Cheats may be all the rage, but sex toys are one shopping category where you need to make sure you’re getting the real deal.
Just because you can buy almost anything under the sun on Amazon doesn’t mean you should, especially if you’re not trying to pick up counterfeit or poorly made sex toys.
Since you’re reading this, you’re not trying to, but it’s not uncommon to find illegitimate sex toys sold by third-party sellers like Amazon, which can malfunction at best and be downright dangerous to use on your body in worst case scenario.
What to look for when buying a sex toy
Still, we understand that shopping for sex toys can be intimidating, and going to Amazon instead of a full sex store or a manufacturer’s website (although we’re big fans of those) can make the process easier. To make sure you get the quality product you deserve, we researched which brands actually sell on Amazon, tested some toys ourselves, and compiled some tips on how to shop safely.
Why is it incomplete to buy sex toys on Amazon?
When you go to a sex toy brand’s website or a reputable sex shop, you basically get a reviewed selection of toys. There will be no fakes or random deceptions that don’t have your best interests in mind. You are also buying from people who know what they are talking about when it comes to sex toys.
Amazon, on the other hand, pretty much allows anyone to sell anything.
“Purchasing from third-party stores like Amazon does not guarantee an authentic product,” Mashable Sex and Relationships reporter Anna Iovine wrote in her guide to buying sex toys. “Given that the toy will be on or around your genitals, it’s imperative to make sure it’s legit.”
It wasn’t long ago that the drop-sent pink toy went viral on TikTok, despite its dubious quality. If you search for “Hitachi Magic Wand” on Amazon, you will get many results(opens in a new tab)although the website is not listed as one of Magic Wand’s trusted retailers(opens in a new tab). In fact, the Magic Wand website explicitly warns consumers to “be especially careful of counterfeit Magic Wand products on sites like e-Bay and Amazon.”
The good news? Amazon is starting to take more serious measures to prevent the sale of counterfeit products(opens in a new tab). And in the meantime, there are still plenty of legitimate products on Amazon from brand storefronts; you just have to know how and where to look.
Where to buy sex toys online (including Target and Sephora)
How to safely buy sex toys on Amazon
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Start from the storefront. Unauthorized sellers can be stealthy on Amazon. Just because the product links to a legit store doesn’t mean the product itself is legit (we experienced this firsthand, it’s easier than you think to be fooled!) To make sure you’re actually looking at a genuine product . , always start from a brand’s storefront and find your way out. If you have a brand you like, it’s a good idea to check their website to see if they have their store linked instead of going straight to the Amazon search bar. For each of our product picks below, we’ve also linked the Amazon storefront so you can safely check out the rest of the brands’ offerings.
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Check the seller. While this isn’t a hard and fast rule, 99% of the time, a quick look at the seller will help you determine if you’re buying a legitimate product or being scammed.
The seller can be found on the right side of the page, not just below the product name.
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Be wary of anything that looks suspiciously cheap. If that $120 sex toy you’re looking at is only $65 on Amazon and Amazon alone, there’s a more than decent chance you’re getting a knockoff. We understand the excitement of finding a good deal, but it’s always good to approach sales with a healthy dose of skepticism.
We reached out to LELO, one of the brands on this list that has two Amazon storefronts, to ask how consumers can be confident buying sex toys on Amazon. Its chief marketing officer, Lukas Matutinović, shared the following three points via email to Mashable:
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Read seller ratings. Think of the seller like you think of a product on Amazon. Do you feel safe buying a product that only has 10 reviews or a low overall rating? The chances are pretty low. Look for a reasonable amount of feedback and an overall positive rating.
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Find the warranty and/or guarantee. Most sexual wellness companies stand behind their products and aren’t afraid to share it. See each company’s product images, product pages, and policy showcases. Some products, like LELO, even include a warranty on the product packaging.
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A tamper-proof sticker is your final security check before use. Once you’ve found your product, checked your seller in person, and the product has arrived, there’s one more step to make sure you’ve purchased your toy safely. Before opening the product packaging, check for a Tamper proof sticker to ensure you are the first to open and enjoy your toy. If the sticker is removed or damaged, be sure to contact the seller immediately.
Looking for any tamper-proof stickers or seals, like this one on the Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 3 box, is a great way to verify your purchase.
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
As a final reminder before you go shopping, there are plenty of cheap sex toys you can get without buying from Amazon, but if you really want to get the most out of your Prime membership, here are our picks. best sex toys on amazon:
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When it comes to finding the best sex toys on Amazon, trust is of paramount importance. You want to make sure that you’re buying respected products from reliable sources, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference between an authorized seller and a counterfeit. Fortunately, Ikaroa makes it easy. Our team of tech experts has combed the web for the most reputable stores selling sex toys on Amazon. This way, shoppers can save time and rest easy knowing their purchases come from reliable sources.
A great place to start is to check that a store has the Amazon Verified Purchaser seal of approval. This indicates that Amazon has carefully verified the vendor and its listings to ensure shoppers are not getting scammed. It can also be wise to look for a store with a good online reputation and customer reviews. This will help you determine whether they’re selling quality products.
To make sure that your sex toys are safe and approved, it’s best to stick to trusted brands. Large companies such as Jimmyjane, Lelo, and Svakom have years of experience and knowledge when it comes to producing sex toys and they use advanced materials and technology to ensure safety and quality.
When shopping online, it’s easy to get caught up in stunning visuals, dazzling descriptions, and attractive prices. However, it’s always best to do your research before hitting “Add to Cart.” Aside from verifying sellers and brands, shoppers should also double check that any device they’re contemplating contains BPA-free and phthalate-free materials, which are essential for ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences.
At Ikaroa, we understand that purchasing sex toys can be a daunting experience. That’s why we strive to select the best vendors on Amazon, so that shoppers don’t have to worry about accidentally buying counterfeit or sketchy products. So, rest assured, when shopping online you can trust that our experts have made sure only the safest, highest quality, and fully approved sex toys are available to you.
