Topco Sales® Hosts First HPPPA Summit

By Annalee Wooster

Tamara Payton Bell, President of Home Pleasure Party Plan Association consistently stresses the importance of education. To that end, Ms. Bell, joined by ten HPPPA associates, spent a day at Topco Sales® in Chatsworth, CA to learn more about the adult novelty manufacturing industry.

The day started with an enlightening introduction to Topco Sales'® history by Scott Tucker, the company's CEO. Mr. Tucker recounted his lifelong involvement in the adult novelties industry and reminded attendees how far we've come as an industry, recalling the very real legal dangers of being involved in this industry in the 70's and 80's. Mr. Tucker expressed his appreciation to the attendees by saying, "We see the home party industry as an important part of the adult industry that we haven't paid enough attention to." He said that he wants to hear from party planners so that he can create products designed for home party plans because what makes the home party plan profitable makes everyone profitable. Throughout the day, there was a heartfelt expression of the symbiotic relationship between manufacturers and party plans; the manufacturers need party planners just as much as the party planners need the manufacturers.

Topco's head Chemist, Tim Crawford, led a colorful discussion about various types of lubrication with attendees asking many detailed questions from which Mr. Crawford didn't shy away! He discussed the differences between water-based and anhydrous lubricants; silicone-based lubricants and oil-based lubricants, reminding attendees that oil based lubricants aren't to be used with latex condoms. He discussed the benefits of the high quality pharmaceutical grade platinum-based silicone that Topco uses exclusively, unlike competitors. The group was interested in discussing Male Genital Desensitizers, a product containing the drug benzocaine or lidocaine which deadens nerve endings, helping a man to last longer. Attendees wondered if such desensitizers had any negative effect on a woman orally. Mr. Crawford assured everyone that there is no negative effect, and, in fact, told attendees about the Adam and Eve® Signature Toys "Go Deep" oral sex mints that tingles the tongue and mildly numbs the gag reflex, allowing for deeper fellatio. Finally, Mr. Crawford gave a "shout out" for the scientific proof of pheromones, which can be found in a handful of Topco products.

Tony Hernandez, head of Research and Development, taught attendees about the various types of materials used in adult toys—generally PVC, silicone and CyberSkin®. Attendees were excited about Topco's amazing proprietary CyberSkin®. CyberSkin® is made entirely in-house by Topco from the highest grade raw materials, which assures the highest quality finished product. Mr. Hernandez pointed out that there are many competitors with soft rubber products that feel similar to CyberSkin®, but that you can't be sure what compounds go into their products. Because Topco cares about creating the highest quality product, they buy the raw compounds and create CyberSkin® from scratch with food and medical grade materials, so it's as safe as possible. Mr. Hernandez noted that CyberSkin® products may be a little more expensive than similar products, but that it is worth paying the extra dollars for peace of mind as well as comfort-- CyberSkin® feels the most like real skin of any product on the market. Mr. Hernandez said, "I'm proud to work here at Topco because we know what we make [is safe]." He pointed out that CyberSkin® products work perfectly with Topco's silicone lubricants, because Topco knows the chemical makeup of both the CyberSkin® and the silicone lubricant; which isn't necessarily the case with other brands of silicone lubricant—they may contain elements that can damage your CyberSkin® toy. Mr. Hernandez emphasized the importance of cleaning all your toys with soap and water and keeping them stored in separate bags, away from other toys, as such contact could ruin some toys.

A fascinating tour of the entire facility was led by Burt Silverstein which began with an introduction to the strict methods Topco uses to ensure pure, hygienic raw materials. The tour continued to the molding area, where phallic molds were filled with liquid CyberSkin®. The group watched in awe as the finished products were trimmed and hand painted. People were amazed at the scope of Topco's involvement in their products, from buying raw materials, to silk screening their own inserts, to creating the product, to packaging and shipping the finished product through the 9 shipping bay doors. Topco is an enormous, impressive operation running fluidly.

During a festive lunch, Topco employees mingled with HPPPA attendees, while a few brave souls tried out the free-standing Love Swing. After lunch, Autumn O'Bryan, head of Product Development, presented a selection of handpicked items Topco offers that she thought would make up the "Perfect Pleasure Party." This included lubricants, colognes, whipped creams, edible body powders, games and the Noveltease™ line. She went on to discuss the wide array of adult toys Topco offers: every size and shape of massager, vibrator, slimline vibe, g-spot buzzer and Love Bullet®.

Ms. O'Bryan stressed that as a party plan, you are the "go to" person for taboo subjects like anal play and that it is imperative that you are well versed on the subject, educating your clients on proper technique and proper use of toys. She finished her presentation with discreet pleasures for him and for her and a selection of fun fetish items. After the presentation, attendees were encouraged to handle all the items, testing out the different speeds and functions, feeling the different vibration of each product and comparing the feel of CyberSkin® products to Silky Smooth™ products to Jel-Lee® products.

The day ended with group photos and lots of excited Home Pleasure Party Planners heading home with more ideas of how to make their parties an even bigger hit!

Did you know: When testing vibration strength, place the product to your cheek or the tip of your nose as these areas are more sensitive than your hands and mimic the more sensual areas of the body.

Holiday Products Celebrates the Holidays with Topco Sales®

By Desiree Duffie

Topco Sales® celebrated the season with a catered lunch at Holiday Products. Pizza, salad and pasta graced the plates of the happy crew. The upscale novelty distributor, and client of Topco Sales®, has been in business for about twenty years. Liz Plascencia, the Topco Sales® Account Executive for Holiday Products, commented, "It feels good to spread some holiday cheer at Holiday products."

Topco Sales® X-Mas: This isn't Your Grandma's Office Party

By Justina Walford

Topco Sales® knows how to host a shindig! The Christmas Party at the Sportsman's Lodge was full of singing, dancing, and magic. CEO Scott Tucker emceed as the employees and their spouses dined and danced their way to midnight. Check out the pics to see the festivities.

Better than a Box of Chocolates—Valentine's Day is for Toys!

By Desiree Duffie

A look at the top ten must-have Valentine's Day items from Topco Sales®

Love Swing® (1451-7)
The ultimate couple's toy is the original Love Swing® under the TLC® brand from Topco Sales®. Fully adjustable and easy to assemble, this all-time favorite is a mandatory Valentine's Day item. Savvy store owners can increase sales by displaying an assembled Love Swing® in a window or staging area.

Adam & Eve® Glass Ben Wa Pleasure Balls (A8476-6)
The elegant red silk box means this Valentine's Day gift is wrapped and ready for the lucky recipient! The hand-blown glass balls feature unique and exquisite interior flowers. Truly beautiful, the Adam & Eve® Glass Ben Wa Pleasure Balls make a sexy, stunning Valentine's Day gift.

grrl toyz® Incognito Tickling Dust Brush with Berry Powder (7364-6)
What girl doesn't want something sweet on Valentine's Day? The grrl toyz® Incognito Tickling Dust Brush from Topco Sales® will more than satisfy her cravings with sugar-free berry powder that can be dusted over the body with a vibrating tickling brush. Perfect for creative and imaginative lovers who like to have fun.

My First™ Couples Kit (4879-6)
Classic toys in female-friendly packaging, My First™ gently introduces first-timers to the world of sex toys. The My First™ Couples Kit includes a multi-speed vibrating pleasure ring and Love Bullet® with a silky smooth texture that both will enjoy. A push-button controller puts her pleasure in the palm of his hand with seven distinct programs of pulsation.

For Lovers Only Game (0907-7)
A board game for two, the For Lovers Only Game under the TLC® brand by Topco Sales® makes lovin' fun. It is ideal for stimulating new and exciting foreplay on Valentine's Day, or any day. Includes a deck of his and hers playing cards, two pawns, action game board and one die.

The Penthouse® Body Collection
Seductive scents make the Penthouse® Body Collection perfect for Valentine's Day. The Massage Crème is smooth-as-silk and the Massage Oil has easy spray-on application. Available in Lavender, Jasmine and Eucalyptus in 4 oz bottles, the Penthouse® Body Collection is a must-have for Valentine's Day.

Variations™ Captivity Cuffs (P9221-6, P9222-6)
Nothing says "I love you" like fuzzy handcuffs! The furry sheaths are soft, removable and cover industrial strength, adjustable cuffs. There is a quick-release trigger for fast escapes. Comes with two keys and is available in Restrained Red or Bondage Black.

Adam & Eve® Eden™ Island Fantasy Kit (A8815-6)
The heck with dinner and a movie, how about TOYS and a movie! The exciting line of Eden™ Toys are the perfect companion for couples who decide to snuggle up with the blockbuster Adam & Eve® movie; Eden. A perfect Valentine's Day pick is the Eden Island Fantasy Kit which has two sexy sleeves, is waterproof, and ideal for couples play.

TLC® With Love Rose Scented Silk Petals (1468-4)
The perfect up-sell with any Valentines' day purchase, retailers should be sure to keep plenty of the TLC® With Love Rose Scented Silk Petals near the cash register for impulse buys. They are perfect for creating a romantic mood and foreplay. Silky soft; and they stay fresh forever, unlike the real thing.

TLC® Sugar Kiss Frosted Body Icing Kit for Couples (3116-4)
Better than chocolate! The Sugar Kiss Frosted Body Icing Kit for Couples is delicious fun for two. Real frosting comes in three scrumptious flavors and the kit includes candied love hearts and sex sugar-crystals. Lovers also get interchangeable decorating tips shaped to make ribbon, stars, crosses and fine lines.

Topco Sales® and Penthouse® Present the VARIATIONS™ Tit-elation Breast Massager