opinion

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

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.

That means sales opportunities are also being missed. Here are some tips for making sure nipple toys — and nipples — get the attention they deserve.

B2B salespeople should remind customers not to ignore the power of a “small” product, and emphasize that nipple toys are affordable.

A Variety of Options

Start off new users by recommending a product that’s easy to use and non-intimidating. Nipple suckers are a fantastic choice for introducing shoppers to this category. They offer gentle suction, which increases blood flow to the area and enhances sensitivity. Some models include vibration for added stimulation. Nipple suckers are also easy to demo in-store, on your hand or arm. A bit of water-based lubricant can be added around the base to improve suction. Encourage staff to describe the sensations — suction, vibration, heightened sensitivity — so customers understand what to expect, and to point out that vibrating nipple suckers are great for both solo play and use with a partner.

Once a customer gets more comfortable with nipple play, introduce products that offer a little more intensity, such as nipple clamps. Unlike vibrators with many settings for users to choose from, clamps offer steady, saucy pressure for those who enjoy deeper sensations. They also double as a visual accessory, which appeals to lingerie lovers and those into aesthetic play. Adjustable clamps allow users to customize the level of pressure to suit their personal sensitivity and tastes.

Repurposing and Repackaging

In addition to the items mentioned above, many toys designed for genital use can also be used for nipple stimulation. Encourage shoppers to experiment with:

  • Air pulse or suction toys: Used on the nipples, these can be amazing for heightening blood flow and sensitivity.
  • Textured vibrators or ridged bullets: These are ideal for external teasing.
  • Tingling gels, warming creams or cooling lubes: These can add to the range of sensations, especially water-based formulas designed for the nipple area.

These extras not only amplify the effects of suction or pressure, creating a fuller sensory experience, but also make for an easy add-on sale.

Speaking of which, including clamps and other nipple toys as part of a kit can help introduce shoppers to new sensations. Remind your B2B clients that customers shopping for gifts, couples’ sets or even bachelorette presents often go for fun kits that tick all the boxes. These kinds of kits let customers explore different sensations, which often leads to future purchases of more advanced versions.

If a customer is unsure what they like or is buying for someone else, recommend a starter kit that includes nipple accessories like feathered clamps for lighter, teasing play, alongside introductory BDSM items like fuzzy handcuffs and paddles, for a well-balanced mix of visual, tactile and pressure-based stimulation.

Tips for Floor and B2B Staff

Feature nipple toys in displays, keep the packaging visible and train in-store staff to recommend them and ask open-ended questions like “Have you ever tried nipple stimulation?” or “Are you looking for something to tease or to please?” They should show confidence in recommending options, and be sure to demonstrate or describe sensations — e.g., “This gives a gentle but saucy tug, like a teasing kiss.” Most importantly: Frame nipple play as a form of exploration, not just a kink.

B2B salespeople should remind customers not to ignore the power of a “small” product, and emphasize that nipple toys are affordable, effective and perfect for add-on sales, first-time buyers and couples looking to try something new or explore full-body pleasure, as well as customers interested in BDSM.

Nipple toys can appeal to a wide range of customers, whether they’re new to sex toys or seasoned players. From temperature play to pressure, suction, vibration or tingling sensations, the possibilities are as fun as they are profitable. As B2B salespeople and retail staff members, we have the opportunity to educate customers on nipple stimulation, help them discover overlooked opportunities for full-body pleasure — and boost our bottom line while we’re at it.

Sara Gaffoor is the Canadian sales rep for Nasstoys.

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