Retailers of dildos, both online and off

The global dildo industry has edged and grown exponentially over the past few years. Typical growth would see the value increase from $5,878,000,000 in 2018 to nearly $7,967,000,000 by 2029; a CAGR of 6.89% being the metric used to measure this. Primary drivers of this market growth are technological advancements specific to dildo production, various forms of increased social acceptance of the products themselves, and a more focused approach to all things sexual health. A third, near constant boom in sex toy related markets is the all encompassing quest for some form of happiness. Producers have and are responding to these factors by creating a near infinite array of products to at least partially meet said needs.

Sure, more brick-and-mortar dildo shops exist now, but the explosion of websites offering them for sale is what I find more impressive. Pros and cons of each popular purchasing method are all well documented. The buying process itself is what I am most interested in; deciding which (if any) method is best for the end consumer. Helping to answer that question, we have compiled a simple comparison of buying dildos online versus in shop.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Buying Dildos Online

Benefits

Personal Space & Simple Ease of Use

Ordering dildos online is the purest form of this benefit. Puttering on the internet, selecting one or more dildos and having them delivered to your door is perfect in every way I can think of. Never having to "step outside" (literal or figurative) is a large part of the joy I associate with the whole experience.

Internet shopping, to me at least, is a necessity. Popular or not, reviews of any and all previously purchased items are a part of the modern day buying process.

For some, dildos are a social norm, but some are too embarrassed to buy them. When you shop online, you don't have to worry about this aspect at all. Your information is always protected; the purchase itself is protected - from the moment of payment until actually receiving the item. Credit card billings will only show the name of the business, the type of 'production' is never mentioned, and stealth packaging is used to ensure the courier has no idea what's inside.

More variety

You have so many more options when buying online. Multiple brands and various dealers offer a near infinite range of styles and all round features. Custom dildos (a near constant online offering) can be pushed to near precise specifications - color, size, shape, anything you want. Fancy ideas can be realized. Global forms of retail have opened up this particular world of brands, small and large, that your local store simply cannot carry.

Less expensive

Online companies occasionally offer reduced pricing; physical companies charge more due to all the 'admin' type expenses. Large and small scale sales, any form of coupon or discount is a near everyday occurrence in online marketplaces. Better dildos can be purchased at huge discounts.

Negative aspects

Fake goods: a threat

Questionable sites present a real risk. Fake dildos of any quality are now a part of the internet. Counterfeit manufacturers are making dildos that look (to at least some degree) like the real thing. Quality is hit or miss, and to me at least, a decently made dildo should be a priority. Crooked websites and/or owners of them, will always be a danger to the end consumer.

Shipment Challenges

Shipping might also be a big concern when buying dildos online. International shipments in particular suffer from delays, damages, and even completely lost shipments. In some nations or areas - Brazil being a prime example, Canada to a lesser extent - the consumer must clear customs themselves. Increased customs taxes, the associated paperwork, and various other 'headaches' make the process much more costly and burdensome.

Essentiality of buying dildos in person

Benefits

Prompt assessment of the items

The biggest advantage of shopping in an offline store is seeing, touching, and physically assessing the products. A real-life dildo store allows for this; inspecting all features and at least partial specs of the item up close is possible. Touching the more structural parts of the dildo (ads often fail to describe these well) ensures that some form of 'living up to the ad' occurs. Work, simple construction, and near final measurements can all be checked; disappointment or being deceived by poor description is minimized.

Quick acquisition

Purchasing online removes the near instantaneous acquisition you get in a physical store. Delayed shipment is something you simply never have to worry about again. Quality issues (small or large) can be bargained out of the seller, quickly or otherwise. Bringing the dildo home is the end result you want - rattle it, hold it, and be satisfied.

Cons Vertical Strictures

Offline stores are limited in both the number of items they can carry and all round inventory. Stock is always a problem; you just can't have everything you want.

Increases in price

Brick-and-mortar establishments typically have far larger overhead expenses than online retailers. Rent, employee pay, various utilities, and some form of inventory storage make up these overhead costs. Increased prices you pay for in-store purchases are a direct consequence of said overhead. Shopping online, on the other hand, gives the consumer more 'bang for their buck'; more sales are possible and lower prices are the end result.

Privacy Obligations

Buying at physical businesses is the biggest disadvantage here - remaining anonymous is impossible. Some customers, those who get shy or care what others will think, find the near impossible courage to buy a dildo in person. Taking criticism (of any sort) from close relationships personally is another factor that makes this all the more troubling. Old-fashioned retail simply cannot measure up to the small, yet near perfect, convenience and all round anonymity online shopping provides.

In conclusion

There are advantages and disadvantages to buying yang both online and in-person. Online shopping has a larger selection, cheaper prices, and most importantly the gift of anonymity; finding the 'perfect' dildo without breaking the bank being one of its primary benefits. Problems such as shipment delays, various forms of damage, and to a point fraud are all possible drawbacks.

Going offline you can acquire dildos much faster, instant quality assurance if needed, less (near all round) waiting time. These benefits come at a price - higher prices, near complete removal of selection, and the all too present huge privacy issues.

What will work best for you is the true end goal. Weighing pros and cons of either method is part of the process; an enjoyable indulgence should be made, and to me at least, a personal (and small) victory of sorts. Buying yang is a very real and personal experience to both buyer and seller.