China's Sex Toy Market Positively Impacted by E-Commerce

BEIJING — The vertically integrated e-commerce model has transformed the retail business for adult products, which is estimated to have a market of $5 billion (30 billion yuan), Shanghai's China Business News reports.

Unlike other parts of the retail sector, the impact of the Internet on businesses selling adult products has been rarely discussed in China, although on the online market it has reached $1.6 billion (10 billion yuan).

Chunshuitang, which launched in 2003, is one of the leading players in the online adult products business, controlling a market share of over 30 percent and forecasting record sales of $49 million (300 million yuan) this year.

Company founder Lin Degang said the vertically integrated e-commerce model has helped eliminate the role of suppliers and distributors and ultimately cut 60 percent of the costs. 

70 percent of company sales come from its websites, while its online branches at e-commerce platforms, including Jingdong Mall, Taobao and Amazon contribute 20 percent. The remaining 10 percent comes from sales of its core products, according to Lin.

The company expanded through a licensing deal, establishing a physical presence across the country between 2006 and 2008, but decided to end operations because of issues surrounding counterfeits and distribution. The company now only has one brick-and-mortar store in Beijing.

Recently, Chunshuitang also ventured into the smart device business, launching a product called the "iBall," which incorporates a kegel ball and connections to mobile devices. The product is aimed at women who have just given birth and includes a feature that allows users to compare their results with each other, Lin said. More than 20,000 iBalls were sold than a month after its launch.

Chunshuitang also borrowed its marketing strategies from leading e-commerce companies, including Alibaba's Singles Day campaign, and created a "69 sales day" on June 9.

The rise of social media has also helped businesses promote adult products, given the low visibility of such items in the traditional media.

Condom maker Durex reports success with its online marketing in China. Its Twitter-like Weibo page has nearly 1.2 million followers, which helps promote the brand through discussions surrounding the company's posts.

Chunshuitang focuses more on encouraging word of mouth promotion among users of its products, with around 80 testers sharing their experiences through the company's Weibo page.

After two rounds of fundraising, Chunshuitang is planning for an A-share listing in 2017, local news sources reported.

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 News

Onahole Debuts New 'KYO' Cock Ring Collection

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new KYO line of cock rings.

Deviate Launches Adult Industry Graphics Company Gala Design

Pleasure brand Deviate Network has incorporated its graphics department as its own adult industry-focused design company, Gala Design.

Orion Debuts New Styles From 'Svenjoyment' Line

Orion Wholesale has released four new styles from its Svenjoyment line.

Monster Cocks Debuts 'Screamer' Dildo

Pleasure brand Monster Cocks has introduced its new dildo, the Screamer.

Kheper Debuts New 'Hot Naked Men' Playing Cards

Kheper Games has introduced its new "20 Years of Hot Naked Men" deck of playing cards.

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

German Higher Court Upholds Ban on PornHub, YouPorn

The Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate on Thursday upheld a “network ban” on Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn for failing to comply with German age verification regulations.

Tiffani Madison Debuts Her Fleshlight Pro Stroker

Tiffani Madison has debuted her new Fleshlight Pro stroker, modeled on her anatomy.

Dame Debuts Limited-Edition 'Toy Stories' Book

Sexual wellness brand Dame has partnered with 11 erotica authors for a limited-edition book, titled “Toy Stories.”

Our Erotic Journey Expands Lineup With New Dildo Collection, Vibe & Stroker

Our Erotic Journey has debuted a new stroker as well as a new collection of dildos and expanded its Sublime collection of vibrators.

Show More