Selling adult toys online and creating images, written content and conversation for your clients combine to form the nuts and bolts of a successful adult boutique. 

You are joining an industry that is growing more popular with each passing year. As a result, you need to find ways to stand out from your many competitors with the right infrastructure of services and equipment.

Partner with the right payment company

Payment processing for adult stores is different from similar services for more traditional or conventional business types. That’s because this sector is always categorized as “high-risk” by financial institutions. 

This is due to the industry’s higher-than-normal levels of security breaches and chargebacks as well as the somewhat unsavory reputation that still clings to stores like yours in spite of the fact that everything you sell is 100 percent legal.

As a result, you will need to partner with a company that specifically offers payment processing for adult stores. They will have already forged industry-friendly relationships with financial institutions and are attuned to the nuances of the adult sector. 

Although you will pay higher per-transaction fees, will need to adhere to extra scrutiny and contractual obligations and may also be hit with additional monthly charges, this relationship can help you to meet the unique needs of your customer base while keeping your website and your clients’ sensitive data as secure as possible.

As you get to know the services offered by your high-risk processor, be sure to explore the different payment options they let you accept. 

In this sector, subscription based adult content is becoming very popular. This model allows you to have predictable payments as you cultivate a positive, ongoing relationship with your subscribers.

Hardware

Now that your payments infrastructure is solid, you can focus on concrete equipment. Begin by purchasing a laptop with reliable Wi-Fi. This will be used to communicate with your suppliers and customers, manage your website, track inventory and keep up with orders. 

You will also be using your smartphone to update social media and tweak your ecommerce platform on the fly.

Displays

Depending on what toys you are selling, you will need to show them off at various angles and types of lighting on your website. 

Be sure the background you choose contrasts with what you are showing off so that it is visible on your photos and videos. Shelves, racks and even tables can give you the space you need to spread out and highlight your wares.

Packaging

To ensure that you are charging the correct amount, you will need a shipping scale. Also, don’t forget to purchase a supply of boxes, tissue paper, mailers and tape. 

Since what you are selling is of a sensitive nature, focus on discretion not only in billing but also in how you package your merchandise.

Marketing

It’s impossible to surpass your competitors unless people know who you are. This is where marketing your adult boutique comes in. In order to do that, you will need to invest in photography equipment.

Your phone is good in a pinch, but it can’t capture the nuances of your products like a stand-alone camera can. Be sure that you also showcase your merchandise at its best with the right lighting. 

While natural illumination is a good start, investing in backdrops, tripods and a professional lighting kit can take your images to the next level.

Inventory

This might sound like a no-brainer, but you should be totally confident in and excited about selling adult toys online. To that end, you will need to inspect everything for quality, sending back anything that appears of poor quality or otherwise falls below your standards for whatever reason. 

Try items out for yourself or offer free samples to friends, asking them to submit enthusiastic reviews that you can post on your website or social media pages.

Getting ahead in the cutthroat adult entertainment sector involves careful research, attention to detail and a willingness to invest in the equipment that can jump-start your success. 

Remember, if you put time, attention and capital into every part of the foundation of your adult boutique, your chances of ongoing success will increase.