opinion

Ahead of the Pack

Recently, XBIZ World Magazine asked several adult industry players, "How do you make your company stand out in such a highly competitive market?"

Here's what they had to say:

Tantus toys are handcrafted from 100-percent ultra-premium, platinum silicone. This superior blend of Tantus silicone makes Tantus toys the world's best soft toys for adults. Tantus is dedicated to informing both retailers and consumers of the benefits of choosing Tantus. Our newly designed packaging is sophisticated, educational and retail smart.
— Jeff Muesse, Business Relations Coordinator, Tantus Inc.

Besides having built a strong reputation for the quality and innovative designs and features of our products, marketing plays a huge part in our success: A regular advertising program — along with editorial support, in-store marketing tools and displays and regular visits to our customers. California Exotic Novelties has made our business very "personal," and we are a reliable brand presence.
— Al Bloom, Marketing Manager, California Exotic Novelties

We focus on education, sex-positivity and non-judgmental attitudes. By having these added values beyond merely toys, books and videos, we're offering our customers ways of bringing sex into their lives in a more expansive way. Our stores, catalog and website offer educational materials, erotica, blogs and product information.
— Jonathan Plotzker, Senior Director of E-Commerce and Merchandising, Good Vibrations

Stockroom.com pre-dates the market! We have been selling products on the Internet since 1989, even before there was a World Wide Web, offering high-quality BDSM gear at reasonable prices and providing excellent customer service. I think the key to our standing-out (and success) has been rather simple — honesty, integrity and hiring as many artists as possible.
— Juli Crockett, Marketing Director, JT's Stockroom

Our company is the only company that is a real movie club. Our business model is similar to the Columbia Record House Club, except we took all the sucky parts out — there's no contract and no minimum number to buy. That's really what differentiates us from everyone else.
— Pamela Butkowski, Owner, DVDsforaBuck.com

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 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

opinion

How to Stay Legally Protected When Policies Get Outdated

The adult industry has long operated in a complex legal environment subject to rapid change. Now, a confluence of age verification laws, lawsuits, credit card processing and data privacy rules has created an urgent need for all industry participants — from major platforms to independent creators — to review and potentially overhaul their legal and operational policies.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

The Basics of Total Cost of Ownership in Retail

Almost every retailer has experienced that “oh no” moment. It’s when support tickets pile up, staff can’t get answers fast enough, store openings get delayed because Wi-Fi isn’t ready, or the POS proves to be outdated. Suddenly you’re too busy fixing problems to focus on driving sales.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

How to Market a Product You Can't Name or Show Online

You’re trying to sell legal, helpful products to consenting adults — yet the internet treats those products like a problem. The viral success every brand dreams of can seem maddeningly elusive when search engines block or restrict common keywords, social feeds shadow-ban PG posts, review bots misread images and policies shift overnight with no notice.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

From Compliance Chaos to Crypto Clarity: Making the Case for Digital Payments in Adult

These are uncertain times for adult merchants. With compliance tightening and age verification mandates rising, the barrier to entry keeps getting higher.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

How Managing Inventory With AI Helps Retailers Stock Smarter

If you’ve ever stood in a stockroom looking at a wall of unsold merchandise, then you know this basic truth: Your inventory is an asset — until it starts gathering dust. But how do we predict what customers want? That’s the eternal retail dilemma.

Zondre Watson ·
opinion

A Retail Guide for Boosting Sales in the Often-Overlooked Nipple Play Category

When it comes to sex toys, one area of the body that often gets overlooked by both consumers and salespeople is the nipples. Even though human nipples are packed with nerve endings and are sensitive and responsive across genders, they frequently get ignored as a focus for pleasure products — usually simply because nipple toys are small and come in tiny packaging.

Sara Gaffoor ·
profile

FSC's Valentine Leads Charge for Sex Worker Rights and Financial Access

Before ever stepping into a courtroom, Valentine already understood the power of presence. After all, they’ve shimmied on stages as a burlesque performer, consulted behind the scenes for creative businesses and moved through the adult industry not just as an advocate, but as a participant.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

What Sexual Wellness Brands Can Learn From Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is an undeniable cultural force, but her superpower isn’t just music. From surprise album drops on podcasts to billion-dollar tours, the Swiftie empire has turned into a global movement in large part thanks to effective marketing.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

How Humor Breaks the Ice in Adult Retail

Laughter sells. That’s especially true in our industry. Where vulnerability and curiosity walk through the door together, humor can help turn hesitation into comfort.

Alexandra Bouchard ·
Show More