Porn store etiquette? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

healer · 12-29-2005, 11:52 PM

I've been working away from home for the last week or so (over xmas

) and I wanted to get mandy something "nice" for xmas. I'd already gotten most of her gifts but I've always wanted to get get her a little vibrator or other sex toy. So last week I decide to go to the local Hustler shop and see what I can pick up, and seeing that I didn't have that much of a budget I was looking for something small.

*Note that this was my 1st ever time in any type of adult store*

So the whole thing happened within 2 or 3 minutes:

Me walks up to the gate and rings bell. Gate opens and I enter.

Me: Good afternoon. (I notice I'm the only one in the store)
Porn Shop Owner: Hi. Can I help you with something?
Me: So how do your rentals work? (this was both a genuine attempt at finding out rental prices and a sort of icebreaker for me. I wasn't gonna go "show me the dildos")
PSO: We don't do rentals.
Me: (slightly taken aback) You don't do rentals?
PSO: No (points to a sign that says No Rentals). Is there something else I can help you with?
Me: No thanx, I'll just have a look around.
PSO: I don't allow browsing in my store.
Me: (further aback) You don't allow browsing?
PSO: Guys come in and scratch around and damage my stock and leave. *looks at me in a weird way*
Me: No, I understand.

I then proceeded to make a lame excuse about being late for something and that I'd come back later on that afternoon. I even enquired as to the closing time to make it seem more convincing but I fear he could tell he'd never see me again.

Questions:
1. I can understand the no rental policy with piracy being what it is, but no browsing? Even for a first-timer that seems a bit strange.
2. Is there some kind of etiquette that goes along with being in/buying from adult stores?

Thanks in advance

Martian · 12-30-2005, 12:19 AM

I don't buy porn or shop in sex shops, but the no browsing thing says to me that he's not going to be iaround much longer. Part of running a store is being willing to show off your wares and accept the occasional damaged/stolen stock as the cost of doing business. If hew won't allow people to check out what he has to offer, he won't make money.

SecretMethod70 · 12-30-2005, 12:43 AM

Well, I've only been in one sex toy store, but I've been there many times, so I Think I have a pretty good handle on etiquette for at least one

The no browsing rule is pretty silly. The store ono and I shop at is not a chain and is female-run, but I would imagine most stores allow browsing. If you're shopping for sex toys, it's MUCH easier to be able to see and touch them in person rather than get them over the internet, especially when you're dealing with vibrators and can feel how they vibrate before purchasing. See if you can find any other shops that sell sex toys around you instead of one run by Hustler. I'd imagine the typical sex toy shop isn't particularly nice, but I know ono and I really appreciate the one we go to because it's not run like some sleazy place and is VERY accomodating and clean. I can only imagine what a Hustler sex toy store is like.

ratbastid · 12-30-2005, 06:10 AM

That's ridiculous. I've been in several such shops and NONE has had rules like that. How can you shop at a shop if you can't shop? Crazy. Go find yourself a decent store.

It's also possible he didn't like the looks of you. Maybe you seemed excessively nervous or something. I'm sure shops like that do get more than their share of horny weirdos doing strange things with their merchandise and not buying anything. "I don't allow browsing" is a pretty crazy policy for a retailer to institute. Hey, I got an idea! He should open a web site and then turn off his web server!

Most adult stores don't do video rental, though. There's a lot of management overhead involved with that, it's a bunch easier just to have a rack of DVDs that you sell retail.

barenakedladies · 12-30-2005, 06:28 AM

Most shops do a dollar borwsing fee and is given back if you purchase something.

tip for porn shop ettiquette: always clean up after yourself

cellophanedeity · 12-30-2005, 07:30 AM

Find a better porn shop.

Really, that's all you can really do. Tell this guy that you're not going to take his "no browsing" bs by not returning to his store.

kutulu · 12-30-2005, 08:29 AM

I don't even understand that no browsing rule. What, do they expect you to come in knowing exactly what it is that you want?

Anyways, people should never buy porn movies from adult stores. They bend you over with those prices. Although I don't buy movies anymore (I love the internet) if I did, I would buy them online and have them shipped. That movie that retails for $60 can be bought for $20 online. Plus, you can find reviews so that you know what the content is.

I used to buy movies but they are never what you expect them to be. You have just as much luck walking in and grabbing the first movie you see.

snowy · 12-30-2005, 08:56 AM

I've been to more adult shops than you could possibly imagine, and all kinds too

Yet in all my experience of these stores, I've not once stepped foot in a place that did not allow browsing. Most places have signs up that say if you wish to inspect the merchandise you should take it to the counter and get assistance, but generally they encourage you to poke around because they want to make a sale. This guy must be independently wealthy if he's not interested in making a sale.

Find yourself a new store--a good sex shop should have a staff that is willing and ready to assist you, is not overly intrusive, and most of all, polite.

BigBen · 12-30-2005, 09:39 AM

You need a store that is run by women, for women.

Check this site out: http://www.womynsware.com/

You can get product reviews, a catologue, and good FAQ section. Colour photos, descriptions.

This store owner sounds like he is wearing his ass for a hat.

Powderedmaggot · 12-30-2005, 10:08 AM

I wentt to a store in Terrace a few years ago and they had "sample" vibrators set out that were batteried up and ready to run. You could turn them on and see which ones you liked most... It was run by a 40ish yo woman. Best sex shop I've ever beenin.

Xazy · 12-30-2005, 10:40 AM

You should check toys in babeland, a great place to browse, great staff, very nice very sweet.. they also have an online store.

Poppinjay · 12-30-2005, 11:57 AM

I've seen both... um.. ends. One store with so close an experience to the OP that I would swear we went to the same place. Absolutely not customer friendly. Get this, it was a sex shop, and also the only costume rental place in town. So they had kids in there picking up costumes for a play.

Teens, so of course their heads were doing 360's the entire time, and the owner was yelling at them non-stop and only glanced at me as if I were some kind of sicko.

Then, on the other hand, there's Adam and Eve in NC. Very nice.

Jinn · 12-30-2005, 12:52 PM

Sounds like the owner of that store never took Business 101..

He's fucking himself (financially) by prohibiting browsing. He's killing sales and likely turning way customers. In doing so, he's forced to raise the prices on what he does sell to make a profit, turning away any price-savvy consumers. I'd say what you hit was quite out of the ordinary.. it's not because its a porn shop, its because the owner is a business idiot.

m0rpheus · 12-30-2005, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cellophanedeity

Find a better porn shop.

Really, that's all you can really do. Tell this guy that you're not going to take his "no browsing" bs by not returning to his store.

Totally agree.
So let me get this straight... I dont know EXACTLY what I want but I have every intention of spending my money at said store. Now I'm not allowed to browse and choose what it is I want? And I'd go back to this store because...

wisj2 · 12-30-2005, 05:41 PM

I've been in porn/sex toy shops in quite a few states and have never ran across one that did not allow browsing. Find another store.

Sweetpea · 12-30-2005, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratbastid

That's ridiculous. I've been in several such shops and NONE has had rules like that. How can you shop at a shop if you can't shop? Crazy. Go find yourself a decent store.
.

Yup. my thoughts exactly.

I've never been to a shop like that! geez how rude! I never been to one that you have to ring a bell to get into?

that seems a little wierd.

The one i go to is like any other store, they just sell things relating to sex, they are very courteous, helpful and i ask them questions on certain videos or when the next playboy is coming out or anything, they always answer nicely and anyone can browse, even if you don't intend on buying, they also have rentals, but they take your credit card number when you start renting

As RB said, find a shop that treats it's customers well.

Also, if you're just looking for vibrators or dildos... you can always get those online... although it's more fun to browse in person

here's a good website if you want to go that route: http://www.mypleasure.com/store/index.asp

sweetpea

Mantus · 12-30-2005, 11:57 PM

Next time, knock him over, kick him in the spine and trash his store so he can tell his friends,
"I told ya' didn' I?!
You thought me crazy, but I wus right."

healer · 12-31-2005, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratbastid

It's also possible he didn't like the looks of you. Maybe you seemed excessively nervous or something.

This thought has crossed my mind. Also, I'm a coloured dude in a white guy's shop in a town where alot of the white people still have this understated, condescending arrogant/racist attitude. So I guess that could've been a contributing factor.

Thanx for the links and advice folks

maleficent · 01-04-2006, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpea

I never been to one that you have to ring a bell to get into? that seems a little wierd.

there's one such store in NYC - and it's women only in the store, men are only allowed if they are escored by a female... but even then they aren't encouraged to enter the store.

Marburg · 01-28-2006, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

there's one such store in NYC - and it's women only in the store, men are only allowed if they are escored by a female... but even then they aren't encouraged to enter the store.

Forgive the off-topic question, but are stores really allowed to discriminate like that?

xepherys · 01-28-2006, 10:05 AM

If you have one in your area, I highly recommend Fascinations... or try them online: http://www.fascinations.net/ My wife and I have gone to the local ones a few times... very pleasant, great selection and the people are happy to help you. It sounds kinda strange, maybe, if you're new to a store like that, but having someone with "professional knowledge" tell you honestly why one product is good and another not so much is pretty nice.

Edit: Okay, I looked at your location, and I'm thinking probably not. But yeah, I've seen stores with a $1 browser fee. I understand the idea behind the policy, but I won't shop at a store like that either.

12-30-2005, 12:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	I don't buy porn or shop in sex shops, but the no browsing thing says to me that he's not going to be iaround much longer. Part of running a store is being willing to show off your wares and accept the occasional damaged/stolen stock as the cost of doing business. If hew won't allow people to check out what he has to offer, he won't make money. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

12-30-2005, 12:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
SecretMethod70 Human Administrator Location: Chicago	Well, I've only been in one sex toy store, but I've been there many times, so I Think I have a pretty good handle on etiquette for at least one The no browsing rule is pretty silly. The store ono and I shop at is not a chain and is female-run, but I would imagine most stores allow browsing. If you're shopping for sex toys, it's MUCH easier to be able to see and touch them in person rather than get them over the internet, especially when you're dealing with vibrators and can feel how they vibrate before purchasing. See if you can find any other shops that sell sex toys around you instead of one run by Hustler. I'd imagine the typical sex toy shop isn't particularly nice, but I know ono and I really appreciate the one we go to because it's not run like some sleazy place and is VERY accomodating and clean. I can only imagine what a Hustler sex toy store is like. __________________ Le temps détruit tout "Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling

12-30-2005, 06:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
barenakedladies Crazy Location: anytown, USA	Most shops do a dollar borwsing fee and is given back if you purchase something. tip for porn shop ettiquette: always clean up after yourself __________________ signature smignature

12-30-2005, 08:56 AM	#8 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	I've been to more adult shops than you could possibly imagine, and all kinds too Yet in all my experience of these stores, I've not once stepped foot in a place that did not allow browsing. Most places have signs up that say if you wish to inspect the merchandise you should take it to the counter and get assistance, but generally they encourage you to poke around because they want to make a sale. This guy must be independently wealthy if he's not interested in making a sale. Find yourself a new store--a good sex shop should have a staff that is willing and ready to assist you, is not overly intrusive, and most of all, polite. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

12-30-2005, 09:39 AM	#9 (permalink)
BigBen Comedian Location: Use the search button	You need a store that is run by women, for women. Check this site out: http://www.womynsware.com/ You can get product reviews, a catologue, and good FAQ section. Colour photos, descriptions. This store owner sounds like he is wearing his ass for a hat. __________________ 3.141592654 Hey, if you are impressed with my memorizing pi to 10 digits, you should see the size of my penis.

12-30-2005, 06:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	That's ridiculous. I've been in several such shops and NONE has had rules like that. How can you shop at a shop if you can't shop? Crazy. Go find yourself a decent store. It's also possible he didn't like the looks of you. Maybe you seemed excessively nervous or something. I'm sure shops like that do get more than their share of horny weirdos doing strange things with their merchandise and not buying anything. "I don't allow browsing" is a pretty crazy policy for a retailer to institute. Hey, I got an idea! He should open a web site and then turn off his web server! Most adult stores don't do video rental, though. There's a lot of management overhead involved with that, it's a bunch easier just to have a rack of DVDs that you sell retail.

12-30-2005, 07:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
cellophanedeity Heliotrope Location: A warm room	Find a better porn shop. Really, that's all you can really do. Tell this guy that you're not going to take his "no browsing" bs by not returning to his store.

12-30-2005, 08:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
kutulu Junkie	I don't even understand that no browsing rule. What, do they expect you to come in knowing exactly what it is that you want? Anyways, people should never buy porn movies from adult stores. They bend you over with those prices. Although I don't buy movies anymore (I love the internet) if I did, I would buy them online and have them shipped. That movie that retails for $60 can be bought for $20 online. Plus, you can find reviews so that you know what the content is. I used to buy movies but they are never what you expect them to be. You have just as much luck walking in and grabbing the first movie you see.

12-30-2005, 10:08 AM	#10 (permalink)
Powderedmaggot Banned	I wentt to a store in Terrace a few years ago and they had "sample" vibrators set out that were batteried up and ready to run. You could turn them on and see which ones you liked most... It was run by a 40ish yo woman. Best sex shop I've ever beenin.

12-30-2005, 10:40 AM	#11 (permalink)
Xazy People in masks cannot be trusted Location: NYC	You should check toys in babeland, a great place to browse, great staff, very nice very sweet.. they also have an online store.

12-30-2005, 11:57 AM	#12 (permalink)
Poppinjay You had me at hello Location: DC/Coastal VA	I've seen both... um.. ends. One store with so close an experience to the OP that I would swear we went to the same place. Absolutely not customer friendly. Get this, it was a sex shop, and also the only costume rental place in town. So they had kids in there picking up costumes for a play. Teens, so of course their heads were doing 360's the entire time, and the owner was yelling at them non-stop and only glanced at me as if I were some kind of sicko. Then, on the other hand, there's Adam and Eve in NC. Very nice. __________________ I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet

12-30-2005, 12:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	Sounds like the owner of that store never took Business 101.. He's fucking himself (financially) by prohibiting browsing. He's killing sales and likely turning way customers. In doing so, he's forced to raise the prices on what he does sell to make a profit, turning away any price-savvy consumers. I'd say what you hit was quite out of the ordinary.. it's not because its a porn shop, its because the owner is a business idiot. __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

12-30-2005, 05:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
wisj2 Tilted Location: Oklahoma	I've been in porn/sex toy shops in quite a few states and have never ran across one that did not allow browsing. Find another store.

12-30-2005, 11:57 PM	#17 (permalink)
Mantus lascivious	Next time, knock him over, kick him in the spine and trash his store so he can tell his friends, "I told ya' didn' I?! You thought me crazy, but I wus right."

01-28-2006, 10:05 AM	#21 (permalink)
xepherys <3 TFP Location: 17TLH2445607250	If you have one in your area, I highly recommend Fascinations... or try them online: http://www.fascinations.net/ My wife and I have gone to the local ones a few times... very pleasant, great selection and the people are happy to help you. It sounds kinda strange, maybe, if you're new to a store like that, but having someone with "professional knowledge" tell you honestly why one product is good and another not so much is pretty nice. Edit: Okay, I looked at your location, and I'm thinking probably not. But yeah, I've seen stores with a $1 browser fee. I understand the idea behind the policy, but I won't shop at a store like that either.