"Tantus' goal [is] to spread the benefits of silicone sex toys and quality-made toys to the world," said Tantus president Metis Black. "Education has been a high priority since day one."
Tantus and other smaller companies provide an added benefit: They are usually in control of their own manufacturing process, which means that they control the quality of the products they make. As a result, you don't have to worry about third-party factories cutting corners (which happens - a lot).
According to Valérie Palmiéri, head of sales at FUN FACTORY, "All the products of FUN FACTORY are made in Germany, and every step, from design to production to packaging to shipping and distribution, are not only supervised at our headquarters in Bremen, but are actually taken care of right here on our premises. This way we make sure that all of our products live up to the quality standards set by the FUN FACTORY team." (To learn more about the importance of materials in sex toys, check out Sex Toy Safety: A Guide to Materials.)
2. You know what works for your body
Let’s face it, dropping more than $100 on a sex toy is an investment and it would really suck to make that investment only to find yourself with a toy that does nothing for you.
"Something could be, objectively, a very nice object, but it could be the worst shape for your body," Epiphora told me.
In that case, you’ve got what may be a really great sex toy, but for your purposes, it's just a $145 paper weight. This is why if you already know that you like G-spot play with a hard, curved toy, or clitoral stimulation from a vibrator with a broad surface, you’re a step ahead of the game.
3. You have strong feelings about the environment and/or workers’ rights
Being able to make a toy purchase secure in the knowledge that the company you are buying it from treats its employees well and cares for the environment is awesome. This extra perk is usually delivered by small, reputable companies, thanks to their ability to control their manufacturing facilities.
"Your money could be going to a great, small manufacturer who pays their employees well and treats their customers with respect," Epiphora says.
Crystal Delights, a maker of glass dildos and other fine sex objects, for example, uses only U.S.-based labor.
"Our glass is hand-blown by skilled artisans right here in the U.S. We never have and never will sell any imported design," said a company representative. "These tend to be manufactured with very little quality control by underpaid or unpaid workers in unsafe working conditions."
By keeping production at home, companies are more able to control whether their products are responsibly and ethically produced. FUN FACTORY produces all its products in its hometown headquarters in Bremen, Germany.
"Since all the toys are manufactured right here in Bremen, we can guarantee that the items are produced in a most responsible, environment-friendly manner," said Valérie Palmiéri of FUN FACTORY.
4. You still have the mug you got at your senior prom
Do you like to hold onto stuff for a long time? Well, luxury sex toys are frequently built for the long haul.
"Our surveys prove that consumers are ready to spend more money on a quality product. The general way of thinking is that paying a bit more once is better than having to buy several products because they give up the ghost so quickly," Palmiéri said.
Plus, with high-end toy companies, you are more likely to get a toy that is backed by a warranty. FUN FACTORY, LELO, We-Vibe and Fucking Sculptures are just a couple of companies that back up their products.
5. You LOVE your smartphone
Gadgets are cool, no? This has not been lost on the high-end toy market. So what nifty things are you are more likely to get with a luxury vibrator? FUN FACTORY's Deluxe VIBES line is a good example. All of the toys in the line come with long-lasting power packs, and are rechargeable and 100 percent waterproof.
Plus, when was the last time you owned a phone that only called people? Take that same idea and apply it to your vibrator. Sure you could have one that just, you know,
vibrates, but what about a toy that vibrates at three different speeds with six different patterns?
You’re not going to get stuff like that from a $20 vibrator.
Look Before You Leap
So, that’s a bit on what might turn you on about a luxury sex toy but remember, there’s more to look at than just the price.
"Something could also cost a load of cash but not actually be well-made," Epiphora said. "It's not so much that a high price indicates quality, but that a low price tends to indicate lower quality. This is where (honest) reviews are so vital. Reviewers can tell you whether the price tag is legit or a farce."
She’s not kidding, folks. Even a toy snob like me reads the reviews before I buy anything these days. Better to be safe than sorry. (Find the cream of the crop in Our Top 100 Sex Blogging Superheroes of 2013.)
Check out a whole world of luxury sex toys at ![]()
