How do I find wholesale deals at a sex toy convention?

When we walked into the sex toy convention, it was a bit overwhelming, as there were more vendors than you could shake a silicone toy at.

With the right prep, the chaos can be transformed into a strategic advantage for businesses. They can negotiate exclusive wholesale deals and build valuable relationships with suppliers.

Successful navigation of all of these events requires more than excitement; it requires smart negotiation and effective networking.

Retailers and entrepreneurs can make the most of their time at conventions by implementing practical strategies. This way, they walk out with profitable partnerships and competitive pricing.

In this guide, we’ll share some important tips to help you succeed at sex toy conventions.

Planning and Setting Objectives

Define Clear Goals

There are specific things you want to accomplish before going to a sex toy convention.

Decide if you want to focus on sourcing unique products or building relationships with suppliers.

When you go into the event with clear goals, everything else becomes easier to navigate.

Research the Expo Layout

Get familiar with the layout of the adult novelty expo.

Most conventions will let you preview a map of exhibitors, which can be worth its weight in gold when planning your visit.

Know which booths are relevant to your goals.

Plan your visits to help you navigate the venue to get the most out of your networking and purchasing time.

Create a Checklist

Creating a checklist of desired products and potential suppliers is a key part of getting organized.

This list should include specific items you’re interested in and any brands you want to reach out to.

A well-tuned checklist makes the buying process easy. It keeps you from losing sight of key opportunities while you’re there.

Establish a Budget

It helps you keep your spending in check if you create a budget beforehand.

Consider every possible expense, both direct (travel, accommodation, food) and indirect (products).

Know how much you can spend so you make smarter choices at the convention.

This knowledge can prevent you from making impulse buys that may harm your financial situation.

Keep in mind that every customer’s experience with sex toys is different.

Customers who are treated with respect and kindness often develop a long-term relationship that can last for years.

Networking with Exhibitors and Industry Experts

That’s why active engagement with exhibitors at a sex toy convention such as ANME is important. It allows you to cultivate relationships that could turn into future business.

This B2B event spotlights leading vendors and buyers, making it a great way to network. Learn what you can from exhibitors to gain insights into where the market’s going.

You’ll also learn about new products that you can include in your product mix.

Going to networking events during the convention is another good way to meet industry pros.

Often, these get-togethers provide updates on what’s happening in the market and what’s trending in pleasure products.

If you can share your own insights, it often leads to mutual learning and collaboration and makes these interactions beneficial for everyone.

To make the most out of it, use social media before and during the convention.

Following exhibitors on Twitter or Instagram can keep you in the loop when it comes to new products and promotions.

Actively liking, sharing, or commenting on their content builds a sense of familiarity, so in-person meetings are much more comfortable.

Having an elevator pitch ready is important for networking at these events.

This brief introduction should help potential partners understand what you’re looking for and where your interests lie.

Aim for clarity and confidence; a strong pitch can initiate important discussions that can lead to partnerships or collaborations.

Direct interaction between manufacturers and retailers is sparked at the ANME convention. It promotes business opportunities by offering a variety of products.

Initiatives like the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program highlight the importance of engaging diverse suppliers. This engagement is critical to driving growth across the industry.

Identifying Exclusive Convention Deals

Special Promotions and Discounts

Showing up at a sex toy convention gets you in on great promos.

You’ll find discounts that can really stretch those savings!

Lots of them offer convention-goer pricing, so you can stock up on your favorite items for less.

Keep an eye out for signs or announcements about these types of deals, as they may only be available during the event.

Bulk Purchase Options

If you are a retailer, you must inquire about bulk purchase options. Most exhibitors will be happy to negotiate prices for larger orders.

This willingness can translate into even more cost savings that improve your bottom line. This will help you save the most money possible.

It also gives you the flexibility to offer competitive prices in your store.

Limited-Edition Products

Another perk of attending conventions is having the opportunity to find limited-edition products or early releases.

These exclusive items can make your inventory stand out from competitors, attracting customers looking for unique items.

Keep an eye on the vendors that launch new products at the event. These cool offerings can create a stir for your brand!

Vendor Loyalty Programs

Many vendors have loyalty programs that offer exclusive deals or incentives for repeat business. With these programs, you build solid relationships with suppliers as you gain access to ongoing discounts and promotions.

Ask vendors what their loyalty offerings are and how you can leverage them during the convention.

Additional Insights

I would say conventions such as EXXXOTICA provide excellent shopping opportunities. They also share valuable insights with entertaining workshops and seminars on adult entertainment and sexual health.

More than 200 of the top stars and influencers in the world are there. It’s a great opportunity to learn from leaders in the industry and see some new products — 90% of attendees are looking for new products.

Negotiating Prices and Terms with Suppliers

Understand Market Prices

Whatever you do, approach negotiations with a good sense of what the current prices are in the market. This knowledge allows you to hustle for a solid deal.

A factory typically sells 100 units for $10 each, netting $1,000. For bigger orders like 500 units, they might drop the price to $8 a unit.

By familiarizing yourself with these pricing structures, you can negotiate better deals that increase your profitability.

Discuss Volume Discounts and Payment Terms

Be prepared to negotiate volume discounts and flexible payment terms. Factories often offer incentives for bulk orders, like longer payment terms.

Common payment terms include Net 30, where payment is expected 30 days after the invoice date. Some factories may be willing to extend Net 60 terms to incentivize larger orders.

Understanding these options allows you to choose what aligns best with your cash flow.

Build Rapport with Suppliers

The last thing you want is to create a collaborative negotiation environment.

You'll build rapport with your suppliers, leading to more trust and communication.

In some cases, a friendly relationship can mean you get a better deal and better-timed or more favorable terms.

Your suppliers will be happy to work with you on price changes and payment terms. They feel respected and valued when you treat them well.

Document Agreed-Upon Terms

Once you’ve come to a consensus, it’s important to put it in writing. This closes the door to misunderstandings in subsequent deals and leaves no doubt in either of your minds.

If you agree on net 30 days for larger orders, like 1,000 units instead of 100, make sure to get it in writing. This protects both sides and ensures clarity in the transaction.

Watch out for exorbitant late payment fees.

Factories might then charge a 1.5% fee every month for overdue payments.

Many factories will also facilitate transactions with major credit cards, like Visa and MasterCard.

They also embrace popular services such as PayPal and Stripe.

Evaluating Product Quality and Popularity

Inspecting Product Samples and Materials

One thing to remember when attending a sex toy convention is to look closely at product samples.

Look for high-quality materials that are body-safe, like silicone or glass. These materials not only improve safety for the user but also help the products last longer.

Making sure that your items are free from harmful chemicals is important to making informed purchasing choices.

Gathering Retailer Feedback

Connecting with other retailers can give you clues about hot products.

Talk about things that worked, and pay attention to what people are excited about at the convention. That way, you’ll be able to make smarter buying decisions.

This feedback loop shows you what consumers desire. You can then stock popular items that match market demand.

Analyzing Sales Data and Market Research

Sales data contribute to product popularity in the realm of adult toys.

For example, the vibrators segment held the highest revenue share of 22.84% in 2024.

By analyzing regional trends, you can make educated decisions regarding your inventory.

For example, the West region produced a 24.21% revenue share over the same time.

Specifically, Midwesterners are shelling out a greater amount on sex toys than any other region.

Considering Consumer Reviews and Ratings

Consumer reviews and ratings give you a better idea of how well a product works and how much other customers love it.

Look for patterns in the feedback that give you insights into the strengths and weaknesses of particular items.

One major model shows that product dimensions like Insertable Length and Circumference correlate with general popularity.

In fact, these account for 2% of the variance. This implies that while dimensions are important, they are just a small part of the many factors that shape consumer preferences.

Gathering Contact Information and Samples

Collecting Business Cards and Contact Information

At a sex toy convention, networking is key for future business.

Gather business cards and contact information from exhibitors so you can keep in touch later.

It's important to engage with banners like Lioness provided. Their well-structured, searchable FAQ page serves well as a great example of customer support and products.

Write down how you might work with each exhibitor and how they might work with you. This will make your follow-up conversations more personal and engaging!

Requesting Product Samples

Before placing any orders, it’s always smart to request product samples. By testing the quality and suitability of items for your target market, you can become a part of consumer expectations.

Many require bulk purchases to keep their costs reasonable. Vetting samples upfront can save you time and avoid wasting money.

Brands such as Emojibator provide warranties for their products, which may indicate high-quality items.

Organizing Collected Materials

If you’ve been gathering business cards and samples systematically, you’re ahead of the game.

Use folders or digital tools to categorize information by brand or product type. This organization makes it easy to reference post-convention, streamlining your follow-up efforts.

Digital tools are such a great resource. For instance, scan business cards into your phone or download contact management apps to look up the information later.

Utilizing Digital Tools for Quick Access

In this digital age, leveraging technology can supercharge your networking.

Use apps to scan and store the content in your smartphone. This method not only saves time, but it also minimizes the risk of losing physical cards.

With a well-organized digital system, you can manage follow-up and inquiries after the event.

Attending Workshops and Seminars for Insider Tips

Gain Valuable Insights

Attending workshops and seminars at a sex toy convention offers attendees key insight into industry trends. These events also showcase best practices in the field.

These sessions tackle an array of topics. You’ll learn everything from choosing products to advertising techniques tailored for the adult novelty industry.

80% of participants felt more confident in their understanding of adult entertainment. This increase in confidence happened following attendance at the educational events.

When you feel confident, you make better decisions in your personal and professional life.

Expert Advice and Networking

Attendees get a chance to take copious notes on expert advice during these sessions.

Many trade shows have lively fashion workshops. Here, professionals discuss all manner of sexual health, showcase products, and perform live demonstrations.

People can ask questions in these Q&A sessions, where you can help clarify their understanding of the topics that were covered.

Networking is important. By connecting with other attendees — of which there will be many — you can swap ideas and develop professional leads that pay dividends long after the seminar is over.

Explore Diverse Offerings

The Exxxotica Expo is a prime example of what people can find at those conventions.

This event is a blend of colorful porn stars and lively fan seminars. You can also enjoy some thrilling shows, exciting parties, and an exhibition floor focused on adult business networking.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet some of the top Asian manufacturers, distributors, and buyers. They can browse a carefully selected assortment of exciting new novelties, erotic fashion, health products, and sensual gifts.

At invitation-only events such as the ANME Show, the newest adult novels are on display. They provide opportunities for networking with major players in the industry.

In-Depth Reviews and Trend Analysis

Every workshop includes PM sessions that deliver more in-depth erotic trend reviews.

Participants also get networking opportunities with industry pros who can provide more insight into new products and market trends.

Attendees learn even more by participating in these seminars. This involvement helps them get in front of the ever-evolving space of sexual wellness.

Following Up After the Convention

Reinforcing Relationships and Exploring Collaborations

Once you attend a sex toy convention, it’s essential to follow up with the contacts you make while at the event.

This step not only strengthens existing relationships but also lays the groundwork for future collaborations.

Whether you met suppliers, manufacturers, or fellow marketers, following up can lead to fruitful partnerships.

Just a quick “thank you for your time, and I’d love to talk about ______ some time” email can pave the way for future interactions.

Implementing New Strategies

Look over notes and materials gathered during the convention to help you put various strategies in place.

Reflect on what you learned from each of the booths. For example, check out some of the cool offerings, like MysteryVibe's Poco, a petite and bendable, app-connected vibe.

Analyze what worked and what didn’t, and what products were the stars. This helps you tweak your approach to better match market needs.

This assessment will support you in polishing your marketing efforts and adapting to new trends.

Evaluating Success and Adjusting Plans

In determining if you’ve met your convention goals, improvement is the only measure of success.

Reflect on whether you accomplished your purposes for attending, like good networking or finding new products.

Take a look at feedback received over the course of the event and see how it matches your plans for the future.

If attendees list strong interest in specific categories such as lotions or lubes, pay attention. Reorient your focus for the next events to better suit their taste.

Maintaining Communication with Suppliers

This means you should keep lines of communication open with suppliers to keep you abreast of new items and any special deals.

Regular updates from these partners can provide insights into industry trends and consumer preferences.

The sex tech industry is moving quickly and becoming more mainstream. You have to be proactive in communicating your brand to keep up with this dynamic market.

Conclusion

For anyone interested in entering this industry, attending a sex toy convention could be the most impactful thing to help you start.

By planning thoroughly, building relationships with influencers, and hunting for deals, you can position yourself for success.

Learning how to assess product quality and gathering useful information from workshops will deepen your knowledge.

Don’t forget about following up after the event to reinforce those connections and keep the momentum.

Ready to take the plunge?

Get out there, mingle, and maximize your convention time.

Your next big opportunity is just around the corner!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when planning for a sex toy convention?

Keep your eyes on your goals.

Decide if you're going to network, learn, or search for products.

Set a budget and plan your schedule to make the most of your experience.

How can I effectively network at a convention?

Network with exhibitors and industry professionals.

Prepare questions ahead of time and be willing to talk.

Collect business cards for follow-up later.

Are there exclusive deals available at sex toy conventions?

Many of the vendors have exclusive discounts and promotions during conventions.

Search for exclusive pricing or bundled offerings you won't find anywhere else.

How do I negotiate prices with suppliers?

Be clear about what you need and how much you can spend.

Ask about bulk discounts or special terms.

Build rapport and make it a win-win situation for all.

What should I look for in product quality?

Consider materials, design, and brand reputation.

Look for safety certifications and user reviews.

Quality products improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

How can I gather contact information effectively?

Use a digital tool or app to scan business cards.

Take notes on conversations to personalize follow-ups later.

Always ask permission before adding contacts to your list.

Why attend workshops and seminars at the convention?

Workshops offer insider tips from experts.

They cover trends, marketing, product knowledge, and more—keeping you ahead of the curve.