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. Emphasize that nipple toys are affordable, effective and perfect for 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.

Related:  

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

A Look at the Growing Market for Pleasure-Enhancing Consumables

For decades, the sexual enhancement aisle consisted mainly of pills promising stamina, with bottles and blister packs leaning heavily into themes of masculinity, urgency and performance. The sales pitch was rarely subtle: Take this, and something bigger, harder, longer or more intense would follow.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
opinion

5 Ways Pleasure Brands Can Maintain Social Media Visibility Beyond the Algorithm

The most difficult part of managing social media for pleasure brands is my archnemesis: the algorithm. I am sure most people who work in sexual wellness would agree. We are constantly navigating reduced reach, content removal and, in some cases, account bans. That can make connecting with customers feel impossible, but it is not.

Taylor Maness ·
profile

Verifymy's Emma Robert-Tissot on Putting People at the Heart of Online Safety

Warm, friendly and always happy to help, Emma Robert-Tissot has a gift for making even the most complex corners of online safety feel approachable.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

How Sexual Wellness Brands Can Use Emotional Marketing to Build Loyalty

Adult businesses have never had access to every marketing tool available to mainstream brands. Platform rules, advertising restrictions and content policies can limit the options for sex toy manufacturers and retailers. Add a difficult economy and more cautious consumers, and relying on tactics that worked a few years ago may no longer be enough.

Kate Kozlova ·
profile

WIA: Kristin Zuri-Godskind Draws on Deep Expertise to Elevate Sportsheets

After 18 years in the pleasure products industry, Kristin Zuri-Godskind has experienced the business from nearly every angle. Her career has taken her through retail, merchandising, management, distribution, sales, product education and manufacturing, giving her a perspective shaped as much by the sales floor as by the relationships she has built along the way.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
trends

Why Adult Retailers Need Better Training on Disability, Chronic Health

Every customer who walks into an adult store brings a different body, comfort level and set of needs. Retail staff already know how to ask the basics: Do you prefer vibration or suction? Are you using water-based or silicone lubricant? Do you have a latex allergy? What size are you comfortable with?

Mersy Love ·
profile

Anastasia's Bedroom Founder Chelsea Mani Bridges Ecommerce With Local Events

Chelsea Mani spends her weekends at local markets, where she displays an assortment of lingerie ranging from new lace bodysuits and silky robes to carefully sourced, cleaned and pressed vintage pieces. Passersby stop to examine the fabrics, ask questions and sometimes find themselves opening up unexpectedly.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Staying Power: Justin Ross on Two Decades of Building Screaming O

Ironically, it was a single-use, disposable vibrating ring that became the foundation of The Screaming O, transforming a basic foil pouch into the launchpad for a pleasure-product brand that has endured for over two decades.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA: Nasstoys' Suzy Contreras Drives Sales With Personal Connection

Suzy Contreras' journey into the pleasure products industry has been steady and carefully cultivated. Across departments, accounts and nurtured relationships, Contreras has demonstrated commitment and passion at each step.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Hannah Tyer Reveals the Inspiration Behind 'Touch Therapy' Couples Card Game

Relationship therapist Hannah Tyer believes there's a better way to get to the heart and soul of your sexual differences, and she's crafted a deck of cards to show couples the way.

Colleen Godin ·
Show More