What makes a good sex shop? First off, this article is probably going to sound like we’re blowing our own horn a little — but hey, isn’t that what sex toys are all about? 😉

Lately, our industry has been in the news again — and not for the reasons we’d like. Illegal pharmaceuticals being sold by unlicensed shops is not new in the adult industry, but it's also not safe. Naturally, the ABC jumped on the story and ran a colourful article about it.

Back in the day, adult stores were almost entirely cash-based businesses, which made them the perfect front for laundering dirty money. Where there’s cash, there’s opportunity for people making their money less than legally to "clean up" that income. That kind of business model pur profit over pleasure, and because there was money to be made, shady practices were commonplace in the adult industry.

But here’s the thing — times have changed. Thanks to a massive shift toward sex-positivity, people are way less worried about a vibrator showing up on their bank statement. The adult industry is thriving more than ever, but the shops that are truly succeeding have shifted their focus toward sexual health and high-quality products rather than gimmicky "adult novelties." Customers are becoming more educated and selective, seeking products that enhance pleasure and wellbeing rather than just chasing a quick thrill. The stores that prioritize safety, quality, and customer care are the ones thriving — while those relying on shady or illegal practices are quickly falling behind.

So… Why Are So Many Sex Shops Closing Down?

It’s not because the market is dying or even because online sales are dominating (though online shopping is certainly convenient). It’s because the old-school, cash-only business model just isn’t working anymore.

Post-COVID, modern payment systems like EFTPOS and e-commerce have become essential for survival. But a lot of adult store owners who were more interested in cleaning cash than providing good vibes have been slow to adapt. Without the ability to launder money through their business, many of them have struggled to stay relevant — and they’ve either shut down or been forced to sell.

 And what about the ones that haven’t closed down?

Well… some of them have gone down a sketchier path — selling drug paraphernalia, black market vapes, and (you guessed it) prescription-only erectile medications under the table.

“Wait, But I’ve Bought Erection Pills From Your Store…”

Fair point! If you’ve bought erection pills from our store, you might be wondering what makes us different.

Here’s the deal:

• The pills we sell are herbal — and yes, they actually are herbal.
• They’re completely natural and don’t contain any restricted or illegal ingredients.
• We’re also part of EROS, an industry organization that holds us to high standards of ethical practice. If a sex shop is an EROS member, you can feel pretty confident that you’re in good hands.

The bottom line is that we’re here for you. We exist to provide pleasure and improve sexual health — not to cut corners and make a quick buck at your expense. Selling black market pharmaceuticals isn’t just illegal — it’s dangerous. And if a store is willing to sell you something shady, you can bet they don’t have your best interests at heart.

How to Spot a Good Sex Shop

So how can you tell the difference between a good sex shop and a sketchy one? It’s all about the vibes (pun 100% intended).

Here’s what to look for:

1. Clean, Well-Lit Store

A reputable sex shop will feel welcoming, not sketchy. It should be clean, well-organized, and well-lit — no dark corners or weird smells.

2. Public Location (Not Hidden Away)

Good sex shops are usually located on a main road or in a busy area — not hidden down a dark alley like it’s trying to avoid being seen. A shop that takes pride in its business wants to attract the right kind of attention.

3. Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff

You should feel comfortable asking questions without judgment. Staff at a good sex shop will know their products, offer advice, and make you feel at ease.

(If you get the feeling they’re rushing you out the door or avoiding eye contact — red flag.)

4. Products with Clear Labeling and Ingredients

If you can’t figure out what’s in a product — or worse, the staff can’t tell you — that’s a problem. A quality sex shop will have properly labeled products and staff who can explain exactly what’s in them and how to use them.

5. No Shady Security Measures

If a sex shop feels like you’re trying to get into Fort Knox — high fences, blacked-out windows, security cameras glaring down at you — that’s a red flag. A good sex shop wants you to feel safe, not like you’re committing a crime by walking in.

6. Community Engagement and Good Reviews

The best sex shops are proud to be part of the community. They’ll host events, support local causes, and engage with their customers.

Also — check the reviews!

Trust us, getting Google reviews in the adult industry isn’t easy. People might be less embarrassed about their purchases showing up on their bank statements these days, but publicly recommending an adult store is still a big step for most people. So if a shop has a solid number of positive reviews — that’s a very good sign.

(On the flip side, if you see lots of negative reviews mentioning shady behavior or rude staff — run.)

Red Flags to Watch Out For

🚩 Selling prescription drugs without a prescription (illegal and dangerous)

🚩 Refusing to let you pay with a card (probably trying to stay off the books)

🚩 Unlabelled or sketchy-looking products

🚩 Pushy sales tactics or dismissive staff

🚩 A weird vibe (trust your instincts — if it feels off, it probably is)

Why It Matters

Sexual health and pleasure aren’t things you should compromise on. You deserve to feel safe, comfortable, and respected when you’re shopping for products that are all about improving your life. A good sex shop will make you feel empowered — not embarrassed.

We’re not saying you need to shop with us (though we’d obviously love that 😉) — but wherever you go, make sure you’re giving your business to a shop that actually cares about your experience.

Because at the end of the day, pleasure should feel good — not sketchy.