Feature Articles
Why Sex Toy Innovation Isn't What Shoppers Want Right Now
opinion
Why Sex Toy Innovation Isn't What Shoppers Want Right Now
During my first year in the industry, the luxury vibrator on shelves was LELO’s Gigi, priced at $109. It was made with high-quality silicone, boasted an ergonomic design, a travel lock and a warranty. Soon after, Je Joue released its first product, SaSi, which employed “rolling ball” movements to simulate oral sex.
What France's New Law Means for Age Verification Worldwide
opinion
What France's New Law Means for Age Verification Worldwide
When France implemented its Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law on April 11, it marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing global debate surrounding online safety and access to adult content.
How Adult Retailers Can Enhance Sales With Supplements
opinion
How Adult Retailers Can Enhance Sales With Supplements
The supplement industry is big business. In 2024, Future Market Insights estimated it to be valued at $74.3 billion, and other market research firms anticipate that number will grow to upwards of $170 billion in just 10 years.
From Tariffs to Trends: Staying Resilient in a Shaky Online Adult Market
opinion
From Tariffs to Trends: Staying Resilient in a Shaky Online Adult Market
Whenever I check in with clients these days, I encounter the same concerns. For many, business has not quite bounced back after the typical post-holiday-season slowdown. Instead, consumers have been holding back due to the economic uncertainty around the Trump administration’s new tariffs and their impact on prices.
Why It's Time the Pleasure Industry Got Serious About IPX Waterproof Ratings
opinion
Why It's Time the Pleasure Industry Got Serious About IPX Waterproof Ratings
As someone who regularly communicates with manufacturers, retailers and consumers, I’ve seen how this ambiguity can do a disservice to both the customers who use these products and the businesses that sell them.
Optimizing Payment Strategies for High Ticket Sales
opinion
Optimizing Payment Strategies for High Ticket Sales
Payment processing for more expensive items, such as those exceeding $1,000 per order, can create unique challenges. For adult businesses, those challenges are magnified. Increased fraud risk, elevated chargeback ratios and heavier scrutiny from banks and processors are only the beginning.
Tips for Sexual Wellness Brands to Win Over Gen Z This Summer
opinion
Tips for Sexual Wellness Brands to Win Over Gen Z This Summer
As summer rolls around, the excitement in the air is palpable, especially for one particular demographic: Gen Z. College and university classes are over, vacations are booked and it’s time to let loose.
The Barcelona Job: A Diamond Heist Drenched in Sweat and Seduction
opinion
The Barcelona Job: A Diamond Heist Drenched in Sweat and Seduction
In a city famed for its architecture and allure, something far more seductive is about to go down. The priceless NakedSword Diamond is nestled deep within a heavily fortified Barcelona museum, and master thief Sir Peter has his eye on the prize.
Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community With Inclusive Packaging Design
opinion
Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community With Inclusive Packaging Design
Pride Month is a time of visibility, joy and self-expression. In the pleasure industry, projecting that energy can start with something as simple as a box. Market research shows that 72% of U.S. consumers say product packaging influences their purchasing decisions.
Packing Tips: A Must-Have Travel Checklist for Creators
opinion
Packing Tips: A Must-Have Travel Checklist for Creators
Traveling as a content creator isn’t just about hopping on a plane and hoping for the best. You need to be ready for anything, whether that means an amazing sunset you just have to capture, a last-minute editing session or an impromptu collab.
Camming as a Couple: How to Balance Love and Livestreaming
opinion
Camming as a Couple: How to Balance Love and Livestreaming
Real-life couples who work together in the adult industry face a unique set of challenges that can test relationships in ways that most couples are unlikely to experience. The industry can offer both financial benefits and creative freedom, and working together can strengthen a partnership — but it can also present emotional, social and professional obstacles that must be carefully managed.
PR Moves: How to Know When It's Time to Hire a Rep
opinion
PR Moves: How to Know When It's Time to Hire a Rep
If you’ve achieved a stable career with steady work, but find yourself at an impasse where growth is concerned, it might be time to look into hiring a public relations professional to help you expand your brand and reach.
Why It's Time for Pleasure Brands to Stop Ignoring B2C Marketing
opinion
Why It's Time for Pleasure Brands to Stop Ignoring B2C Marketing
For many B2B adult brands, marketing to consumers feels like a waste of time. I’ve heard it so many times: “We sell to retailers, not consumers. Why should we invest in B2C marketing?”
The Midlife Movement Is Exploding; Is the Pleasure Industry Ready?
opinion
The Midlife Movement Is Exploding; Is the Pleasure Industry Ready?
In marketing, there tends to be an emphasis on the younger generation — the trendsetters. The assumption is that appealing to the younger market has a halo effect on older consumers, who look to younger folks for what is on trend.
Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment
opinion
Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment
The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.
Gender Play Gets Creative With Fantasy Toys
opinion
Gender Play Gets Creative With Fantasy Toys
Sex toy manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the value of fantasy products, expanding their lines to include ever more diverse designs. What was once considered a niche market has proven to have broad appeal, demonstrating that people are eager to explore desires that extend beyond conventional human experiences.
More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits
opinion
More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits
The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.
Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform
opinion
Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform
The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.
Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained
opinion
Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained
Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.
How Sex Toy Retailers Can Better Support Marginalized Communities
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opinion
How Sex Toy Retailers Can Better Support Marginalized Communities
As someone who has been in the industry since 2003, I’ve seen countless trends, products and marketing strategies come and go. Yet one thing has remained consistent: a significant gap in how sex toy retailers serve marginalized communities.
