Sex shops
Buyers here want discreet packaging, private billing and assurance that their details stay safe. How a retailer handles a problem matters as much as what it sells.
Sex shops companies
53 companies
About Sex shops
Sex shops in the United Kingdom sell adult toys, lubricants, lingerie, fetish wear, games and related accessories to adults. The range runs from high street premises to online retailers that ship products directly to the customer. Some businesses trade through their websites alone, while others also sell through marketplaces or home party arrangements.
The market includes independent shops, national chains and specialist online brands, alongside general retailers that stock a smaller adult range. Sellers vary from single owner operators to companies with large warehouses and their own product lines. Trade is shaped by the Sex Shops Act and local licensing rules for premises, enforced by councils, while online sellers fall under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and distance selling rules.
Product safety is governed by general product safety regulations and, for sex toys, by requirements on materials and labelling that apply before goods are sold. The Information Commissioner's Office regulates how customer data is collected and used, which is especially relevant given the sensitive nature of purchases. Trade bodies set voluntary standards and promote responsible retailing across the sector.
Questions about Sex shops
How do I know if a sex shop is legitimate?
Check that the business gives a registered company name, a UK geographic address and a company registration number, which you can verify on Companies House. Look for a clear returns policy and a privacy policy that names the data controller and is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office.
What should I compare before buying from an online sex shop?
Compare the delivery charges, delivery times and whether discreet packaging is offered. Check the returns policy, including who pays return postage and how long you have to send an item back.
Is discreet packaging a legal requirement?
There is no specific law requiring discreet packaging, but retailers commonly provide it as a service. Check the product description and the order confirmation to see whether plain packaging and a neutral sender name are stated.
Do I have a right to cancel an online order from a sex shop?
Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, you have 14 days from receiving goods to cancel an online order for a refund. The cancellation right does not apply to items that are sealed for hygiene reasons and have been unsealed after delivery, such as some intimate products, unless the seller has agreed to accept returns.
How do I cancel a subscription to an adult product service?
Read the terms to find the cancellation method and notice period, then follow the stated route in writing so you have a record. If the company makes cancellation difficult, you can contact your card provider to dispute recurring charges under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 or the card scheme's chargeback process.
What happens if my order arrives damaged or not as described?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. You can ask for a repair, replacement, partial refund or full refund, and the seller must bear the cost of returning faulty goods.
What if a sex shop takes my money and does not deliver?
Contact the seller in writing first and give a reasonable deadline for delivery or a refund. If that fails, pay by credit card where possible, since section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 covers purchases between £100 and £30,000, or ask your card provider for a chargeback.
How do I make a complaint to a UK online retailer?
Put your complaint in writing to the company's customer service team, stating what went wrong, what you want as a resolution and a deadline. Keep copies of your order, receipts and all correspondence in case the matter is escalated.
Which regulators or schemes can I turn to if a company does not resolve my complaint?
The Trading Standards service in your local council enforces consumer protection law and can investigate misleading or unfair practices. If you cannot settle the dispute directly, the company may be a member of an ADR scheme, and you can also use the Online Dispute Resolution platform for eligible disputes.
Does the Information Commissioner's Office deal with my data when I buy from a sex shop?
The Information Commissioner's Office enforces UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, which govern how retailers collect and use personal and health-related data. If you believe a company has mishandled your data, you can raise a complaint with the ICO after first contacting the company.
What should I look for in reviews of online sex shops?
Look for reviews that describe specific experiences with ordering, delivery, packaging, returns and customer service, rather than general praise or criticism. Check whether the reviewer has made a purchase recently and whether the company has responded to complaints.
Can I trust reviews that all seem to be positive?
A cluster of very similar positive reviews posted within a short period is a reason for caution. Read the lowest-rated reviews and note whether the same problems appear repeatedly, as recurring issues are more informative than isolated ones.