Passion Parties - Could it be a business

[wellnow]

Good morning everyone.

I read an interesting article in the NYTimes about a week ago, "Women Tailor Sex Industry to Their Eyes", and have been thinking about one of the "successful" ventures mentioned, http://www.passionparties.com. It is described as being a "tupperware" of sex toys.

Any ideas or experience with these or similar services. How would you rate their selection, prices, etc.? Does it sound like a cool business to you? I have a lot of doubts. Of course, I'm a man, that is probably why

Have a great day,

P.S. The NYTimes article is at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/20/national/20FEM.html?th

enjoy.

 

[Mistress K]

I haven't been to one of these parties yet but over here we dub them "fuckaware" parties.

I have been invited to a sex toy/clothes/etc party on March 6th so I will tell you how it goes afterwards.

From all reports though, everyone seems to thoroughly enjoy them and the prices have been reasonable. Some of the rewards programs over here - include male strippers for selling a certain amount of products!! Hey i'd be in with that!!

 

[wellnow]

I haven't been to one of these parties yet but over here we dub them "fuckaware" parties.

I have been invited to a sex toy/clothes/etc party on March 6th so I will tell you how it goes afterwards.

From all reports though, everyone seems to thoroughly enjoy them and the prices have been reasonable. Some of the rewards programs over here - include male strippers for selling a certain amount of products!! Hey i'd be in with that!!

Mistress K,

"fuckaware" parties. more precise than "passion parties", that's for sure. The stripper idea for a rewards program is cool. I'm also pleasantly surprises that the prices are reasonable with what I assumed was a multi-level sales program. Maybe the shops make more profit than I thought.

Thanks for the information. If are able to let me now how the March 6th party goes, I would really appreciate it. Good luck with the rewards program or who knows, maybe there'll even be strippers as party favors

You're great.

 

[Bobmi357]

Passion Parties may be a great business, but you need to exercise caution with them.

The link below details a woman that is currently undergoing trial for selling Passion Party products in texas.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040211/od_uk_nm/oukoe_life_obscenity_1

Now we all know Texas is a backward moralistic state that we should give back to mexico, but I would think twice about involving myself in an activity which may end up with you going to jail.

Note to all Texans;

Don't take offense at my derisive comments about your state. You've taken your own image of being tough, fair and independant and thrown it out the window by voting idiots into office that enacted such laws.

 

[wellnow]

Originally posted by Bobmi357
Passion Parties may be a great business, but you need to exercise caution with them.

The link below details a woman that is currently undergoing trial for selling Passion Party products in texas.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040211/od_uk_nm/oukoe_life_obscenity_1

Bobmi357,

Thanks, for the article. Very important point and I am sure Texas probably doesn't stand alone here. My situation is a bit different. If I were take this further, it would be outside of the U.S. This is primerily because I don't live there and you covered one of the reasons with your reference to our elected officials. That, IMO, isn't limited to Texas either, without turning this into a political thread.

Now we all know Texas is a backward moralistic state that we should give back to mexico, but I would think twice about involving myself in an activity which may end up with you going to jail.

Note to all Texans;

Don't take offense at my derisive comments about your state. You've taken your own image of being tough, fair and independant and thrown it out the window by voting idiots into office that enacted such laws.

 

[freddyandeddy]

Great point, Bobmi. Heed it well, folks.

Luckily for us, we live in Southern California and adult is just like any other business - yay! We've hosted a couple of these parties at our house (for a friend who's conducting them) and they are not only a nice way to make money, but a riot as well. I was fortunate in that I was allowed to hang around and serve the food during the event. I was AMAZED at how open and explicit the conversation got - you women can be much more explicit than I thought LOL

Another time, we had a group of female friends over as a focus group for our website and it turned into a toy party, of sorts. Again, I was surprised at how things opened up once the ball (er, pardon the pun) got rolling.

Just remember, whether you're hosting sex toy parties or birthday parties, the same business rules apply. Our friend (actually you can contact her through her website www.hiddenself.com - Jenn is her name and she's from, where else, Texas) has been working at this for almost 3 years while holding down a full time job in San Diego. It takes lots of time to line up sources for the products, get the word out, figure out your strategies, find people to host, etc. No quick bucks here. One niche you may want to explore are "fuckware" parties for men, as most have no clue when it comes to sex toys/aids/products beyond videos.

 

[asiasiren]

Bobmi357,

One of the things in that article was the fact that the church leaders stated they had to counsel families because the items causing problems in the marrage. Probably the guy complaining that wife was having too much fun now and more may be expected of him in the future. He just couldn't have that so he goes to the church for advice.

I would think that if you go to clergy for advice, you would already know the answer.

 

[Bobmi357]

Bobmi357,

One of the things in that article was the fact that the church leaders stated they had to counsel families because the items causing problems in the marrage. Probably the guy complaining that wife was having too much fun now and more may be expected of him in the future. He just couldn't have that so he goes to the church for advice.

I would think that if you go to clergy for advice, you would already know the answer.

Well of course the products are going to cause a problem in the marriage. They claim everything is bigger in texas, so what does a husband do when the wife buys an 18 inch long dildo and he's sporting a 4 inch woody?

 

[SexyChele]

I went to one of these types of parties years ago. (It was in the late 80s) A friend was doing this for a girlfriend who was getting married. I was a bit intimidated at first, but that soon vanished. I still remember it as being one of the most fun parties of these types I've ever been to! The person selling the products knew immediately how to put everyone at their ease and that was the key! Getting this varied range of females to actually laugh at penis suckers took some imagination!

I used to have a small lingerie shop that I spent quite a bit of time at. What can I say? The owner knew me by my first name, and it was my favorite place to visit on my lunch hour! Anyway, in addition to the shop, she also hosted lingerie parties. No toys, though, just lingerie. Everything from costumes to panties to stockings. I hosted a party because I wanted to get free stuff! The women I invited were all pretty much the same age (20 something), and the woman putting the party on was able to bring items that would interest that group. I think the most surprising thing for me was watching all these women grabbing and clutching panties, thongs, bras, bustiers, stockings, and gloves and then crowding into my bedroom to try them on! Everyone walked out having bought something and I got some great lingerie!

Would it ever be a business? I'm not sure. Perhaps, if there weren't any stores in the immediate area. But it would certainly be a fun way to make some extra money!

 

[wellnow]

SexyChele,

Thanks for sharing your experiences. You are a true pioneer of "fuckaware" parties. Obviously you have a much better feel for this than I so may I ask what advantages a store might have over an organized toy party? I would have thought that many women would prefer to shop with friends in a less threatening setting rather than from a stranger in a toy store with all the warning signs to keep minors out, etc.

Thanks for helping me understand this a bit better. We do agree on the fun part of the business and that is initially far more important than the money. Why shouldn't a business, part-time or full-time, be fun?

 

[wellnow]

Great point, Bobmi. Heed it well, folks.

Luckily for us, we live in Southern California and adult is just like any other business - yay! We've hosted a couple of these parties at our house (for a friend who's conducting them) and they are not only a nice way to make money, but a riot as well. I was fortunate in that I was allowed to hang around and serve the food during the event. I was AMAZED at how open and explicit the conversation got - you women can be much more explicit than I thought LOL

Another time, we had a group of female friends over as a focus group for our website and it turned into a toy party, of sorts. Again, I was surprised at how things opened up once the ball (er, pardon the pun) got rolling.

Just remember, whether you're hosting sex toy parties or birthday parties, the same business rules apply. Our friend (actually you can contact her through her website www.hiddenself.com - Jenn is her name and she's from, where else, Texas) has been working at this for almost 3 years while holding down a full time job in San Diego. It takes lots of time to line up sources for the products, get the word out, figure out your strategies, find people to host, etc. No quick bucks here. One niche you may want to explore are "fuckware" parties for men, as most have no clue when it comes to sex toys/aids/products beyond videos.

freddyandeddy, thanks.

First I apologize because I wrote this yesterday morning and thought that I had
sent it but for some unknown reason, it didn't go out. Better late than never, I
suppose.

Your observations are so true, especially about us guys. Far too often,l think
that we find ourselves in the proverbial "Christmas Turkey" category when it
comes to our general knowledge about toys and their utilization for enhancing
the sexual experience for our S.O.'s, but in general it is probably safe to assume
that we do well at "wham, bam, thank ya, mam" and telling impressive sexual
"war stories" So as you suggest, "fuckware" parties could be used as an
educational experience probably with resultant relationship building. My
question is, " Would wemen attend, learn, discuss and purchase the products
openly, in a group? Hmmm. . . I wonder. . . . . . I've usually found women to
BE far more open where we act open..

Thanks to everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Have a great day and weekend.

 

[Bobmi357]

Your observations are so true, especially about us guys. Far too often,l think
that we find ourselves in the proverbial "Christmas Turkey" category when it
comes to our general knowledge about toys and their utilization for enhancing
the sexual experience for our S.O.'s, but in general it is probably safe to assume
that we do well at "wham, bam, thank ya, mam" and telling impressive sexual
"war stories" So as you suggest, "fuckware" parties could be used as an
educational experience probably with resultant relationship building. My
question is, " Would wemen attend, learn, discuss and purchase the products
openly, in a group? Hmmm. . . I wonder. . . . . . I've usually found women to
BE far more open where we act open..

Thanks to everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Have a great day and weekend.

Now thats an interesting question. I don't know about everyone else, but I had assumed Wellnow was female. Doh!

My initial reaction is this is NOT the business you want to be in, for the same reason why so many women prefer a female GYN to a male one. Its just my personal opinion, so don't let that dissuade you if you really want to try this. But I would think that women would feel a LOT more comfortable talking about sex toys with another woman than a man (especially if that man isn't their SO).

 

[wellnow]

Now thats an interesting question. I don't know about everyone else, but I had assumed Wellnow was female. Doh!

My initial reaction is this is NOT the business you want to be in, for the same reason why so many women prefer a female GYN to a male one. Its just my personal opinion, so don't let that dissuade you if you really want to try this. But I would think that women would feel a LOT more comfortable talking about sex toys with another woman than a man (especially if that man isn't their SO).

Thanks for the concern. I agree. I'm not even thinking about it for myself but for a
small group of friends who happen to be female I do like the concept and feel
that it can help change attitudes, maybe even in the bible belt and others.

Have an fun weekend.

 

[SexyChele]

SexyChele,

Thanks for sharing your experiences. You are a true pioneer of "fuckaware" parties. Obviously you have a much better feel for this than I so may I ask what advantages a store might have over an organized toy party? I would have thought that many women would prefer to shop with friends in a less threatening setting rather than from a stranger in a toy store with all the warning signs to keep minors out, etc.

Thanks for helping me understand this a bit better. We do agree on the fun part of the business and that is initially far more important than the money. Why shouldn't a business, part-time or full-time, be fun?

Ah, but the trick is who does the store cater to? There are the sex shops and adult bookstores that, yes, a lot of women (self included!) do not feel totally comfortable going into unless they have some one with them. And while some women might go to these places, they will usually take a husband/boyfriend over their best girlfriend.

However, there are what are known (at least in So Cal) as "lingerie shops". These places are usually located in nice places, well lit, and one doesn't have to park in the back and sneak in like they were some type of perv. There are windows displaying the newest lingerie and all of the sales people are - not surprisingly - women. It is uncomfortable walking up to a man to ask his opinion on a certain type of vibrator. But the women in these stores are trained to answer questions professionally and without judgement. They almost seem like it's your best friend! They do stock all of the usual toys that a sex shop has, but they have less videos/DVDs/mags, and more lingerie and lotions. It's just a shop set up for women to feel comfortable about buying intimate lingerie and/or sexual aids.

I have two such shops close by that I absolutely LOVE! I've never felt uncomfortable or weird, even when I was asking how to use my stretchy purple elephant cock ring! If I knew a friend who was having a "passion party" or some such event, I would definitely attend and would even buy product. But I wouldn't rely on that as a sole source of obtaining the items I wanted because I can walk into the store and purchase something and have it immediately. The home party distributor might be a secondary way for me to get certain items, but that would come down to price.

But then, these types of parties really are a lot of fun. And hey, if you are a guy? You will get a very different perspective on how females really view toys and lingerie!

 

[wellnow]

SexyChele,

As always, great information. Since I don't live in the US, I wasn't aware
of the "lingerie shops" product line. Definitely something to think about.
I can see them as complementary more than mutually exclusive, especially
here. Nice lingerie shops are not even prevalent.

But then, these types of parties really are a lot of fun. And hey, if you are a guy? You will get a very different perspective on how females really view toys and lingerie!

It would be very interesting and good for all guys to have a better
understanding of the ladies perspective. Unfortunately, I will probably
not be invited to the "parties" unless I'm " allowed to hang around
and serve the food during the event" like Bobmi. Gotta look for a restaurant
services school asap

I started this thread after reading the NYTimes article and commenting
about it to some friends as more of a oddity than anything else and now it
is actually becoming interesting enough to think about a little market research.

Thanks again, SexyChele.

 

[VSE]

Theres a chain of sex stores in the UK who run something along these sort of lines. Pretty sure you could ask just about anyone in the UK what an Ann Summers party is and they'd know immediately what you were on about.

Theres some basic information on how they go about it on their website

 

[wellnow]

Theres a chain of sex stores in the UK who run something along these sort of lines. Pretty sure you could ask just about anyone in the UK what an Ann Summers party is and they'd know immediately what you were on about.

Theres some basic information on how they go about it on their website

Hello, VSE,

All I can say is ! WOW !.

They really seem the have it together as a full service operation and in very good taste.
I assume that they are past the legal entanglements that "Passion Parties" and
similars are having in the U.S. Without a doubt, the U.K. has a much more mature
attitude towards sex. Ann Summers really seems to be the ideal combination.
Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[VSE]

They really seem the have it together as a full service operation and in very good taste.

They pretty are pretty much alone in being acceptable sex stores in the UK. From the outset they took the approach of being "women friendly" and tend to set up slap bang in the middle of the retail area of a city, window display of undies much as any other department store (ok so you cant get that PVC maid outfit from Marks and Spencers, but its pretty tame stuff) rather than hiding behind boarded up windows somewhere out of the way.

I assume that they are past the legal entanglements that "Passion Parties" and similars are having in the U.S.

I cant think of anything that the self righteous brigade could do to stop them. Selling sex toys is legal, holding private parties is legal so I guess selling sex toys at a private party is probably legal as well.

Without a doubt, the U.K. has a much more mature attitude towards sex.

Even if it was technically illegal I just cant really see us getting worked up enough over it to waste thousands of man hours of Police time and tie up the courts trying to prosecute a bunch of women looking at vibrators and getting giggly on wine.

Thats not to say we dont have our hangups here and there, I would imagine something like Hooters trying to open here would incur the wrath of the tabloid moral overseers, probably on the same page they have their topless model of the day.