How To Sell Sex Toys Online

Selling sex toys online is one of those ideas that might seem tricky at first—but it’s actually a super smart business move.

The adult products market has grown like crazy over the last few years, and more people than ever are shopping for these products online in a private, judgment-free way.

Still, I know it’s not always easy figuring out how to get started. There are things to think about like legal stuff, marketing, payment processing, and even just how to talk about products in a respectful, clear way that doesn’t get blocked by search engines or social media.

So I wrote this guide to help you understand exactly what it takes to sell sex toys online—from setting up your store and finding the right suppliers to building trust with customers and standing out in a growing market.

I’ve done the research, I’ve helped others in this space, and I’m keeping it all as simple and honest as possible.

Let’s get into it.

Why Selling Sex Toys Online Is a Smart Business

The adult industry is no small thing. According to Statista, the global sexual wellness market was worth over $26 billion in 2022, and it’s expected to reach $45 billion by 2027. Most of that growth is happening online.

People want privacy. They want convenience. They want to explore safely, and online stores give them that space.

There’s also less competition than in other saturated markets like fashion or skincare. So if you build a brand that feels safe, open, and respectful, there’s a good chance you’ll find loyal customers.

How Do I Sell Sex Toys Online?

1. Know the Legal Basics

Let’s get the not-so-fun part out of the way first: you need to make sure your business is legal.

Register your business. You can start as an LLC or sole proprietorship depending on your local laws.
Check your country or state’s laws. Some places have restrictions on adult products.
Age verification is a must. You’ll need a tool to make sure your customers are over 18.

If you’re in the U.S., the legal side is pretty open in most states, but always double-check. If you’re outside the U.S., make sure your local ecommerce laws allow adult products.

2. Choose a Business Model

You’ve got a few ways to run this kind of store:

Dropshipping: You never touch the inventory. A supplier ships directly to your customer. It’s low-risk and cheap to start.
Buying wholesale: You buy in bulk and handle shipping yourself. Better profit margins, but you need storage space.
Private label: You create your brand. This takes more money upfront but helps you stand out.

If you’re just starting, dropshipping is usually the easiest option. Platforms like Wholesale Point, AliDropship, or Wholesale Central have adult product suppliers.

3. Build a Store

You can sell on:

Shopify (best for beginners)
WooCommerce (if you’re familiar with WordPress)
BigCommerce
Or even marketplaces like Etsy (just be careful—adult content isn’t always welcome there)

Make sure your store is:

Clean and easy to use
Discreet and respectful (no overly graphic content or language)
Mobile-friendly

Add clear descriptions, avoid overly technical terms, and focus on helping people feel comfortable. Think about what you’d want to read when browsing for something new and maybe a little vulnerable.

4. Find Trusted Suppliers

Here’s where it’s really important to do your homework.

Look for:

Body-safe materials (silicone, ABS plastic, etc.)
Reliable shipping times
Discreet packaging
Easy return policies

Some popular B2B suppliers include:

And if you’re doing dropshipping, check out Shycart or Adult Dropshipper.

5. Set Up Payment Processing

Here’s the deal: not all payment processors love adult products. Some will freeze or block your account if they detect adult content.

You’ll need a processor that allows “high-risk” products like:

CCBill
Segpay
PaymentCloud
PayKings

It’s worth the extra setup time because once it’s running, you’ll have fewer headaches.

6. Market the Right Way

You can’t just run a Facebook ad for a vibrator. That’s the hard truth.

Instead, try:

SEO: Create blog posts around sexual wellness, product reviews, how-to guides. Answer questions people are already searching.
Email marketing: Start a newsletter. Offer discounts, tips, product updates.
Social media: Use Instagram, Twitter (X), or TikTok with creative, subtle content. Don’t show nudity, but you can promote wellness, humor, and relationships.
Affiliate marketing: Let bloggers or influencers earn commission by promoting your site.

If you’re looking to rank on Google Discover, keep your content fresh, helpful, and full of real answers to people’s questions. Google rewards honesty and relevance.

7. Build Trust

People are putting a lot of trust in your store when they buy adult products.

Help them feel safe by:

Adding real reviews
Offering discreet packaging and billing
Having a clear, friendly return policy
Being responsive to emails or messages

The more human your brand feels, the more likely customers are to come back.

FAQs

Can I sell sex toys on Amazon?

Yes, but it’s not easy. Amazon has strict rules and limited categories. You also won’t build your own brand on there, so I recommend starting your own store first.

How much does it cost to start?

If you dropship, you can get started for under $500. That covers domain, hosting, design, and marketing. If you’re stocking inventory, budget at least $2,000 to start.

Do I need to show explicit content?

Not at all. In fact, being subtle and respectful works better. Focus on education, comfort, and empowerment. It’s not about shock value—it’s about helping people.

Can I use Shopify to sell adult products?

Yes, Shopify allows adult products, but make sure your payment gateway supports high-risk products. You may need to use a third-party gateway like PaymentCloud or PayKings.

Final Thoughts

Starting an online sex toy business isn’t just about selling products—it’s about building a brand people can trust. If you’re respectful, inclusive, and real about it, there’s so much room to succeed.

This market is growing fast, and there’s still space for new voices, especially ones that care about comfort, safety, and education.

What kind of brand would you want to buy from if you were shopping for something personal and private?

Let me know if you want help picking a supplier, setting up your store, or writing your first product descriptions—I’m happy to help.