Adam & Eve: An Adult Playground (Grown-ups Need Toys Too W/O)
Written: Aug 23 '02 (Updated Nov 16 '02)
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WARNING: The Adam & Eve Online Store contains nude images and content that is intended for mature audiences. Discretion is advised.
Category: Adult Products
Adam & Eve, A Tradition of Excellence
Adam & Eve (A&E) is owned and operated by one of the largest adult retailers in the world, PHE, Inc. (Recognize that name from a return address anyone? Anyone? I thought so.) PHE and its subsidiaries have been selling magazines and adult products through the mail for decades and are the most trusted names in the business. Now, A&E continues this tradition of excellence in cyberspace.
Appearance
Overall, the website is well designed and easy on the eyes. Unlike many online adult shops, the colors are tame and consist mostly of black, white and gray. The navigation tools are tastefully done, complimented by nude photographs and other erotic imagery.
Selection
Videos: The video selection at A&E is poor for a retailer of this size, primarily because they sell their own line of adult videos (Adam & Eve Productions). The films are of the highest quality with the hottest stars, but the meager offerings and hefty prices make it a lousy choice to build up your video collection. I suggest visiting www.videoage.com instead.
Toys: While I feel that shopping for sex toys is a visual task and best accomplished in person, A&E offers the widest array of quality products that I have ever witnessed. You want it, they've got it. The vibrators, dildos and mastrubators come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Where else are you going to find the Wascally Wabbit Vibrator or the Waterproof Puzzle Vibe? The variety doesn't stop here. A&E also offers a full line of pleasure enhancers, from pleasure rings to acrylite beads.
Lubricants and Lotions: To compliment their selection of fun toys, A&E also sells an assortment of lubricants and flavored massage oils (Yummy). This is stuff you won't find advertised on the Food Network.
Playware: No online adult depot would be complete without offering a handful of fantasy costumes and lustful undergarments. A&E may not be the best place to purchase lingerie, but they sell things that you won't find at Victoria's Secret.
Safe Sex: In order to improve STD awareness and their own bottom line, A&E also offers condoms by the bagful. Here, you'll find every texture, color and flavor imaginable. If only finding a use for a gross of condoms was this easy.
Prices
These are not bargain basement prices, but they do have offerings that will fit almost any budget. The thrift shopper will be amazed by what you can get for $10-$20, while the enthusiast will find exotic items that might break the bank (well, my bank at least). The best place to start is their "Clearance" section, where you'll find marked-down movies and more. If you're strapped for cash or just plain strapped, you'll have to hunt around a little because the real bargains are few and far between. Just remember, You get what you pay for.
Navigation
Despite the enormous selection, A&E is very simple to navigate. Products are logically broken down into several categories (Video, DVD, PlayWear, Sex Toys, Condoms, etc) and sub-categories, making it easy to find the toy of your wet dreams. Each page lists the prices, images and brief descriptions of several products, which can be clicked on for more detailed information. A&E also offers a good search engine that puts Epinions to shame (not that that's saying much). Once you figure out what you're looking for, it's just a few clicks away. And if you can't decide? A&E will be more than happy to offer some suggestions.
Information
A&E is no information superhighway, but the pictures and overly sensationalized product descriptions give you the basic idea. Product sizes and battery requirements are listed when necessary.
Ordering
After browsing A&E's online store, you can order online, over the phone or through the mail. Ordering online is the quickest and easiest way to go. Fill up your e-cart, wade through a quagmire of suggested purchases, enter your shipping/billing information over a secure connection and your order will be fulfilled expeditiously. For returning customers, special offers and discounts will be added to your shopping cart automatically upon logging in.
If you receive the A&E paper catalog, you may also utilize their automated phone service by entering the desired product numbers and some information from the mailing label. Unfortunately, the only way to avoid their bottomless pit of suggested products is to order by snail mail.
Mailings, Specials and Discounts
Once you order from A&E, you will be bombarded by catalogs and special offers for many years to come. Get 50% off anything you want and a free this or that, with the purchase of $17 or more. These deals can make a purchase more appetizing, but they are mostly hype -- especially the FREE VIDEOS which aren't worth the zip you pay for them. The 50% off any item can come in handy, but you won't find any free rides here.
Shipping
All orders are discretely shipped in 'plain' packaging, usually on the next business day. If you're nervous about what the neighbors might think, A&E has got your back. Or, at least unmarked boxes and envelopes. Standard shipping is free via USPS parcel post, but your order may take up to 3 weeks. My orders generally arrive in less than 1 week, so the default option is the way my cheapass goes. If you're impatient, A&E offers a variety of upgrade options to speed up the process -- at an additional cost.
Customer Service
Customer service information is readily accessible, although I haven't had the need to ever use it. I have been completely satisfied with my purchases to date. Their reputation speaks for itself.
Recommended Purchases
Dream Nurse Outfit (#6812) - A prescription for good lovin'. Patient gown not included.
Tasty Lovin Sampler (#5408) - Cinnamon, Strawberry and Cherry love lotion will pique any sexual appetite. Cinnamon is my personal fav.
Soft Silicone Vagina (#2512) - The old fashioned way is always best, but this is for the times when you say YES but your arm says NO.
This Year's XXX-mas List
Love Swing (#6416) - I'm building my own little amusement park. Admission is free.
Gee...A Dick (#3009) - My apartment could use some plants.
Final Comments
A&E doesn't have the best prices, but they make up for it with quality, reliability and selection. Now that I've bored you to death with all the technical information you never wanted, go fulfill your deepest desires. No shirt, shoes or underpants required!
If you Visit Adam & Eve, do Epinions a favor and use this URL:
http://www.epinions.com/sayonara.html/destin_~http:%2F%2Fwww.adameve.com
Post-Climax Ramblings: Grownups Need Toys Too
Just like the title of this Write-Off says, Grownups Need Toys Too! You're never too young or too old to have a little fun, so check out the other sexy and adventurous participants of this small yet intimate write-off:
Jenb123 (Super Sexy Co-host #1 and the Brains Behind the Operation)
Xiphoid (Super Sexy Co-host #2)
Laura10801 (Sexy Shrink)
Jiwhite (Sexy Online Store Specialist)
Jo.com (Sexy Health Guru)
Tbthorn (* {== You Are Here)
Recommended:
Yes
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tbthorn
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Member: Tom
Location: lost in thought
Reviews written: 196
Trusted by: 192 members
About Me:
Vacation (vA-kA-shun) 1. Eating too much 2. Drinking too much 3. Getting a tan
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