Sex toys can be bought at in-person or online sex shops (also called sex stores or adult stores), usually only by people who have reached the legal adult age. Apart from specialty stores, you can often buy a limited selection of sex toys in pharmacies and drug store, at special parties and fiestas, in retail and department stores, or even in large supermarkets.
It’s not advised to share or buy (used) sex toys from others as this could turn into a health safety hazard. You might consider only buying sex toys from well-known, reputable brands, which could give you better guarantees about the quality and safety of the products.
Some sex shops are specialized towards certain customer groups, such as women, men, BDSM practitioners, or the LGBTQ community, or alternatively are specialized in only certain types of sex toys.
Generally, online shopping may give you the following advantages: access to user reviews, quickly comparisons, easy access to information and specifications of adult toys, choice of multiple brands, discreet shopping, and the comfort of being at home.
In-store shopping may be better for you if you prefer to feel the material the sex toy is made of, want to actually see the toy live, need some guidance of a real person, want to smell certain products, or if you want to experience the power and speed of an automated toy.
When you buy sex toys online, the products are usually sent to you by mail, in plain, unrecognizable packaging for obvious privacy reasons. Upon receiving a sex toy it’s advised to carefully inspect the toy before using it, notably for tears, rough edges, or cracks that could harm the penis, the inside of the vagina, or anus and anal canal.
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