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to sell sex toys online in 2024 – A beginner’s guide //

When it comes to openly discussing sexuality, we’ve come a very long way. It’s no longer taboo to talk about sexuality. This can be seen clearly in the explosive growth of the sex toy market.<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/587109/size-of-the-global-sex-toy-market/#:~:text=Usage%20and%20ownership%20of%20sex,billion%20U.S.%20dollars%20by%202030. The data shows that the sex toy market will continue to grow. It is estimated to double from $40,6 billion in 2023 to $80.7 billion by 2030.


You’re at the perfect time to start your own sex toys business. Online adult toy sellers have more options than ever. You’re only limited by your creativity when it comes to designing products.


Here are the steps to starting your own sex toys business.

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How to sell sex toys on the internet in 7 easy steps


There are no two businesses that will ever be exactly the same. There are some important points you should consider as you start your adult toy business.


1. Find your niche


Some entrepreneurs know exactly what they will sell and who the target audience is before they enter the sex toys industry. But many don’t.


You should start by deciding what niche you will target. You will need to ensure that you are marketing your sex products to a market that is interested in them.



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Considerations

  • You can narrow down your audience by focusing on a specific group, such as the LGBTQIA+ or BDSM communities. Your marketing and sales will be easier if you target a specific group.
  • There are many different types of sexy toys. You can choose to sell sexy toys like dildos and vibrators, or you can offer other items like lingerie and condoms.
  • Which themes or trends are you going to follow? Consider fantasy products, innovative technology products, emerging trends products, sexual health and wellbeing, just to name a couple.


2. Select how you will make or obtain your sex toys

Three options are available: you can create your own sex toy, hire a manufacturer or resell already-made products. Consider the pros and cons before you make your decision.


Making them yourself will give you more control over your business. However, you will have to be more responsible for safety and testing. You may also find it difficult to scale your business if you grow.


Outsourcing manufacturing allows you to benefit from the expertise and resources of larger companies, but it also means that you will have less control over your company.


If you decide to resell your sex toy, you will be able to reach the market much quicker, but at the mercy (and risk) of the suppliers. They may also be selling them to other businesses.


3. Safety and privacy are important.


If you run an online sex toys business, it is your responsibility to ensure that your products are safe. You also have to maintain the privacy of your customers.


You are responsible for ensuring that the products you create or manufacture are safe and that the advice and education you provide will lead to the best outcomes. Where possible, use disclaimers and FAQs. Also, labelling with detailed information is important. Ensure you are following the regulations of the country or region where you do business.


Last but not least, make sure you ship your items in discrete packaging and that the data of customers is used according to privacy guidelines.


4. Brand your business


You can make your brand come to life once you have a clear idea of what you’re selling and who you are targeting. Make it personal. Ask yourself what you believe in, what your goals and values are, as well as what you can offer to your customers.

These points will help you set the tone for your brand and the message that you want to communicate to your audience. Create a connection with your audience that resonates.

The elements of your brand identity will include your logo, color scheme, fonts, packaging and visuals such as photography and graphics.


5. Create your own online sex toys store


It’s now time to put the rubber (or silicon) on the road. As you build, keep in mind the laws and regulations. Some payment processors or web providers may restrict your sales because of the risky nature of sex toys.


These are the essential things you will need to set up your sex toys website:

  • Theme customizable (if not starting from scratch).
  • Don’t cut corners on product photography! The quality of your photos is crucial to building trust with customers.

  • Key pages including FAQ, About Policies and Contact.

  • Connect to a payment processor who accepts your terms.


6. Prices for toys


It can be difficult to determine the price of sex products. You have to make sure you cover your costs while still offering a price customers will pay.

Understanding your costs


Calculate your costs first: production, shipping, and everything else. Keep your profit margin realistic, and add a little extra. Your price should reflect your product’s value and what your customers will pay.


Competition Study


Compare the prices of similar products. Prices should be similar, unless you have a product with unique features or superior qualities that justify a higher price.


Implement tiered pricing


Offer adult sex products at different price levels, from budget to premium. This will appeal to a larger range of customers, and accommodate different budgets.


7. Create a marketing plan for sex toys


The fun begins! You can use your humor, your wit, your creativity and your savvy to start selling sex products.


Trade shows, festivals and conferences are great ways to showcase your sex toys brand and expand your network.


Consider strategies such as:

  • Build your email list and use SMS marketing before you launch products. Direct people to the “Coming Soon” page, and give them incentives for signing up early.
  • Use engaging content to help customers and build trust on your website. Targeting relevant keywords will also help drive traffic to your site.
  • Influencer marketing: Find sex positive influencers that resonate with your audience. Micro influencers can be a great option for new brands because they are more affordable.
  • Affiliate networks: Create a network of websites, blogs and advertisers. You can increase your reach by earning a commission from each sale that they refer.
  • PR and media pitches will keep your brand at the forefront of media attention with constant media engagement. Create products and stories worth sharing.


What is the cost of starting a sex toys business?


Depending on how you approach the business, there are different costs involved.


Selling sex toys


You’ll have to pay for inventory, storage, and set up fees for an online store if you decide to resell. Starting out, even if you do some things yourself like branding, will require several thousand dollars.


Making sex toys


Initial costs can be lower for those who are planning to manufacture their own products. Producing items on the basis of orders will help you avoid excess inventory. Equipment and supplies are still a major expense. They can range from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. Plus, it is important to invest in branded packaging.


Designing new sex toys


The creation of a novel or new product requires more money and time. The process can take up to a year and cost upwards of $10,000. Minimum order quantities can add a layer of costs to your budget.


Dropshipping of sex toys


Dropshipping offers the best value for money when it comes to starting a business. The capital required is lower, as a few hundred bucks are usually enough to build a simple website and use online tools. In exchange, you have less control over shipping and production.


The sex toys empire is waiting for you


Selling sex toy online can be an extremely rewarding business, especially for those with a passion for sexual health, empowerment, education and education. As we have seen in the past few years, this is a growing industry that is expected to continue to grow for many years.


If you want to sell adult toy online, follow the steps below: determine your niche, select your production or sourcing methods, be aware of privacy and security, build an unforgettable brand, set up your sex toys store, and create a killer marketing strategy.

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Amanda Gaid
Author: Amanda Gaid

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