How to choose a sex store

 

I believe that many people who are afraid to purchase sex toys are afraid because of their previous experiences with adult stores. Some adult stores just do not have a good vibe. They feel sketchy and make the shopper feel like sex toys are something dirty to be ashamed of. The first sex shop I went to was like this, and I did not especially want to buy its products because of this. The products did not give off the impression of quality. It felt like a warehouse for wierdos, not a store for your average sexual being.

However, I have become pretty skilled at locating more appealing adult stores. I start by doing a map search of “adult stores near (location)”. I make a mental list of them and go to each store’s website. Often, you can tell by the website what kind of store it is. Giveaways include a sex-positive mission statement or “about” section" and a clear website that’s easy to navigate.

Next I will check out the reviews of the sex shop. Reviewers will almost always point out that a store is “non-sketchy” or “not creepy” or “well lit and well organized”, all good signs. Friendly staff, wide selection, and and open-floor plan are great attributes as well.

So, based on these criteria, I choose which stores to actually visit.

Once I’m actually at the store, I can usually immediately tell if it will be a positive shopping experience. If I had a legitimate “scoring” system, I would score it as such:

1 point for being greeted at the door
2 points for having a pleasant atmosphere and well-lit store
2 points if the floor plan is open (not in tall aisles)
4 points if each sex toy has a demo version on display for customers to touch
5 points if the staff is knowledgeable, eager to help, and friendly
4 points for a sex-positive, female-friendly environment
2 points for selection/wide price range

Each sex shop I’ve enjoyed has been great in a different way. However, each of these criteria helps significantly toward improving the sex toy shopping experience, especially for someone that might feel embarrassed to be purchasing one.

The worst adult stores are poorly lit and make me feel awkward and uncomfortable. One store I went to simply had aisles and aisles of poor-quality, cheap, plastic-packaged vibrators, with very little variety.
Using these criteria, I have visited some of the best sex shops around and had amazing experiences with great customer service and exceptional products. To this day, the best sex shop I’ve ever visited is Babeland. They have a great reputation for being a shop where customers feel comfortable and enjoy shopping.