The New Intimacy

Are you usually more knowledgeable than retail sex stores employees?

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Contributor: Kynky Kytty Kynky Kytty
Did you ever happen to go in stores, and be asked if you need help? Or to go to a sex toy presentation with a group of friends, and feel like you'd do a better presentation? And that you'd be tempted to tell the person that you probably have more toys than what's in stock and that you know all about their other products?

I usually turn away from retail stores after seeing the astronomical prices on the toys, but it's still practical if you want a better look at a toy or lingerie.

So my question is: Do you feel like you know more about sex toys than the retail employees that are there to help?
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Definitely, I could have my own store.
ToyTimeTim , Selective Sensualist , DeliciousSurprise , Sweet-Justice , Kindred , SexyTabby , MR Chickhabit , - Kira - , Darling Jen , P'Gell , El-Jaro , slynch , ToyGurl , Toy Fiend , Stinkytofu10 , Lildrummrgurl7
16
Sure, for most things.
ellejay , GenderSexplorations , TheSlyFox , wetone123 , JessCee , OhMy! , The-IT-Guy-And-My-Secretary , newfoundlust , Sweet-Justice , Peggi , - Kira - , The Curious Couple , Ghost , l'amour , Errant Venture , RonLee , Kkay , carenautilus , Rossie , Starkiller87 , padmeamidala , Liz2 , Lucky21 , dv8 , js250 , Pink Jewel , poetprincess , mizzmilla , Stagger13 , slynch , married with children , Highmaintenancegirl916 , Woman China , LennaKieran , Anjulie , Shellz31 , Toy Fiend , KinkyNicki92 , Hummingbird , Kat and Aaron(aaron)
40
I still need to ask some questions.
Peggi , EJ , eroticmutt , mizzmilla , Katelyn
5
I know just enough.
Katelyn , Ash916 , PassionateLover2
3
I just started learning about toys.
unfulfilled , seaotter
2
Give me a little more time, and I will.
Mew , unfulfilled , Katelyn , TheHardOne , PassionateLover2
5
Thanks to all those reviews I've read.
Mr Dj , Gunsmoke , wetone123 , JessCee , OhMy! , zracer , The-IT-Guy-And-My-Secretary , loveshocks , newfoundlust , MrWishyWashy , - Kira - , The Curious Couple , l'amour , Rossie , P'Gell , unfulfilled , Liz2 , Lucky21 , BabyL0ve , mizzmilla , Lummox , DreamWolf , PeachieClean , TheHardOne , PassionateLover2 , Lildrummrgurl7 , tami , Leather & Lace , richsam , Kat and Aaron(aaron)
30
The dreadful other.
TitsMcScandal , P'Gell , CreamySweet
3
Total votes: 104 (75 voters)
Poll is closed
10/23/2011
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Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
I have only been in one store since joining here and ya, the poor girl got a lesson on toy materials. She was very thankful and I even turned her on to EF so she could learn more.

I live in small town USA and have often thought of opening a store, just not to sure how good that would go over. lol There is a smoke shop in town that I have been urging them to add some toys. Last time I was there they had some lube, candy undies and some cuffs, at least they are adding some. yay!
10/23/2011
Contributor: Kynky Kytty Kynky Kytty
Hahah, you remind me that one time a girl was suggesting putting glass toys in a microwave. A big no no.
10/23/2011
Contributor: GenderSexplorations GenderSexplorations
I think it's rather disconcerting when you know more than the person who's supposed to be selling you things. You'd think they'd take an interest in their craft. Especially when it's something so fun!
10/23/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by Kynky Kytty
Hahah, you remind me that one time a girl was suggesting putting glass toys in a microwave. A big no no.
Well, ya know, some folks are into self-inflicted pain.
10/23/2011
Contributor: Peggi Peggi
I've learned a lot since joining Eden, but I do occasionally need to ask a question or two. Typically, though, I'll just ask on here! Or research it on here! For the most part, though, since I learn pretty quickly, with everything I've come across on here, I feel like I could handle my own
10/23/2011
Contributor: MrWishyWashy MrWishyWashy
Quote:
Originally posted by Peggi
I've learned a lot since joining Eden, but I do occasionally need to ask a question or two. Typically, though, I'll just ask on here! Or research it on here! For the most part, though, since I learn pretty quickly, with everything ... more
I have not been to many, mostly order stuff on-line.
10/23/2011
Contributor: SexyTabby SexyTabby
We only have on store locally and the guy who ran it seems to be gone so the new lady barely even knows their own inventory let alone materials or any helpful information on anything. She sits behind the counter and flat out says if it's on the shelf we got it - if it doesn't say I don't know. lol she's so not toy friendly.

I'd love to open a shop of my own. One with knowledgable people and quality items - you know kinda like Eden here except in person lol
10/23/2011
Contributor: MR Chickhabit MR Chickhabit
yes, i go to several around my city and they "try" to sell me on something, but usually its terrible jelly or rubber and i have to school them, or ignore them.


seriously, i DO NOT want a jelly cock ring. leave me alone.
10/23/2011
Contributor: Kynky Kytty Kynky Kytty
Quote:
Originally posted by SexyTabby
We only have on store locally and the guy who ran it seems to be gone so the new lady barely even knows their own inventory let alone materials or any helpful information on anything. She sits behind the counter and flat out says if it's on the ... more
I know, it would be nice if there could be EF stores out there and that we do home presentations for them - I know it had been discussed a while ago, but nothing ever came of it. Still cool to think about it.
10/23/2011
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
We have one higher end shop and multiple seedy ones in my area. The higher end one only carries Lelo and Jimmyjane for luxury end vibrators. I asked if they had some others and they gave me a blank look. So...yeah. The seedy ones wouldn't even know what Lelo is so I don't bother asking. When I first started they did know to tell me not to use silicone lube with silicone toys, but that's about the only bit of information I've gleamed from them.

I've been to one sex toy party and the toys we so awful and the girl knew so little that I was miserable and passing tips on to the girls sitting next to me and giving them advice on toys to buy in the seedy places that were better (before I started shopping online).

My husband and I have long dreamed of opening our own high end shop in the area. I think there's a market for it here (we're in New Orleans). The one high end shop is downtown so the parking is terrible. We'd like to open one closer to the living area, but the zoning issues would be difficult and we could never quite sort out location or financing.
10/23/2011
Contributor: The Curious Couple The Curious Couple
I've never been to an sex toy shop, but I feel like I'd probably know more than their staff in some areas.
10/23/2011
Contributor: Ghost Ghost
Unfortunately, whenever my husband and I go to any local stores, they have no idea what we're asking for and they only carry jellies and other junk with lewd packaging. However, we don't have any of the "higher end" stores here to compare to.
10/24/2011
Contributor: TitsMcScandal TitsMcScandal
I picked the 'dreadful other' since I actually work in a sex toy store. I think I know more than all my coworkers. Not saying it in a rude way or anything, they are all very knowledgeable (some more than others, but they all have extensive training. They all know what Pthatlates are and everything. My boss asks me questions, she refers to me as the 'toy whiz'. I think that it is strange that I know more than my higher ups, but they know more about the fine details of selling in person and how to get the add-ons and such. So yeah, I think I know more than people in retail locations- for the most part.
10/24/2011
Contributor: Errant Venture Errant Venture
Well, I'm not as well versed as some members on here, but I do recall one email conversation (round-robin type) with a sex store manager, in which I kept on showing him up by knowing more than he did. I squee-ed for about half an hour.
10/24/2011
Contributor: RonLee RonLee
Sadly, it seems that most sales people, no matter what the product, just don't know their product very well. Not all mind you, just most.

But especially automobile sales people!
10/24/2011
Contributor: Kkay Kkay
Depends on the topic. Am I more knowledgeable about the jelly dildos available? Oh no.

Other things? Sure. Last time I was in my local sex shop, I was looking through their Njoy products. The manager handed me a box saying it was the pure plug 2.0; one look and I told him it was the large, not the 2.0. He had to check the pamphlet and their stock records to figure out someone had accidentally sold their 2.0 as a large -months- ago.

Another experience was looking at the G4 tiger and commenting I was unsure on the clitoral nub providing much stimulation. The clerk insisted it was designed to hit the clitoris, and all I could think was 'yeah, and that means it does because...?'
10/24/2011
Contributor: carenautilus carenautilus
I often find I know more about material safety, worryingly. At least, here in Sac. In SF, I couldn't even begin to rival the staff's knowledge at most sex shops!
10/24/2011
Contributor: Kynky Kytty Kynky Kytty
Quote:
Originally posted by Kkay
Depends on the topic. Am I more knowledgeable about the jelly dildos available? Oh no.

Other things? Sure. Last time I was in my local sex shop, I was looking through their Njoy products. The manager handed me a box saying it was the pure ... more
Hahaha, the plug story is very good.
10/24/2011
Contributor: unfulfilled unfulfilled
I'm just learning and there's no sex shops around where I live, but I'm sure eventually I would know more than they would if there were any around. This place is great and you learn so much from reading.
10/24/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I actually most likely did not get a job as a supervisor at a Sex Toy Shop because I had the knowledge. I thought my reviews and experience with toys would help, so I mentioned them in my resume and my interview. The manager was getting weird, trying to freak me out by talking about anal toys (? Why would that freak me out? I could tell she was doing it for shock value.) Maybe the fact that I wasn't 22 years old (and older than her) was making her feel weird. Anyway, I didn't get the job, and am pretty damn sure I knew more about the product and had more retail experience than the two little ditzies they had working the register, pushing Jelly Rabbits working there.

All is well, I'm back in my original profession. But, the fact that it appeared the manager was intimidated (and I did try to relate the information as diplomatically as possible) probably had a lot to do with my not getting the job. Either that, or the place only hires 20 year olds.... and they wanted to train them to sell what they wanted them to sell... a LOT of Jelly Rabbits, evidently, even though they had better toys there. The Hitachis were thrown into a pile near the back of the store, where they were not seen unless you were really looking for them, and they were Show Casing these crap toys at the register. *sigh*
10/24/2011
Contributor: Gunsmoke Gunsmoke
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I actually most likely did not get a job as a supervisor at a Sex Toy Shop because I had the knowledge. I thought my reviews and experience with toys would help, so I mentioned them in my resume and my interview. The manager was getting weird, trying ... more
Congrats - so glad to hear you're back to your original profession - working with women - right?
10/24/2011
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
There are few adult stores within the geographic area where I live. I have been to two.....the issue seems to be inferior and overpriced products and the clerks really don't know. To showcase jelly toys as the feature items seems foolish and could discourage patrons.
10/24/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Gunsmoke
Congrats - so glad to hear you're back to your original profession - working with women - right?
Yep. Mamas and babies.
10/24/2011
Contributor: RonLee RonLee
Quote:
Originally posted by Liz2
There are few adult stores within the geographic area where I live. I have been to two.....the issue seems to be inferior and overpriced products and the clerks really don't know. To showcase jelly toys as the feature items seems foolish and ... more
I would say that for the most part, knowledgeable purchasers of adult toys buy from EF. Folks who have not yet learned that there are quality toys buy from those stores that would "showcase jelly toys as the feature items" simply because they don't know any better.
I guess that sort of puts the pressure on US to educate those around us.
10/24/2011
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
I could definitely run my own store.

I'd also try to sell pizza there too.

"Pizza and Dongs"? Whaddya think?
10/24/2011
Contributor: Kynky Kytty Kynky Kytty
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I could definitely run my own store.

I'd also try to sell pizza there too.

"Pizza and Dongs"? Whaddya think?
Reminds me of some porn tube I saw a while ago where a girl was giving a blowjob through a pizza. Hmmm, pizza. The porn wasn't my thing, but I'm sure your concept would be popular.
10/24/2011
Contributor: CreamySweet CreamySweet
Quote:
Originally posted by Kynky Kytty
Did you ever happen to go in stores, and be asked if you need help? Or to go to a sex toy presentation with a group of friends, and feel like you'd do a better presentation? And that you'd be tempted to tell the person that you probably have ... more
"OTHER" Because we have a really awesome and huge store here in my town. The girls that work there are also part owners and are not only very product smart, well educated but also very friendly. We have had some conversations that probably would floor the average customer if they heard us, but they have never let me down lol.
10/24/2011
Contributor: js250 js250
I often have noticed that when we went into stores to purchase that I knew more about the repeat items than the clerks. Now, when we go in for my bra purchases I know a bit more about the other items I hear the clerks telling other customers about. It is difficult not to correct them, but I also do not want to get that personal.
10/24/2011
Contributor: UnknownGirl UnknownGirl
I haven't been been to a brick and mortar sex toy store in probably about 10 years.
10/24/2011