Review Criteria for Sex Toy Hunter
The following is a guide to explain in detail what Sex Toy Hunter looks at to help determine it’s reviews and ultimately the final grade given to each sex toy website. This guide is followed for each review, however because each site is unique, there may be additional details that are taken into account in order to determine the final grade.
Basic Site Info:
Number of products: Sometimes a website will provide an actual number, however in the event this information is not available, an estimate will be made.
Number of menu categories: This is simply the number of categories that appear on the product menu of the main page (without having to click on subcategories.)
In business since: (Obviously) this is the year that the website and/or company started in the sex toy business. If this information is not available, you will see a question mark (?) in the place of the year.
Score Criteria (100 points possible):
Quantity of products (10 points)
This is based on the raw number of products listed on the website. If a specific number can not be determined, a reasonable estimate will be made.
Variety of categories (10 points)
This is based on the number of categories and subcategories listed, as well as the variety of category and product types available.
Product Information (10 points)
This is based on the information and features available for each product, as displayed on the individual product page. Examples include but are not limited to: dimensions, photographic views, materials used, price, reviews, wishlist, and general descriptions.
Frequent new product releases (10 points)
This is based on the availability of a “new products” list, the frequency of updates to the site, comparisons with the new toys listed on other websites, and on information received from the store via newsletters/e-mails.
Prices/value (10 points)
This is based on comparisons of exact same or similar products at other online sex toy stores. Where appropriate, it may also be based on customer reviews which specifically address the quality, value, or price of the product.
Website navigation/ease of use (10 points)
This is based on the layout, structure and visual aspects of the website itself. In general, the website should be easy to navigate, and the layout should be an uncluttered presentation of the content, with appropriately placed information and links. The user should be able to get from page to page, area to area, without confusion. In addition, there should be useful tools such as menus, search functions, and site maps which make it easier for the user to find what he/she is looking for. Lastly, the website should be visually pleasing. The style and design of the site should match the products and content, and the intent and personality of the company/store should come across through the overall “feel” of the website.
Useful features (10 points)
This is based on the quantity and quality of features which enhance the user’s experience. A general list is detailed further down in this document,however each website has it’s own unique features. Therefore, a full list of each website’s features is provided in the actual review. Basically, the more useful features, the higher the score.
Delivery/shipping policies (10 points)
This is based on the policies as they are stated on the website. There should be clear information on how and when items are shipped and delivered. This includes listing available options for carriers, shipping times, and how to track an order. It also includes the importance of privacy and providing discreet delivery of products.
Customer service/tech support (10 points)
This is based on available information provided on the website. Contact information should be easy to find, and include how to place orders, how to follow up on orders, and how to contact the store regarding questions or concerns. Websites/stores with toll-free phone numbers and/or live online help during business hours will get higher scores than websites which do no provide these features. Basically, the easier it is to communicate with the store, the higher the score.
Return Policies (10 points)
This is based on the policies as they are stated on the website. There should be clear information on what items can be returned or exchanged (and under what circumstances), and what items will NOT be accepted back under any circumstances. It should also include the steps required to make a return, how return shipping will be handled, and how the final exchange or credit will be handled. Websites with extensive information will get higher scores. Policies which are more lenient, without sacrificing health and safety, will also get higher scores.
Grade Scale:
97-100 = A+
93-96 = A
90-92 = A-
87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-
77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C-
68-69 = D+
66-67 = D
65 = D-
below 65 = F
Item Categories available:
This is simply a list of categories and types of products available. This includes, but is not limited to the following: adult books, adult DVDs, Adult Video On Demand/Pay Per View, Bachelor(ette) party items, BDSM/bondage, brand name products, budget/bargain/sale items, condoms, costumes, edible treats, erotic music, gay sex toys, jewelry, lesbian sex toys, lingerie, lubes/lotions/candles, novelties/gifts/games, sex toys for couples, sex toys for men, and sex toys for women. You will notice that the common items such as vibrators, dildos and cockrings are not specifically listed and this is because they are so common that if there were a store that did not sell them, it’s not going to even get a review on this site.
Website Features (useful features):
As previously stated under the Score Criteria/Useful Features section, this is a list of website features that are useful and enhance the user’s experience. They include, but are not limited to: refund details, articles/news/events, blog, brick and mortar store, confidentiality/privacy policy, discreet billing/shipping, how to guides/information/education, international shipping, live customer service, merchant pays for return shipping, newsletter/e-mail list/RSS feeds, online order tracking, passion parties, regular promotions/deals/sales, reviews (staff/customer), search functions, security/SSL, shipping rates available, and wishlists.
Shipping Options:
This is a list of available shipping options as stated on the website (e.g. UPS, USPS, Fed Ex, etc.)
Payment Options:
This is a list of available payment options as stated on the website (e.g. Visa, Mastercard, money order, gift certificates, etc.)
Review Summary:
This is based on the information gathered from the above review process. It is a basic outline, intended to give the user an overall vision of what to expect. It is also a place to note anything that did not fall into a specific category or score already provided within the review guide. If you do not have time or are not interested in the details, this summary should provide at least the basics to help you determine an appropriate online sex toy store – and this is also why the Review Summary is placed at the top of the review page.
Pros and Cons:
Also intended to be used as a quick assessment, the pros and cons list some of the more outstanding features and benefits of the website/store, and also some of areas of the website/store that could benefit from improvement.
A final note about the overall process:
The above guide is currently being used to determine the review details and overall score of each online sex toy store. The process requires several hours spent on each site reviewed, and a thorough and unbiased approach is the ultimate goal of each review. Although it is quite extensive, the review process is being continuously monitored, and updates and improvements are made accordingly. Should you have any questions regarding the process, or suggestions for additions/changes to the criteria, you are welcome to contact us.