IamA manager of an adult store! AMA!

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Hahaha! We'll see what happens with Adnan's appeal.

How many people buying stuff were specifically "just buying itbfor a friend"?

Not as often as you think. I get a lot of men buying anal toys saying that they're for their girlfriend or wife, but you know by the questions they ask that it's really for them!

What are the top three products purchased in your store?

Cock rings, bullets and fleshlights.

I want to know what a cock ring is but am very scared to google it. Care to explain?

They keep a penis hard for longer. You can get vibrating ones, too. 10/10 would suggest trying one out.

Several professions will tell you about a joke that customers/clients keep telling over and over that they are truly sick of, is there one of those in your line of work?

Usually jokes about our return policy. "Well I sure hope you don't take returns!!!" Ugh.

Considering the establishment, that joke was disapointing, was hoping forsomething really inappropriate.

I get people that ask to see my tits a lot, too. It's a running joke among the employees.

Well, how about it?

I've never flashed anyone. Except for my husband who asked me once in the shop as a joke.

What the weirdest "Have you got this in stock?" have you had?

Oh man, you have no idea. The weirdest one TODAY was someone asking for suction nipple clips that vibrate.

Of all time.. I had someone looking for an 18 inch but plug about 5 years ago.

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Yes, on the nipple clips.

Had to special order the butt plug.

"Sorry, we only keep the 17" and 19" inch in stock. I can get you the 18" by next Tuesday"

You should have seen it, it was an 18 inch circumference, not length. So.. ouch.

Cheese and rice! I think my butt from outer cheek to outer cheek is 18" across. I can't even imagine getting the hole 5+" in diameter.

Yeah, I was like "wtf" when he asked for it.

Has anyone ever ask for a "demonstration" involving a toy?

Anything that requires batteries to function gets tested before the customer purchases it.

As far as someone asking me to literally masturbate in front of them, it happens every now and then. I just ask them if they would like to retract the comment.

You give out free mulligans? How nice. I like you.

Thanks :)

Anyone ever not take the mulligan and just double down?

Yes. I had someone ask to touch my butt and when I asked if he'd like to retract, he said "only if you let me grab your tits instead."

How often do you hear about glory holes in adult shops?

Everyday. Every damn day. I have customers ask me if I know where any good "glory hole joints" are.

Yes, but where are they? I mean there are so many! I want to know where they are so I can avoid them!

Mostly at the gay bars in my city.

The idea of using a glory hole is terrifying. It's like Russian roulette for your cock.

Or mouth.. depending on which side of the glory hole you're on

When you first started working there, were you open about telling your friends and family? Since you've been at this place for 10 years, I'm assuming that a solid portion of people in your life know about it by now. But how easily do you bring up your job in conversation?

My parents were always very open with sex. So, my parents and siblings knew right away. My husband who was my boyfriend at the time I started working here, was (obviously) very, very supportive.

My extended family found out because my grandparents came in to pick up a sex swing that they ordered.

My in laws hate it, they still hate it.

My friends are great and they've always loved me working here.

I'm not ashamed of where I work and will tell people if they ask.

Please tell me you were working that day, and one that had to handle the transaction.

Yes, I was working that day. I also processed the order with them over the phone (unknowingly). It was very, very, very uncomfortable.

What did your in-laws say?

They are very vanilla and conservative. My boyfriend hadn't seen a tampon until we moved in together.

They said that I was trying to turn my husband into a pervert.

And how's that going? Turning your husband into a pervert?

He was already a pervert when I met him ;)

What are those dildos that you strap on to your face called? I've randomly always wondered...

Facial strap ons lol

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That's a good one. Different brands call them different names.

What is your favourite type of pie?

Apple ;)

How do you dress for work?

I am picturing aviator glasses, mustache, leather vest and ass-less chaps....please verify!

Well, I'm a woman, so no mustache.

I wear jeans or dress pants with a nice blouse and comfy shoes.

Anyone try to come in and try to return a toy?

Yes, I remember it vividly. A man tried to return a blow up bondage chair and it was covered in semen and feces. It was horrifying.

Like one of those plastic blow up chairs from thr 90's that would melt if you put it near a fire?

Exactly.

Out of morbid curiosity, how did this situation resolve?

Also, how much does a product like that even cost?

I need that information...

For a friend.

The product wasn't returned, but the customer blew it up and tied it to our sign while we were closed that night. Shit and cum included.

They cost about $75.

How many adults can I purchase for $20?

3.14

What is your salary? Do you have perks like free toys?

I'm at $42,000 a year. Yes, as the manager I get a tester for nearly every toy we have in store. My closet is full of every kind of sex toy you can imagine.

what's your favourite?

My all time favorite toy is my rabbit. It's a rotating and pulsating vibrator with clitoral stimulation.

I'm also a fan of vibrating cockrings.

Im really sorry but this made me laugh. If any other redditor said this I wouldn't take them seriously. Ty for the ama!

No problem, it's keeping me occupied in between the job interviews I'm doing today.

What is one of the most asked for products from the group age of 18-22 years of age?

Honestly, lube. People that are between 18-24 usually some in to the store looking for a place to start exploring. I suggest a good lube and a cock ring or a mini vibrator to those customers. It's a good starting point.

Excuse my ignorance, but what's the use of a cock ring?

I mean, I like my dick but I'm not going to marry it.

I think you attach it to the base of your penis and it affects the circulation in such a way that it allows you to stay hard for longer. You can also get vibrating ones that are nice for ladies.

You got it dude.

Any awesome stories you want an excuse to share? Let me be the excuse! -sits for story time-

About two months ago, one of my employees called me in a panic that there was a man in the DVD section with his penis out. I rushed over as fast as I could and when I got there he was full blown jackin it. I went over and tapped him on the shoulder and informed him that he needed to leave, that I had his license plate, description and was calling the police. He turned around and came on the floor right in front of me.

Clean up on aisle 2

Ugh, that was disgusting.

What is the most unusual problem a customer has had with a product?

I had a lady call and ask us how to remove kegel balls. She had used a vaginal tightening cream just before she inserted the balls and they got stuck. She came in the next day and told us she had to go to the hospital to have them removed.

Vaginal tightening cream?

There sure is. My favorite is called "liquid virgin"

Does it work?

Yeah, for the most part.

Theres vag tightening cream?

Oh yes, and penis thickening cream, too!

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Yes, I like them.

Do you have any crazy/eccentric regulars?

Yeah, a few older men that buy about $200 worth of movies every week.

I'm guessing that they're so old that they don't know about the internet?

Exactly.

For couples trying to "spice up" their relationship what are you go to things?

Also most amount of money spent at one time by a customer?

Flavored lube, lingerie, a good vibrating cockring and a nice massage oil!

Last year we had a guy buy about $2700 worth of stuff. Lots of lingerie and bondage stuff. I think it was about $1200 on lingerie and the rest on a bunch of bondage type things and out most expensive vibrator ($275).

So you don't stock the Sybian, I see.

Oh man, those things are nuts. They obliterate your vagina.

Do you ever have couples playing out Sub/Dom roles while browsing?

For example making the "sub" ask humiliating questions?

Yes, absolutely. It's entertaining.

My friend has worked at a number of shops (in the same company). They always have pepper spray behind the counter. Seems like that would be the case at every store. Have you ever had really aggressive customers? Any interesting stories there?

Also, what percentage of people cannot comprehend the "no returns on anything ever" rule? It's my friend's biggest complaint.

I've had a few customers touch my bum and I just politely ask them to not do that ever again, to anyone.

I have a cordless panic button, mace and a small gun in the safe.

We don't get robbed during our hours of operation, just after we close.

What's it like being robbed? I picture it as "Gimmie a free dildo or I will blow your head off"

I've been robbed once at kinfe point. It was really scary, they took money and an expensive vibrator.

Do you sell this sextoy for females named Womanizer? Our Hitachi knock off broke down and we are looking for a replacement. We either buy a new Hitachi knock off or maybe try something new. I'm hesitent to blow so much money away on a sex toy. What do you think?

We sell that toy, worth every damn penny.

How often do you see men buying prostate massagers? Is it normal to see it?

Daily. It's very normal.

Which one is most recommend?

The one we sell the most of is made of a softer silicone. It's about 6 inches long.

My gf and I are looking into trying anal. What's something we could buy that would ease things along with her. She's kind of terrified because.... im rather well endowed.

Also is there anything that eliminates a gag reflex??

First of all, congrats on your giant dick.

Second, when I have couples come in looking to start anal I always suggest an anal lubricant/desensitizer and a small plug.

Use the lube and the small plug to build up a tolerance for her and when she's used to that, start with just the tip of your penis. Go slow, because if you hurt her, she probably won't want to do it anymore. Let her really get used to the size of your penis before you go balls deep.

Yes, oral sex gel. Go to your local sex shop and ask for numbing oral sex gel.

Do you ever get laid because of this job?

Well, I'm married and I was dating my husband when I started working here. So, yes, I get laid constantly.

Do you have an arcade?.....if so what is the strangest shit youve seen

An acrade? Do you mean a review site? Yes, we do.

As far as some weird shit, man, there are so many.

My favorite one was a mother coming in with her 16 year old son wanting to buy him a fleshlight. I had to kick the kid out. The mother was mad saying that it was okay because she said it was. Unfortunately, mothers are not law makers. That was pretty weird.

Did the son have broken arms?

No, but according to the mother, he was caught three times using melons and other food objects to masturbate.

So, she was trying to get him a fleshlight to save money on groceries. I suppose that works.

Essentially, it was a justified purchase. A good mom, too. She bought him one of the realistic ones. It was a penthouse one.

Good God, every time i pulled that thing out i wouldn't be able to stop thinking about my mom handing it to me with a smile.

Good point.

She sounds like supermom.

Yeah, I told her that she was the coolest mom ever.

I don't understand (I am European), is it illegal for 16 year olds to go into the sex shop? Is that just a shop regulation or state/federal thing? Weird.

I can't let anyone under 18 in the store. It's a federal/state law.

Has a brony showed up in your store?

If they did are they worse or better than furries?

I've had a few bronies. They are an interesting breed.

Less annoying than furries.

What's the most common demographic? Least common?

For DVDs and magazines - older gentlemen For everything else - couples (usually hetero male/female) from ages 25-50

When you first started the job, did you ever think about leaving because it's an adult store?

Before I was comfortable suggesting products, yes.

With Valentine's Day coming up what would you suggest getting my boyfriend? For a little bit of background we've been dating for 3 years and are in our mid twenties. Thanks!

I'm assuming that you're both fairly comfortable with each other on a sexual level.

If you're not very kinky, an edible warming massage oil or flavored lube. Maybe some light bondage stuff (fuzzy handcuffs or bondage tape).

If you're kinky, get a realistic looking vibrator. Something a little bigger (maybe 8 inches). Let him use it on you. Guys have this weird thing about putting big things in their ladies.

Guys have this weird thing about putting big things in their ladies.

amen.

It's true!

It's true. I stand by that 100%

It's true. I stand by that 100% no question.

Thanks for responding :) love these suggestions!

No problem. I love giving suggestions!

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Do you mean DVDs? I don't get how we're still selling DVDs either. We usually sell them to older customers who probably don't know how to use the internet.

Just put a big banner by the DVD's that say something along the lines of "These don't need to buffer." That should pick up sales a touch.

We have about 20,000 dvds.

And a rental section, too.

A reallllly big banner then.

That made me spit out my coffee lol

If you have to choose one, what describes your average customer and why? 1. Creepy/Awkward 2. Shy/reserved 3. Giggly/Playful 4. Serious/all business

Between 3 and 4.

Other than lube, what would you recommend a young couple buy?

A remote controlled bullet. A good beginners toy.

How has working in a sex shop changed your relationship? You mentioned you're married now and were dating your husband when you started. Did you guys have just a normal sex life before hand and did working there bring a whole new ballgame to the bedroom? Or have you always been on the curious open minded side with sexuality?

Well, we get to try out a lot of stuff. It's fun and new. Sex is never boring. I feel like we know each other really well because of all the different things we've tried.

At first, we were just a normal couple, with normal sex.

Tits or ass?

(Sure, you can say both.)

ASS! Love me a nice ass.

Does your store stock fetish paraphernalia?

BD/SM and other more taboo subjects?

Yes. We have a lot of bondage and bsdm products. They sell very well. Especially since the whole 50 Shades stuff.

We sell a lot of ball gags at my store.

in what state is your store in? i might need a new job lol

CA baby!

What would you suggest for a female as a first toy? Its always been hard for me to masturbate and am thinking a vibrator/bullet would help with this, but have heard some are just too powerful for first time users.

A bullet is a great starting toy, you can control the vibration!

How large is this store?

Quite large. The biggest one in my city.

What's the return policy? Has anyone given any strange stories/reasons they want to return something?

No returns on any merch. Except for DVDs that do not work. People don't usually try to return anything. I do have people complain from time to time that they have trouble with our shittier brands of vibrators.

When people are purchasing your shittier brands, do you let them know, and recommend a better product?

Absolutely. I want everyone to have great sex. I don't get commission from upselling or selling certain brands, I just genuinely want everyone to orgasm.

What do friends and family think of ur job?

They don't mind. They think it's fun and interesting. There's always a funny story to tell.

Can you recommend any good erotic literature?

Depends on what you're interested in.

I sell a lot of incest based literature.

What makes furries the worst? (Cause they are)

Edit: corrected curries to furries

Furries. Well, they just (typically) have a very specific vision. It's just difficult to help them find EXACTLY what they want.