In a market where convenience often trumps connection, you might wonder if there’s still space for human-led product training. As someone who has spent years delivering these sessions for Hot Octopuss, a pleasure-focused brand with roots in Camden, I can tell you there absolutely is. In fact, it’s more vital than ever as we continue to see a shift in less human interactions and a future that leans more toward digital learning.
Yes, digital learning absolutely has its place; however, when it comes to pleasure products, they often fall short in one key area. That is creating space for people to speak openly about their personal needs. Pleasure is deeply individual, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work. Many people are navigating unique experiences, challenges, or gaps in education. That’s where human connection makes a difference, and bespoke, person-centred training can meet people where they are and build their confidence, not just in the product, but in themselves.
When I first started delivering training, my goal wasn’t just to teach people about the mechanics of our sex toys and how they work. It was to share the story of a legacy brand that’s changing the way we talk about pleasure. I quickly learnt that these products challenge the norms of what pleasure can look like for everybody, and that means education is essential, not just for sales, but for empowerment and keeping the human experience alive, even in training.
One of the biggest myths in our industry is that sex toys “sell themselves.” While a new toy and innovation may catch the customer’s attention, if someone in the store doesn’t know what the product does or, more importantly, how it can help enhance a person’s sex life or cater to their specific needs, it stays on the shelf. That’s where training comes in.
For example, our products in particular are so unique that when staff or customers see them, they often don’t know what they are used for or how to operate them. I’m sure the same goes for many other products out there. We often share details about the toy that might not seem so obvious at first glance but might be the very thing the customer is seeking. We always notice a huge upturn in sales when providing regular, robust staff training because if the staff understand our products and can effectively communicate that to their customers, they’re not just selling a toy but sparking curiosity and confidence in the people buying them.
Pleasure is personal. Sales should be too.
I also think it’s worth mentioning that as a full-time wheelchair user, I know that training must be accessible. Not everyone can attend in-person events, whether due to cost, distance, or disability. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that digital delivery is up to par, allowing us to connect with people worldwide and from all walks of life. In our online sessions, the connection is still there; we chat, laugh, and learn. Sometimes, we even become friends. That human touch doesn’t disappear just because we’re behind a screen.
One challenge we’ve faced is keeping people engaged in an era of screen fatigue. One thing we know works is finding a way to bespoke each session, covering any areas that stores or customers want to improve. Whether they require help with customer care and support, product knowledge, unconventional product uses, or experimentation. We talk about the needs before the session, and each customer will receive their own bespoke training deck and a two-hour session focusing on their key areas and some cheeky roleplay because who doesn’t love roleplay?
Another key element is ensuring there’s an element of education to it. Training doesn’t need to be sales-heavy, especially if you want people to learn something new and walk away feeling they enjoy themselves. If something resonates with your teaching on a more personal level, they are ultimately more likely to sell the products.
Also, top tip: when you can provide products to staff, you’re more likely to see results because the best way to learn about a product is to try it.
And it works. We’ve seen it firsthand. The feedback from this new style of training has been great. Our customers are booking more sessions and inviting other staff members who may not usually be present, wanting everyone to walk away with a stronger understanding of both our products and our values. Staff are not only more confident selling the products, they want to. Why? Because they understand the purpose behind the product and see the value in changing someone’s experience of intimacy, that’s something you can’t replicate with a YouTube tutorial.
In the end, what we do goes beyond product education. We’re giving people the tools to talk about pleasure confidently, inclusively, and with a proper understanding of the product and its ability to support a person on their pleasure journey.
Kelly Gordon is the Chief Marketing Officer for Hot Octopuss.
