What we do know is there is a demand for good quality and safe sex products (yes, even in little old Ireland!) and because the industry is largely unregulated and customers are unwilling to talk openly about their consumer needs, there is a real danger that customers will end up purchasing badly designed and poorly made products, all for want of a mature conversation.
Starting The Conversation
Sex Siopa, this week's feature on Kickstart Your Business, is just the company to get the conversation going. Founded by Shawna Scott, who on a visit back to home to her favourite sex shop in Seattle, was struck by how completely normal the shopping experience felt and was determined to bring a similar approach to sex shop retailing in Ireland. Sex Siopa stocks well designed toys and accessories as well as providing customers with current, up-to-date information about toy care, safe sex and the products themselves.
Get Ireland Talking
As with any product, it's important to get customers using, talking about and reviewing their purchases. That's a challenge in any industry but particualty in this one. With her well designed website and matter-of-fact and informative blog, Shawna is making it easy for customers to have mature and engaging discussions about their shopping experience.
Over To You
What other ways can Shawna keep the conversation going through her website? Listen back to the show on Kickstart Your Business and let us know what you think.
We'd love to hear from you.
Kickstart Your Business is broadcast live on The Right Hook on Newstalk106 in Ireland every Thursday at 6.40pm and is available on Playback.
Meanwhile, for those of you Kickstarting your own business in 2015, why not check out our Raising A Brand Programme, a practical course (one afternoon a week) over six weeks during which Gerard teaches you all you need to know about researching, developing and building a brand that will make you the natural choice of customers.
