opinion

Marketing the Midway

I’ll be heading up to the Siskiyou Golden Fair this weekend; the largest country fair in Northern California. A popular annual event featuring country crafts, good food, entertainment, livestock exhibits, a demolition derby and even a rodeo – it’s always a summertime favorite.

Sounds like fun, you say, but what does this have to do with online porn? It’s the pricing structure.

Not only do I have to pay to get into the fairgrounds, but if I want to watch the demolition derby (and I do), that costs extra. Want to see a giant horse? What about a huge pig with by far the biggest balls you’ll ever see, or perhaps a truly enormous bull or alligator? Each will add another dollar to the cost of the show. Care for a tasty Polish Kielbasa smothered in fried onions and an ice-cold beer? Perhaps a ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl? That’s an additional cost as well…

With the fair, as with well thought-out online adult entertainment offerings, “upsell” is the name of the game. Charge ‘em for a subscription to your paysite, then offer a cross-sell before they enter and premium, one-on-one video chat once they’re inside. Add an offer for some toys or DVDs and you’ll maximize the number of sales you make to each of your customers and increase your profits.

Oh, and the reason why someone would pay a buck to see a giant horse or other oddity? Because it’s hidden inside of a tent, where you can’t see it for free – and a dollar is a cheap price to satisfy one’s curiosity. Think about that the next time you’re giving away your content...

Copyright © 2026 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

Viben Toys Aims to Personalize Pleasure in the Affordable Luxury Market

Not everybody develops their business philosophy in quite the same way. Jackie Blue, who oversees customer success management at Screaming O, acquired many of her key instincts and approaches not from a sales manual, but from a cookbook.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

Protecting Your Financial Future as an Adult Creator

There is no fixed ceiling on what you can earn, no single path you are required to follow and no traditional employer setting the limits of your growth. That kind of independence is powerful — but it also makes planning for your future even more important.

Megan Stokes ·
profile

Condom Sense's Adam Edwards on Driving Retail With Purpose

Still, the inclement weather can’t stop Edwards from doing something he’s done for most of his adult life: talking shop. About six and a half years ago, as soon he turned 18, he joined Condom Sense. His father, Mike Edwards, started the company in the 1990s.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Coal Daniels on Cowboy Life and Camming Success

Coal Daniels recently took home the title of 2026 Male Streamer of the Year — his second XMAs win in a row in that category — but he probably isn’t what you’d expect from a top adult talent. He’s the first to admit that.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Delicto Serves Up Online Retail With a Side of Super-Charged Sex-Ed

Meet Rose MacDowell and Sarah Riccio, co-founders of the online pleasure product hot spot Delicto.com. Since 2021, these business owner besties have been slinging vibes and dildos while openly sharing their love for self-induced orgasms on social media — a strategy that has earned Delicto half a million followers on TikTok.

Colleen Godin ·
profile

LoyalFans' Anastasia Pierce Bridges Creator Education, Empowerment and Ownership

Anastasia Pierce beams when she talks about her 26 years in the industry. Full of passionate energy, she clearly doesn’t just work in adult; she loves it.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Tips for 'Soft Selling' to Today's Shoppers

"This is our bestseller.” “You should get this one instead; it’s stronger.” “This one costs more — but it’s way better!” In adult retail, sweeping statements like these can sound impersonal and make shoppers feel rushed, unseen and unsupported.

Sara Gaffoor ·
opinion

Growing Site Revenue Under Ever-Changing Compliance Rules

Over the past year, many merchants have reported earnings that were flat or even a bit down. This is due to three main factors: age verification regulations, click-to-cancel rules, and banks backing away from cross-sales due to regulatory requirements and the rollout of the Visa Acquiring Monitoring Program (VAMP).

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

A Guide to Displaying Sex Dolls In-Store

Sex dolls are high-priced and visually striking, but often misunderstood by first-time buyers. Displayed poorly, they can seem intimidating, gimmicky or off-putting. Displayed well, they become conversation starters, high-quality premium products and confidence-boosting sales opportunities.

Jessica Sav ·
opinion

AI Safeguards for Platform Compliance and Trust

If your platform hosts user-generated content (UGC), then you already know protecting your brand is not merely a matter of good design or strong community guidelines. It requires systems that can verify who your users are, filter what they upload and ensure your business stays on the right side of regulators, payment processors and public opinion.

Christoph Hermes ·
Show More