Mystery Shopping

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curiouslyseeking -> Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 7:36:21 AM)
*It’s a mystery to me how everyone does their shopping for toys…* *1) Do you shop in your own hometown or travel a bit down the road?* *2) Do you start a conversation with the patrons in the store? Would you continue a conversation on how a toy works or operates with a clerk or patron or were you prefer not to be noticed?* *3) Are you usually the only one in the bondage section?* *4) Do you ever try to guess other people’s sexual orientations by the section they are in?* *5) Would you most likely buy, paper, video or implement?* *6) Do you open the product immediately when reaching the car, even though you just seen it minutes before?* *7) If you shop online, what are the reasons you choose to do so?* *8) Have you ever had to send something back because it was broken? If so, how was the customer service?* *9) Do you not buy any toys and prefer to make your own?* *10) Any more areas of shopping with points to ponder?* *Have fun!* *curious* Edited to add bonus question *What is the last toy you bought?* *hmmm, and are toys tax deductible, itemized as an educational expense?[:)]*

curiouslyseeking -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 7:38:05 AM)
*edited: wrong button, wrong box...[:D]*

kyraofMists -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 7:54:52 AM)
1. Both. We get some toys from weekend events as well. 2. Maybe and maybe if I needed the information 3. Bondage not really my thing... 4. Nope 5. Not sure I understand that question 6. Depends on what it is. Something things do not even come in a package and are tried out before bought (i.e. paddles, rubber floggers, canes, etc.) 7. I will typically buy vibrators online because I like the variety. Some of the stores here do not have the high quality that I like 8. Nope 9. My Lord and alandra prefer to make a lot of their own toys. They make floggers (including a chain flogger), paddles, leather restraints, collars, furniture (cage, A frame, bondage bed, massage table, horse, etc.). There are probably others that I am forgetting. 10. Not that I can think of at the moment. Bonus: The last toy that I bought for him was a knife (yummy) and a glass dildo. However, alandra bought something at the last event we went to and I think it was a ball gag. I was kind of hoping he was going to get the rubber or chain mail flogger that he tried out. Knight's kyra

MsSonnetMarwood -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 7:59:51 AM)
My favorite place to buy toys is through fetish flea markets, whether in conjunction with large events like Black Rose or on their own. Even if I don't buy a lot there, I get business cards and take note of vendors that I like, so that I can later buy from them with confidence online. I also enjoy browsing through BDSM toy stores (as opposed to generic sex shops) - there's typically at least one in most larger cities. Primarily though, I buy toys online, simply because I can always find what I want fairly quickly, and have it shipped to me. Since I live in a rural area and am quite busy, there isn't the opportunity to shop regularly at other venues (not that I need any more toys). Last toy I got: a new strap on harness in purple velvet and matching purple dildo.

ownedgirlie -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:03:33 AM)
1. When going to a store, there are only 2 local ones. There isn't anything down the road a bit, that I am aware of. So I go locally. 2. It depends. Usually I already know how it will work. Once or twice I've asked for help finding something. 3. No, there are typically other people in there. 4. No. 5. I didn't understand this question. Are you asking if we buy magazines, videos or toys? If that's the question, toys. 6. No, when I get home I will wash it, inspect it and put it away. 7. Convenience and better selection. 8. No 9. Only in this past year he has had me learn to make my own. In fact, ideas on making floggers would be most appreciated if anyone wants to email me. I'm still learning the different leathers and how best to construct/decorate the handle. 10. I went shopping with Celeste/Bitatruble and she bought torturous devices for my Master to use on me. I don't think I'll do that again. [;)] Bonus Question - Either a riding crop or a penis gag - not sure which I got last.

raevnn -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:05:54 AM)
I LOVE the fetish fair flea markets, personally, as does my owner. It's a fun place to get to look at and, in some cases touch and try out certain things. It's also nice because we get to meet people and, often, attend play parties :)

kyraofMists -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:06:46 AM)
I thought of something for number 10... Home Depot and kitchen supply stores are great sources of pevertables.

curiouslyseeking -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:07:57 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kyraofMists 5. Not sure I understand that question Knight's kyra *Thank you, kyra, for responding...* *To answer your #5 question in case I wasn't clear for others as well...* *Would you most likely buy magazines, books, video or actual tools of play?* *I love getting a glimpse of everyone's taste...hmmm, is that curious or nosey?...I prefer curious[:D]*

curiouslyseeking -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:09:36 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MsSonnetMarwood Last toy I got: a new strap on harness in purple velvet and matching purple dildo. *(big smile)....Gotta love a Mistress that's color coordinated....[;)]*

hisannabelle -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:11:03 AM)
1. i've had bad experiences with the way one of the local shops treats their customers, so i refuse to shop there anymore (which is sad, cause it was the one i shopped at the most). we have another store that i've been to, but i haven't actually bought anything there. generally we buy online. 2. i usually do start conversations, and i'd definitely continue a conversation about how a toy works or operates. 3. i'm not that into elaborate bondage scenarios, and we have the things that work for us, so not necessarily - unless we're looking to innovate or he wants to get more creative with tying me up. 4. no. 5. implement. i prefer to get my paper and video online, in terms of porn, and neither of the local shops sells books/videos on play or on relationships, so i usually buy those from amazon. 6. no. 7. the other shop is a bit off the beaten path, and like i said, i had bad experiences at the shop i went to more often; however, i've had mostly good experiences shopping online. 8. no. as far as customer service goes, well, i already mentioned the one shop. the shop i do not go to very often - the employees there seem to be rather condescending and presumptive at times, but overall they are mostly nice. 9. i'm not skilled enough to make my own toys. 10. i will say that there are some things i prefer to shop for in person - like the condescending/presumptive experience i had at the shop i don't go to very often stemmed from my asking about a dancing pole they sell. the guy looked at me like i was crazy, because obviously since i'm 19 and in there with my girlfriend i could never have the money to buy it or be serious about it. i had to ask like three times. but anyway, my point was there are certain things i would prefer to buy in person - i think sex swings and dancing poles would definitely be on that list. aaaand the last toy i bought was a new corset for me and a cock ring for him.

curiouslyseeking -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:13:15 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ownedgirlie 9. Only in this past year he has had me learn to make my own. In fact, ideas on making floggers would be most appreciated if anyone wants to email me. I'm still learning the different leathers and how best to construct/decorate the handle. 10. I went shopping with Celeste/Bitatruble and she bought torturous devices for my Master to use on me. I don't think I'll do that again. [;)] *Two good points...* *someone ought to start a thread on how to make floggers or even some input here...* *Also a good shopping point, do you mostly shop with someone or alone?* *Thank you for responding!*

kyraofMists -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:13:38 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: curiouslyseeking *Thank you, kyra, for responding...* *To answer your #5 question in case I wasn't clear for others as well...* *Would you most likely buy magazines, books, video or actual tools of play?* *I love getting a glimpse of everyone's taste...hmmm, is that curious or nosey?...I prefer curious[:D]* My pleasure Magazines - No Books - On play, no not really. We prefer books on relationship dynamics, positive psychology, personal growth Videos - No... we might make our own though eg Tools - Yes Definitely curious since it is not a bad thing. Edited to add... half the fun of shopping is going with him. He will try out some toys before buying them. He gets the most evil look on his face and has so much fun.

ownedgirlie -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:20:54 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: curiouslyseeking *Two good points...* *someone ought to start a thread on how to make floggers or even some input here...* *Also a good shopping point, do you mostly shop with someone or alone?* *Thank you for responding!* Not a bad idea, regarding the flogger-making thread - I'll consider that. As for your question here, it depends. I've gone with a friend before. My friends are really "vanilla" though and they sometimes have a hard time with my purchases. Sometimes I go alone to avoid the comments from the peanut gallery. But on occasion if they want to come along, they can.

MsSonnetMarwood -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:21:24 AM)
quote: *Would you most likely buy magazines, books, video or actual tools of play?* *I love getting a glimpse of everyone's taste...hmmm, is that curious or nosey?...I prefer curious[:D]* Magazines - sometimes when in a kink store. I think the last magazines I bought were a couple issues of The Governess, which is a femdom oriented domestic discipline magazine that's quite hard to find. Books - regularly, and primarily from amazon.com. Video - no. The few BDSM oriented DVDs I have seen weren't all that interesting to me, so I don't bother. Toys - Yep. I have entirely too many toys, if that's possible, but I'll still buy things here and there if they're different/interesting/fill a niche for something I don't have.

MsSonnetMarwood -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:24:25 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: curiouslyseeking quote: ORIGINAL: MsSonnetMarwood Last toy I got: a new strap on harness in purple velvet and matching purple dildo. *(big smile)....Gotta love a Mistress that's color coordinated....[;)]* Well really...lol...with the purple velvet, what OTHER color could I have possibly gotten?

MstrssPassion -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:26:54 AM)
1) Do you shop in your own hometown or travel a bit down the road? I am shopping no matter where I go. I naturally pick out things that I can utilize no matter where I am shopping. I have found very cool items at the grocery store, hardware stores, resale shops, garage sales, flea markets, etc. 2) Do you start a conversation with the patrons in the store? Would you continue a conversation on how a toy works or operates with a clerk or patron or were you prefer not to be noticed? Depends on the store & the people I would encounter. One time while in a Home Depot I asked the guy working in the hardware department if he would cut a chain link for me. I brought in a set of nunchuks that I was going to use for flogger handles. I asked him to cut the chain between them & he right away asked "why" so I told him I was making flogger handles. He seemed to have a slight idea of what I was saying & grinned. 3) Are you usually the only one in the bondage section? Not sure what you mean exactly since I shop just about anywhere for these items but if you mean a specialty store for alternate lifestyles... I'm in South Florida, lots of freaky folks down here & the stores are never empty. 4) Do you ever try to guess other people’s sexual orientations by the section they are in? That is rather presumptuous & judgmental, no. 5) Would you most likely buy, paper, video or implement? I'm not sure I understand this question but I don't buy videos anymore for anything... DVD all the way. edited to add after seeing others were not clear about this question as well: I prefer buying actual items. I do buy books (not mags & not books about bdsm play) I don't buy pornographic movies related to bdsm... I'm a do'er not a watch'er. I guess that would make me a buyer of implements. 6) Do you open the product immediately when reaching the car, even though you just seen it minutes before? Well, yes & no. I bought some new tools the other day & I ripped into them right away rather than wait until I got to the job site . I never thought about opening up... lets say, a dildo & placing it on the dashboard for the ride home. 7) If you shop online, what are the reasons you choose to do so? That the vendor is not local to me & that they have a reputation of providing the quality products they offer with a secure payment option. 8) Have you ever had to send something back because it was broken? If so, how was the customer service? Covered that above, I only shop online with reputable companies. To date, I have never had to return anything for any reason. 9) Do you not buy any toys and prefer to make your own? I buy items & I make my own. Some items just can't be made at home. *10) Any more areas of shopping with points to ponder?* *Have fun!* *curious* Edited to add bonus question *What is the last toy you bought?* The last items I bought: a new Wartenberg Wheel, an inflatable penis gag, a leather head harness that secures a double sided dildo as a gag as well as a phallus extension for my pleasure. This last time required some modifications so it technically falls under a previous question of buy or make... I bought this one & modified it to work in the manner described above. hmmm, and are toys tax deductible, itemized as an educational expense?[:)] That question might be best addressed by one of our many professionals on the boards. Maybe it would fall under work related materials but I don't think it would qualify as an educational write-off unless you are a licensed sex therapist. [;)]

AquaticSub -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:28:07 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: curiouslyseeking *It’s a mystery to me how everyone does their shopping for toys…* *1) Do you shop in your own hometown or travel a bit down the road?* My own town. Very brazenly. I know all the adult stores in my area and what kinds of toys they carry. *quote:* *2) Do you start a conversation with the patrons in the store? Would you continue a conversation on how a toy works or operates with a clerk or patron or were you prefer not to be noticed?* I only talk to the other patrons if I have something to say and they don't look ashamed to be there. I often talk with the store clerks about how a toy works before buying it. They aren't returnable after all and I've paid over a hundred for a good vib! *quote:* *3) Are you usually the only one in the bondage section?* *Nope. But I'm usually the one buying anything from it.* *quote:* *4) Do you ever try to guess other people’s sexual orientations by the section they are in?* Umm... No. Why would I care? *quote:* *5) Would you most likely buy, paper, video or implement?* *Not sure what you mean by that. I buy bondage toys, shoes, Playboys and videos from the local store.* *quote:* *6) Do you open the product immediately when reaching the car, even though you just seen it minutes before?* *Sometimes.* *quote:* *7) If you shop online, what are the reasons you choose to do so?* *Better selection and better prices.* *quote:* *8) Have you ever had to send something back because it was broken? If so, how was the customer service?* *Nope.* *quote:* *9) Do you not buy any toys and prefer to make your own?* *We made our own spreader bar out of bambo and then I had a friend make another one for us out of wood.* *quote:* *10) Any more areas of shopping with points to ponder?* *Just be careful in the adult stores at night. I've been followed around and out of the store. It was creepy.* *quote:* *What is the last toy you bought?* Can't remember. But we are looking into another vib.

MstrssPassion -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 8:35:56 AM)
quote: Just be careful in the adult stores at night. I've been followed around and out of the store. It was creepy. I had that happen quite a few times. Let me suggest the method I used to get rid of the creep... ever see the HUGE dildos too damn big & heavy to hang on the wall... grab one of those & walk right to the creep & say... can you handle this? Never once had one say sure... my place or yours?

zindyslave -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 9:07:38 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: curiouslyseeking *It’s a mystery to me how everyone does their shopping for toys…* *1) Do you shop in your own hometown or travel a bit down the road?* I have shopped in my own hometown. Not a really good collection of items tho. *2) Do you start a conversation with the patrons in the store? Would you continue a conversation on how a toy works or operates with a clerk or patron or were you prefer not to be noticed?* I would prefer not to be noticed. *3) Are you usually the only one in the bondage section?* Can't answer that as we don't have a bondage section here. *4) Do you ever try to guess other people’s sexual orientations by the section they are in?* No, doesn't matter to me one way or the other. *5) Would you most likely buy, paper, video or implement?* I usually buy some magazines and toys at the store here. We have bought a few videos before tho. *6) Do you open the product immediately when reaching the car, even though you just seen it minutes before?* Sometimes according on how long I have been waiting to get it. *7) If you shop online, what are the reasons you choose to do so?* I mostly prefer to shop online because of the privacy and they have a bigger selection than the local store. And I don't have to go anywhere to get it...except to my driveway. *8) Have you ever had to send something back because it was broken? If so, how was the customer service?* Nope *9) Do you not buy any toys and prefer to make your own?* I would just hurt myself if I tryed to make something...but Master is handy so he might be making a few things. Not sure on that. *10) Any more areas of shopping with points to ponder?* Don't know what you are asking with this question. *Have fun!* *curious* Edited to add bonus question *What is the last toy you bought?* The last toy I bought was a leather hood and bondage cuffs.

sublizzie -> RE: Mystery Shopping (3/25/2007 9:09:51 AM)
I tend to buy on-line because I can do it after work (late at night) without going into a nasty part of the city to do so. I've even purchased on-line from a local store because it was more convenient, time-wise. The last thing I bought was 2 books that have been recommended here. I was with both of my adult UMs. Now that was interesting. I will often talk with the store-keeper about things partly because I want to know how to work the danged things and partly because they are very knowledgeable about sexuality. They give lectures at local colleges on sexuality. If you buy something, they'll volunteer information which is also nice!

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