ASB Magazine

In this issue we have decided to take a moment to let you, the readers and the people running the business’, speak out on what changes you want to see made and how the business can improve.

Adult Store Buyer magazine was created to bridge the gap between adult store managers, buyers and owners and the people trying to sell to them. While other magazines have done a terrific job in keeping the public abreast of when movies are getting ready to drop, which toys will please them best and which lube is the most slippery, Adult Store Buyer magazine has quickly become a must read for the people making decisions in regards to adult stores.
In this issue we have decided to take a moment to let you, the readers and the people running the business’, speak out on what changes you want to see made and how the business can improve. We hope this information gives you all a bit of insight into how we can all change things and improve for 2007.

NORRIS BROWNE
Elegant Romance

Hello John,
My name is Norris Browne, I just wanted to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for your magazine "Adult Store Buyer". I have just completed twenty-five years in Corporate America, finishing in the position of Advertising Director for Gannett Suburban Newspapers. Anyway, after my second downsize within the last five years so, I decided to work with an associate who owns a three store chain in New York and New Jersey. Because of my strong corporate sales and sales management background I served as General Manager of his 3 stores. Long story short, after one year in that position I decided to open up my own store, Elegant Romance. However, I must tell you straight out that your magazine has been an extremely valuable tool for me during the planning stages of this project. In fact, I could say that the well written and very informative articles featured in "Adult Store Buyer" have been more of a help to me then my one year managing a three store chain within the industry, your magazine has afforded me a much deeper and boarder understanding of important issues that I must be on top of in order be successful in this industry. For example, the winter 2005 issue featured an article about revoked store licenses which is only one of many articles that I have benefited from.

I have secured a location and should be open by mid December, yes I will undoubtedly miss out on part of the holiday business however, I will be better positioned to capitalize on the Valentine’s Day business. One last thing, I have found the financing part of this process to be very frustrating, of course I have had to go to private lenders and venture capitalist to fund the project. Have you done any articles on this topic in past issues that I may have missed? If not, maybe that would be a good addition to the many great articles that you have already published.

Thank you again for everything John.

Sincerely,
Norris W. Browne

DAVID ADKIN
Dover Gardens
Adelaide, South Australia

I live in Adelaide South Australia and am interested in obtaining a subscription to your magazine. I run both a online adult website and a offline adult store. My website is www.hotwifecompendium.com and my offline store is hotwife Compendium Enterprises. I already subscribe to AVN and your magazine would be a welcome addition.

CARLY DELSO-SAAVEDRA
The Rubber Rose
San Diego, CA

Carry complete and updated catalogues online with wholesale prices attached. Best part of the business is talking to customers!!! Everyday I have the most amazing conversations with people wanting to learn and explore more! Worst part is having to pay rent. Our best distributor is a tie between Good Vibes and Babeland: ‘’cause they are our heros. We would like to learn more about products that are female-friendly, queer-friendly, trans-friendly, people-of-color-friendly... you get the idea.... Our best sellers are the rock chick, silicone g-twists, good vibes lube and products that we carry by local artists and designers...

RICHARD B. RICHARDSON
Baltimore Eagle Leather and Video
Baltimore, MD

Keep me supplied with the latest DVD’s and other erotics.

WOODY WOODRUFF
Woody’s Productions Inc.
Marengo, IL

Don’t fluff it up. If you can’t do something for me tell me and work your strong points of what you can do for me. Best thing about this business is everyday interaction with so many different people and types of people. Worst part is the headaches of the bullshit (IRS, Local Gov., etc.). I like the articles I’ve read already, keep up the good work. I use GVA, IVD, Triplex. Because I have a lot of special orders if one can’t get it to me fast one of the others will.

KRYSTLE
Orangevale Liquor
Orangevale, CA

I’d like to see you provide a list of start up inventory. Break it down by square feet to offer to different sized stores. Best part of business is helping certain customers find the product that describes their needs and seeing them gleam next time they come in. The worst part is getting inappropriate behavior by senile men or the younger crowd who haven’t matured. I’d like to see in your magazine industry #’s, laws and regulations broken down by state, top 100/500/1000 list, calendar of events, businesses for sale, legal issues that pertain to adult retail stores, etc, Best distributors are Honey’s Place, Bronson’s, Sexy Living. Each of these three have taken the time to help me get set up, as a first timer to the industry. Very friendly, helpful, informative. I predict Doc Johnson’s I-Vibes will sell great. That’s been a good seller thus far.

PAUL ZEITZEW
www.body-language.com

Nice magazine. We’re primarily a gay/lesb store. Some of your articles are informative for either/or type store. The gay market is growing. Have to wade thru a lot of tits and ass to get to anything gay in ASB. Hopefully you will think about that for the future. I did pick up two new resources from ads in your last issue. Thanx.

MATT WILLER
Inhale Solutions, Inc.
Signal Hill, CA

We contacted ASB Magazine with the intention of generating Brand Awareness and attract customers within the Adult Store Channel. Previously this was an area we had very limited distribution and virtually no product awareness. Within days of the magazine being released, we not only had many direct to store orders, vast numbers of inquiries and prospects, but we also secured distribution through some of the largest Adult Store Suppliers. All this and the magazine has been out for 3 days. I’d like to say thank you to the ASB staff, and I’ll answer any call or email from any prospective advertiser, by that time I’ll bet you personally we’re in at least half of the Adult Stores in the Country. Thanks ASB.

TIM PAGE
LeDucq, Inc.
Brenham, Texas

I’d like to find stores looking for good bi/gay personals magazine. Favorite store is Lions Den, always on time (payments) always professional.

CHRIS McKAY
The New Metro Arts Adult Boutique
El Paso, Texas

As of right now, for me it’s all about service. Quick phone call returns, help making sure order is placed correctly, etc. Best part is being my own boss in a crazy fun industry. Worst part is still viewed as taboo by many. I tell my children that daddy owns a lingerie shop. I’d like to read more about legal updates, networking and contacts (distributors, etc.), new product info. I have very little experience purchasing as of yet - so far East Coast News and Playtime Cinema - excellent service from both companies.

BRIAN SMITH
Garnet Group
Las Vegas, NV

Ship on TIME - if you are out of stock, tell us! Best part is the $$ - worst part is the vendors. New Beginnings, JTs Stockroom and Rimba are all good. Best sellers are Vibratex Vibes and Tantus Silicone products - they will continue to be hot until someone copies them.

ELIZABETH REES
Au Boudoir
Sante Fe, NM

Best part of the business is providing the public with knowledge and receiving positive feedback. The downside - irritable customers that are hard or impossible to please. Also, being compared to other stores/companies. Eldorado Trading & Entrenue - both have the most helpful & knowledgeable staff. The most important things are new products, quality merchandise, sexual health & information. Biggest complaint is call back promptly. Be consistent. Best sellers are silicone toys & lingerie. Rechargeable toys & "natural" products.

MICHELLE EHRENBERG
High Altitude
Breckenridge, CO

Best part is new fun products. Worst part is sketchy people. Eldorado has great service, great prices, and great selection, and we love our sales rep. Our best seller is glass dildos that retail for $39.

STEVE
Dawson Video Outlet
Dawsonville, GA

Best part is it’s a pretty relaxed atmosphere. Worst is when people try to return sex toys and can’t understand that it’s the law so no, we can’t take your butt plug back!!! I enjoy theft prevention articles, especially the ones about in-store theft, display and sales articles. Cornetta, I used to work for him a long, long time ago. I liked the way he was always going around to his stores!! Also he’s a business minded individual with many different aspects of business dealings!

ROBERT BRYANT
Robert Bryant Productions
Oviedo, FL

Offer detailed literature on your products. Have reps available for seminars. Best part of business is the people you get to meet. The Worst Part is regulations, new product trends/ New Sensations/Digital Sin always offer promotional material. Most important things are new display ideas and legal issues.

KEITH DALTON
Gothic Gateway
Russellville, AR

Help me keep up with the ever so changing communist laws. It’s unique to our area. The city officials trying to put us out of business while they maintain great customer status. Eldorado Trading Company and our sales rep is the BEST. The whole staff is very courteous and knowledgeable. Especially Miss Stephanie. These people are GREAT. My Wife. Best seller is silver bullets and jack rabbits. Predicted best seller is silent motor vibes for people with children.

DON SIEV
Direct Distributors
New York, NY

Most Important thing is ways to increase sales. Biggest complaint is pay your bills on time to get better pricing.

LORI MUELLER
Naughty Or Nice
Carson City, NV

Always send updated best selling product information. Best part is seeing all the great product and making people happy. The worst part is when a customer thinks it’s ok to be inappropriate in my store. New Beginnings Ltd and Adult Supersource always give great service and prices. My biggest complaint is when companies are not willing to do special orders. Best sellers are dvd’s, adult toys and lingerie.