savanna. These pieces are beautiful to the eye."

According to Carol Queen, staff sexologist for Good Vibrations, "This varies from month to month. But often it's the Rabbit Pearl battery vibrator, which customers like in part because it's so cute. More important, though, is the design: a rotating shaft for vaginal stimulation and a vibrating bunny simultaneously stimulating the clitoris. Why not go for two erogenous zones instead of one?"

"The Rabbit iVibe is our best selling product at Adameve.com," Sean Trotter, CTO of Adam & Eve said. "From the story line of 'Sex In The City' to your home, it looks as if everyone has the Rabbit iVibe. With the pulsing, vibrating and clitoral stimulator, this toy does everything your man can't."

"When you take into consideration dollar value, the best-selling products are realistic cocks," opined Dave Levine, the president of SexToy.com. "We sell more tubes of lube at $5, but at $40-$80, realistic-looking cocks bring in much more revenue. Our best sellers within that category are Peter North's ejaculating cock and oversized giant cocks sell surprisingly well."

Now that you know what women want and what consumers are purchasing, you might want to consider becoming an affiliate of one or more of the more popular adult novelty reseller programs. Make your website safe and user-friendly, and you should enjoy good luck with your sales.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

'Pleasure Professionals Place' Group Marks 5 Years of Fostering Industry Connections, Conversations

Where can you find the pleasure industry’s most tantalizing, trending and relevant conversational banter? For once, we’re not talking about a trade show after-party!

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How Cannabis Culture Is Reshaping Sexual Wellness, Pleasure

April is a month of celebration: Lovers Day, Earth Day… and 4/20. Once a subculture symbol, “420” has evolved into a movement that bridges cannabis advocacy, wellness and an increasingly vital discussion around sexual health and pleasure.

Ian Kulp ·
profile

WIA Profile: Holly Corbella

Even during last year’s retail slump, the adult home party business continued to rock and roll — at least in New Jersey. Just ask Holly Corbella. Based in the Garden State, Corbella is the founder, CEO and lead party planner for Parties by Bellas, an intimate, in-home sex toy event company focusing on creating budget-friendly home parties for women on the East Coast.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Friday Bae Founder Benoit Palix Discusses Brand's Gen Z Focus

French sexual wellness brand Friday Bae is aiming to disrupt the market with its genderfluid, inclusive pleasure products. With bright pops of color for Gen Z and millennials to swoon over, Friday Bae is merging creativity and education for fans, dubbed the “Bae Squad.”

Namma Karp ·
profile

Self Serve's Matie Fricker on Promoting Sex-Positivity in Albuquerque

For 18 years, Self Serve has been providing a sex-positive space for adult toys and resources to folks in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The story behind its success is all about making connections: connecting with your passion, with your business partner, with your customers, with your staff and with your community.

Justin Goodrum ·
opinion

Why Inclusivity in the Pleasure Industry Is More Important Than Ever

2025 has kicked off with a series of unsettling events. Tension and anxiety are high across North America as the unknown impact of tariffs, climate change and attacks on human rights loom ominously. In times of unrest, seeking pleasure is not frivolity but necessity.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

2025's Top Tech Trends That Adult Retailers Should Know About

I just got back from the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo, also known as “Retail’s Big Show,” where I walked the floor, sat in on key panels, talked with industry experts and influencers, and did my best to sift through the b.s. so I could report back to you all on the things you need to care about.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Understanding the Importance of Graphic Design in Sexual Wellness Social Media Marketing

In the world of social media, graphic design is more than just making things look visually appealing — it’s a vital tool in shaping and maintaining a brand’s identity. Your social media is your storefront, so aesthetics mean everything.

Hannah McManus ·
opinion

How Adult Retail Is Shaping Sexual Health One Customer at a Time

Remember back in health class, when they taught us about boundaries, consent and how many nerve endings are in the clitoris? Of course you don’t, because it didn’t happen. In fact, sex education is still severely lacking in much of the U.S.

Kimberly Scott Faubel ·
trends

Meet the Up-and-Coming Pleasure Brands of 2025

Over the past year, the pleasure industry has witnessed the emergence of new brands across various adult retail categories — brands that are now entering 2025 with ambitious goals for success and growth in their sophomore year.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
Show More