Ask A Porn Shop Retail Associate Anything

[BlueSugar]

WOW! i just started reading the thread from 2008. Read about 5 pages, and i said..."i wonder what ever happened to this girl," and surprised to see you had posted six MINUTES ago.....so still around 14 YEARS later?! Incredible information, and so nice of you to help others out. i also enjoyed your wit early on, when people were providing snarky comments. Thanks...looking forward to reading more! (whatever happened to the BF back in the day?)

Funny story. An industry friend of mine mentioned she wrote for Lit and came in 2nd in a writing contest too. We had fun chatting up this place - so I did a dive and got myself back into my original account. I nearly gave up. I was linked to an old AOL account and my PW was 5 letters long. Imagine? LOL

I'm glad you enjoyed the thread. I'm not sure how snarky and troll filled the GB is now - but it was something of a 3 ring circus a dozen years ago.

If you think of anything, feel free to ask.

I joined in 2003 - I'm not sure which BF you're talking about; Can I have a quote/reference?

 

[BlueSugar]

My wife and a few of her friends (life long types 30-50 year friends) get together in a neutral location - usually in Florida, Virginia Beach or Jersey Shore. The group is all early to mid sixties now. I usually pack something for 'fun and games' in the checked bag or the main one for the wife. I have packed a rabbit, wand, dildo, egg, butterfly etc over the years. I know they have all been opened (used?) and most find their way home. I was thinking a strapless strap on may be my choice for this year. Wife claims she or they never have not been used and are not into each other in that way (I think at least one member of the group is definitely curious at the least). Which would you recommend and what is the wearer's sensation? I tend to believe a regular strap on is most likely no or minimal thrill for the wearer - and is really for the receiver's benefit. I would think the strapless strap on will give a lot more to the wearer (feel like they have a real cock) or at least get sensation either on clitoris or g-spot. Your input, recommendations and if you have experience - your take on being the wearer. You can send in PM if you do not want to state for all.

Sounds like you have a lovely group - good for you all!

Strapless - Strap Ons... real talk.

Straps are curious things. Lots of sensation for all. And a work out too; for someone not used to all the pumping action especially. Get ready to laugh a good bit and feel "phantom limb" after taking it off.

In general:

• Wear a standard one tighter than you think - if it 'bites' a little, wear undies under it too.
• Decide if you want a Jock style, a Thong style, or the Underwear style (they make great training wheels for strapless styles!)
• Pillows are your friend.
• Wear it a bit on your own first, no sex n fun yet. Wear it around the house, get used to the weight, take a good look in the mirror. Jerk it, tap it on things, stand over a toilet, get INTO it.
• STRETCH... o m g... I cannot stress this enough... STRETCH those limbs!!!
• Be ready with Advil in the morning.

Standard Straps:
Depending on the harness - the wearer gets a lot of bump and grind. Styles that have Rings and an open hole through it - allow for dildos with ridges, holes/suction cups, and basically the underside of the dildo to hit the pelvic region.

Speaking of hitting the pelvic region - there are 2 cool gadgets that help with Depth, and with Grinding specifically for straps (and naturally big members) to help avoid unnecessary painful sex.


Strapless:

They haven't quite been perfected... but there are some strong contenders.

So, if you're following along and have a penis - you have the muscles to guide yourself and the practice. Those born without one - have to learn. Just like those born without a vag - don't innately know how to take a dick/toy/whathaveyou. Same goes for the pelvic tilting and micro movements to stay connected with each other (like when you drive a car 'straight' we all know we don't hold the wheel perfectly straight).

Your knees/hips are wider and lower than you think in all positions, there is the pelvic tilting too, and the 'driving' to think about and learn.

There's also natural wetness and excitement.

Kegels to keep it in while the above things are going on...

The body thinks "keep legs together to keep this thing inside me, thrust" ... while your body is doing basically 10 other things - it is difficult to keep a strapless inside. But it isn't impossible with practice!

That all being said (and please let me know if I glazed over something that anyone needs more explanation on) here are a few that work well - depending on your body and excitement

What to look for:
Not too bendy
Not too stiff
An internal piece that makes sense
SILICONE, period.
Use a water based lube (flavors are fun)


Tantus Strapless Classic - because this was the original strapless and the design's bulb sits behind most pelvic bones (you still have to "hold onto it" and all that, but the bulb is helpful to some, not all). After they let the Patent run out - the other companies sprung to action to make similar/copies of this one.

10X Evoke Ergo Fit Inflatable & Vibrating Strapless Strap-On Beige - because it "inflates to fit" -there are a few of these in the line.​

FunFactory Share - because it feels uncanny, there is a divot behind the dildo for the wearer that helps create some light suction and sensation, it is about as real as it gets for many people.


Sportsheets is a company who puts out an array of harnesses and gear. They are set up in quality tiers "Good, Better, Best" and you will see it in their descriptions and various lines. I know a handful of other companies who make harnesses; but this is a good place to start.


Yall can reply with questions, links for comparison, there is a lot to know about straps!

 

[noanswer8675309]

Wow, Thanks for all the info. Sounds like this may be a hard one to pick for a 4 day weekend. Since the wearing for a while before really using is recommended everywhere - this could be tough to get used if time is limited and it is a surprise after all. The current get together is to celebrate a belated 60th birthday for my wife who missed it due to no way to get together group last year, scheduled for the end of June - long weekend before July 4 - not including the 4th. Therefore I think this is not the right surprise for this year. I also see that there is going to have to be selections based on stiffness etc. - so it may be a tough selection process - especially wiyhout being able to touch and feel, not to mention it is not for me (it is not my thing). This may be better for the Florida get together in the winter where it will be a full week. I will go to a local shop to see if I can see, touch and decide for next time. I think a double ended dildo is going to be this get together choice. They are more secretive than any group of women on what goes on in their get togethers stay there - I have not heard any spilled beans in the 15 years they have been doing this. Sure would love to know, and I have tried to find out.

 

[BlueSugar]

Wow, Thanks for all the info. Sounds like this may be a hard one to pick for a 4 day weekend. Since the wearing for a while before really using is recommended everywhere - this could be tough to get used if time is limited and it is a surprise after all. The current get together is to celebrate a belated 60th birthday for my wife who missed it due to no way to get together group last year, scheduled for the end of June - long weekend before July 4 - not including the 4th. Therefore I think this is not the right surprise for this year. I also see that there is going to have to be selections based on stiffness etc. - so it may be a tough selection process - especially wiyhout being able to touch and feel, not to mention it is not for me (it is not my thing). This may be better for the Florida get together in the winter where it will be a full week. I will go to a local shop to see if I can see, touch and decide for next time. I think a double ended dildo is going to be this get together choice. They are more secretive than any group of women on what goes on in their get togethers stay there - I have not heard any spilled beans in the 15 years they have been doing this. Sure would love to know, and I have tried to find out.

Being picky and specific (and secretive lol) is a good thing - it helped the industry grow from pvc dongs shrink wrapped in dusty bins in seedy neighborhoods - to the beautiful boutiques that we well lit with an amazing selection that you (hopefully) see around town.

Be sure the double dildo is SILICONE ... not rubber, pvc, etc - or someone will get vag/butt burn. Condoms aren't exactly helpful on these materials either because the chemicals affect the latex.

You might have more fun with a remote toy (maybe even an app controlled toy, they're starting to come down in price too)- some are made for panties or boxers or briefs or butts!

Those can be found in most stores.

Below is something more so found in a boutique style store - but can be special ordered, or ordered online too.

As far as wear and play (or pack and play) - a very specific, maybe personal, favorite is a pair of RodeoH with a New York Toy Collective dildo. They can be tucked in, in a number of ways to play, rub, and enjoy later. No straps to adjust and adjusting to be done that breaks the mood and moment.

Plus the colors and style combos are ENDLESS!

We can thank the non-binary peoples for these additions to the industry... YAY! If it wasn't for their suggestions and specific needs - so many other people would be having far less fun... boo!

 

[BlueSugar]

Can you tell us any fun stories about working there? Whether it be horny customers or things you never expected to see.

Also, have you ever had a real pornstar in your store?

I have so many stories. One of my favorite moments was with an older woman I was talking to in our smoke shop area, I made a little joke about the other side of the store where all the adult toys were displayed. Gauging to see if I could walk her around and try some up-sell.

She laughs lightly at me and says, "oh, been there done that... just because there is snow on the roof, doesn't mean the furnace is broken". Moments like that keep ageism in check for sure

We have had many-a porn star in the store!

 

[nudeguy76]

c'mon, lets go, store is at a lull, I'm a bit bored, and I haven't gotten any good questions today... bring it on!

what are the best poppers?

 

[BlueSugar]

what are the best poppers?

They'll never be what they were before the 90s honestly. So now they're a bit like soda - find one (or as back up - a few that you like), it all depends on how many hands they pass and where they come from before they get to the stores. I can't give a brand name because there are a bunch of copycats.
Sort of like the over the counter porn shop/gas station erection pills.
The good ones are cut with Cialis or Viagra (or the generic tadalafil and sildenafil)... but isn't marked on the packages.

 

[nudeguy76]

They'll never be what they were before the 90s honestly. So now they're a bit like soda - find one (or as back up - a few that you like), it all depends on how many hands they pass and where they come from before they get to the stores. I can't give a brand name because there are a bunch of copycats.
Sort of like the over the counter porn shop/gas station erection pills.
The good ones are cut with Cialis or Viagra (or the generic tadalafil and sildenafil)... but isn't marked on the packages.

what should i look for on a label, like where they are from or something, to get a decent one? i usually buy rush

 

[BlueSugar]

what should i look for on a label, like where they are from or something, to get a decent one? i usually buy rush

As of now - a lot of them look the same - and are labeled the same. When you find one (or a couple) you like, buy them a few at a time. They're a very grey/illegal product and you never know when one will change the formula because of a ban or a production/shipping issue.

The Rush brand has been around a long time - but has many many copies. Someone else who enjoys them can better answer which bottle is best to buy. But I will tell ya know - it can/will vary state to state.

 

[HotLoadLover]

I was not aware of poppers "back in the day" before they were changed, but I enjoy them today.

Right now I'm using "British" brand, for no other reason than the bottle looks like it could pass for what it says it is: "Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover". If I happen to leave it where it could be spotted, it's just another one of those chemicals used for cleaning parts.... ( No, it's not a delicious potion with vapors that fire the libido and engorge my cock!! Not at all !! ) (( Snifffffff ))

I'd be interested in knowing what to look for if someone was in search of the legendary poppers-that-used-to-be.

 

[artslut86]

You're welcome

It is a passion and a vocation. I listed items I have handled while in retail and now while I'm with a particular brand - good reviews all around. Enjoy the investigation, feel free to come back with other questions should they arise.

What are you impressions of the lovesense toys and app. I'm surprised more slutty people like me are not using them.
I have an Edge 2. Seriously considering their dildo offering...cause so cool!

 

[Chernosoth]

What are the good vag lubes now? I know water based, but which brands?

I saw you recommend the WeVibe a few pages back, so that's my vibe question answered.

 

[LittleSwitchy]

$120 bucks? you can go to hell.

Keep in mind the markup on adult toys is extremely high.