Sale of sex toys stops

MBABANE – The sale of vibrators by an online business to Swazis has ceased.

The businessman, responding to a questionnaire, requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

He disclosed that, having advertised for a period of nine days, he had in excess of 100 enquiries, which means he had approximately 11 customers inquiring about the vibrators daily.

There was a high demand for the vibrators and 20 per cent of the inquiries were from men interested in buying one for their partners while the rest were inquiries by women.

He said he wished government would issue licences for such a trade, as both men and women wanted his sex toys – particularly the vibrators.

The businessman said, "The adverts, firstly, were designed to test the waters as to the acceptance and demand of the products and never as a means to start a full-scale sex shop operation. It was also designed to test how comfortable people were in the manner in which the purchase was conducted."

By using an email for people to make inquires and order, he said he could keep the transaction discreet and offer the level of privacy that is demanded by such items.

The advert for the vibrators said one had to email the advertiser for a brochure, and then choose the item. Paying was made via a bank transfer. The item would then be posted to the client’s address by registered mail.

He said they ascertained via their email research that it was the best way for people to purchase the vibrators but, unfortunately, it also suggested that it was a controversial item to market and as a result he has decided to shelve the idea.

According to the businessman, clients who inquired or bought the vibrators were not asked their reasons for buying them. He says he only sold them to promote safe sex.

The vibrators ranged from E190 to E350 and, after seeing the huge sales potential, he made inquiries about licencing requirements but was overtaken by events as the matter was discussed in Parliament last week.

"Until such time that the law is changed, or reviewed, nothing further can be done about marketing or selling the items. I would no doubt be the first to apply for a licence if a review is ever done.

"I do, however, believe the online sales method works best as it allows for privacy and would not upset those who do not approve of walking past a sex shop," he said.

I personally challenge Ms Hlophe’s voice in such a publicly orientated institution!!! What is it exactly are you preaching (especially with such alarming growing statistics)??? I wonder if she has done her less bias, emotions detached, genuine research on her argument. For me this is pure ignorance at its best!!!!! In fact I wonder as to how SWAPOL even allows such statement to be published on their behalf of all HIV Positive and affected people in Swaziland. I totally disagree with personal reservations regarding comparisons with South Africa, but the crucial matter at stake is how we can try out different ways/methods/measures of reducing the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.... Surely if people see sex toys intercourse is an alternative for some/or even most, then why not preach/teach safer toy sex as opposed to projecting one’s personally reservations of such a practice. Just my lil’thot!!!!
Nov 2, 2010, 1:52 AM, Well HIV Poz Citezen!!! (mqmd@live.co.za)

Ooooops!!!! Forgot to mention the importance aspect of using PROTECTION on those  AND Yes, forward toys i.e. using condoms even on those pleasure objects...  with sex toys (even is, or especially if discussed in bigger/higher forums such as the parliament).... at least the war against HIV/AIDS is on the increasing!!!!!
Nov 2, 2010, 2:04 AM, :-D (mqmd@live.co.za)

I think people should live the way they want. If a person likes sex toys, that’s no ones problem. Sex toys are good to those who have reason why they like them. They are not good to those who have reason why they don’t like them.
Nov 2, 2010, 9:15 AM, winsile Mkhatshwa in UK (winisile@live.co.uk)

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