Frequently Asked Questions

That depends on what you want to experience – and how much experience you already have. As a rough guide:

• You want clitoral stimulation: a lay-on vibrator, a clitoral suction toy or a wand massager.
• You want internal stimulation: a dildo or G-spot vibrator. A rabbit vibrator covers both at once.
• You want anal stimulation: start with a small anal plug with a wide flared base – never use a toy anally without a flared base.
• You want prostate stimulation: a curved prostate massager.
• You are a man looking for solo play: a masturbator, cock ring or penis pump.
• You want to play as a couple: remote-controlled toys, couple's vibrators or a strap-on.

Our Sex Toy Guide explains all of this in detail. If you are just starting out, Gentle Sex Toys for Beginners is a good place to begin.

Not sure? Just write to info@dildodave.de or use the chat. We will advise you discreetly and without any sales pressure.

Start small. The most common beginner's mistake is choosing a toy that is too large or too powerful – that rarely means more fun, just frustration.

• Size: Go one size smaller than you think. You can always work your way up.
• Material: Medical-grade silicone is soft, skin-friendly and easy to clean – ideal to start with.
• Lube: Use it from the very beginning, not only once things start to chafe.
• Time: Take it slow. Tension is the biggest mood killer, especially with anal play.

You will find concrete recommendations in Gentle Sex Toys for Beginners and in our buying guide for sex toys.

Every product page lists the exact measurements: total length, insertable length and diameter. Pay attention above all to the insertable length and the diameter – total length often includes a handle or suction base.

A rough orientation:

• Beginner: up to approx. 3.5 cm diameter
• Intermediate: approx. 4–5.5 cm diameter
• Experienced / XXL: from approx. 6 cm diameter

A useful trick: measure the diameter with a tape measure or compare it to an everyday object before you order. Numbers on a screen are easy to misjudge.

More on this in our big dildo guide and – if it may be larger – in our guide to XXL and extra-long dildos.

The key question is the base:

• Water-based: The all-rounder. Well tolerated, easy to wash off, compatible with all materials and with condoms. Dries out faster – simply reactivate it with a little water.
• Silicone-based: Very economical and long-lasting, ideal for anal sex and for sex in the shower. But: do not combine it with silicone toys, it attacks the surface.
• Oil-based / massage oil: For massages and hand jobs. Do not use with latex condoms – oil makes latex porous.
• Hybrid: A mix of water and silicone, glides longer than pure water-based lube and still washes off easily.

For anal sex we recommend thicker anal lubes, and for fisting a dedicated fisting gel. Details in our anal and fisting lube guide.

The complete overview is in our lube guide.

The short rule: water-based lube always works. If you are unsure, choose water-based – you can never damage anything with it.

• Silicone toys: water-based or hybrid. No silicone lube – it dissolves the surface and makes it sticky.
• TPE / TPR / Cyberskin: water-based only. Silicone and oil-based lubes attack the material.
• Glass, stainless steel, aluminium: anything goes – water, silicone, oil.
• Latex (e.g. condoms): water or silicone. No oil, it destroys latex.
• ABS hard plastic: anything goes.

When in doubt, test on an inconspicuous spot: apply a small drop, wait 5 minutes, wipe off. If the surface turns sticky or dull, the combination is not right.

In detail in our lube guide and our material comparison.

It is not necessary – the rectum is normally empty. Many people find it more comfortable and more relaxing to rinse beforehand, though. If you do, do it like this:

• Lukewarm, clear water only. No soap, no shower gel, no additives – they irritate the mucous membrane.
• Little water, low pressure. One or two fillings of the douche bulb are plenty.
• Not too often. Frequent rinsing disturbs the natural intestinal flora. Once or twice a week is enough.
• Allow a buffer: plan 20–30 minutes between rinsing and sex so residual water can drain.

Everything else is explained in our article Why use an anal douche.

A cock ring sits at the base of the penis and slows the outflow of blood. The result: a firmer erection that lasts longer, plus increased sensitivity. Many models also have a vibrating attachment that stimulates the partner's clitoris during sex.

Safety rules:

• Wear for a maximum of 20–30 minutes at a time.
• The ring must be removable at any time. Remove it immediately if you feel numbness, tingling or notice discolouration.
• For beginners, choose stretchy silicone rather than metal – metal rings can no longer be removed once erect.
• Never wear one while asleep or under the influence of alcohol.

Effects, sizing and models in our Cock Ring Guide.

Modern toys are far quieter than their reputation suggests. As a rule of thumb:

• Very quiet: small lay-on vibrators and clitoral suction toys – usually inaudible through a closed door.
• Medium: rabbit and G-spot vibrators.
• Clearly audible: wand massagers and sex machines at the highest setting.

Two tips if discretion matters: a blanket or mattress noticeably absorbs vibration noise, and under water a toy is practically silent.

This is stated on every product page. There are two different levels:

• Splash-proof: you can rinse the toy under running water but not submerge it.
• Fully waterproof (IPX7): suitable for bath and shower, can be completely submerged.

Important: toys with an exposed USB charging port are almost never fully waterproof. Look for magnetic charging or a covered port. Always dry the toy thoroughly after contact with water before charging it.

Rechargeable toys are usually more powerful, quieter and charge via USB. They are the better choice if you use the toy regularly. The downside: the battery is built in and will eventually wear out.

Battery-powered toys are cheaper and ready to go again immediately if you have spare batteries. Practical for travelling and for toys you only use occasionally.

The batteries a product requires are listed on the product page. With many items they are not included – please check before ordering.

You will find disposal information on our Battery Act page.

Yes, all our toys can be used with condoms. In fact, we explicitly recommend it in these cases:

• When sharing a toy with a partner – change the condom before the toy changes person.
• When switching from anal to vaginal – here a condom change is mandatory, otherwise you transfer intestinal bacteria.
• With porous materials such as TPE, TPR or Cyberskin, which cannot be fully disinfected.

Mind your choice of lube: latex condoms do not tolerate oil. Water- or silicone-based lube is the safe option.

Everything about correct use in our condom guide.

Yes, gladly. You can reach us in three ways:

• Chat: via the chat window at the bottom right of every page. Our AI assistant answers product questions around the clock.
• Email: info@dildodave.de – we usually reply within one working day.
• Contact form: on our contact page.

Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (CET). All enquiries are of course treated confidentially.

All products in our shop are skin-friendly and body-safe. An overview of the common materials:

• Medical-grade silicone: The gold standard. Non-porous, tasteless and odourless, boilable, very durable.
• Glass (borosilicate): Non-porous, fully disinfectable, suitable for temperature play, extremely durable.
• Stainless steel: Equally non-porous and hygienic, heavier – good for pressure and temperature play.
• ABS hard plastic: Hygienic and easy to care for, often used for handles and housings.
• TPE / TPR / Cyberskin: Very soft and realistic, but slightly porous. Here we recommend using a condom and cleaning particularly thoroughly.

All our products are phthalate-free. If you notice a chemical smell after unpacking, that is the packaging odour: clean the item thoroughly with soap and warm water and let it air out for 1–2 days, then it disappears.

The full comparison: Silicone vs. TPE vs. glass vs. metal and Medical-grade silicone.

The basic rule: clean before and after every use. Here is how:

• Silicone, glass, stainless steel, ABS: warm water and pH-neutral soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly, dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Toys without electronics made of silicone, glass or stainless steel can additionally be boiled for 3–5 minutes.
• TPE / TPR / Cyberskin: clean with water and mild soap only, then let dry completely. A dusting of cornstarch keeps the surface smooth and prevents stickiness.
• Never submerge toys with a motor or battery unless they are declared fully waterproof.

Keep away from: alcohol, acetone, abrasive cleaners and the dishwasher – these attack surfaces and seals.

In detail in our care guide.

Stored correctly, a good toy lasts for many years. Three points matter:

• Store completely dry. Residual moisture is the most common cause of mould and musty smells.
• Do not place different materials directly against each other. TPE and silicone in particular can dissolve each other and stick together. Ideally keep each toy in its own fabric pouch.
• Cool, dark and dry. Direct sunlight and proximity to heaters make materials brittle.

For rechargeable toys: do not store them permanently empty and top up the charge roughly every three months – that protects the battery.

More tips in our article Storing sex toys correctly.

Yes – but only with a condom or after thorough cleaning in between. Bacteria, fungi and sexually transmitted infections can be passed on via sex toys.

The easiest way: put a condom over the toy and change it whenever the toy changes person. That saves cleaning breaks and is the safest option hygienically.

The same principle applies when switching from anal to vaginal – there a condom change or cleaning is mandatory, even for a single person.

First stop using the product and see whether the irritation subsides. The most common triggers are not the toys themselves but additives in lube: glycerin, parabens, fragrances or warming agents.

If you react sensitively, choose a glycerin-free and fragrance-free water-based lube. If you have a latex allergy, there are latex-free condoms made of polyisoprene.

Important: if symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if pain, bleeding or fever occur, please see a doctor. We cannot and may not provide medical advice.

Yes. All items are brand new and come sealed in their original packaging from the manufacturer or an authorised wholesaler. We do not sell used goods or returned items that have been opened.

For hygiene reasons, opened returns are never put back on sale.

We use the official manufacturer images. Colours may vary slightly depending on your screen settings, and with hand-cast items – such as fantasy or colour-gradient dildos – every piece is unique. Small variations in colour gradient and marbling are normal here and not a defect.

The measurements on the product page, on the other hand, are binding. When in doubt, trust the centimetre figures rather than the visual impression.

Batteries and rechargeable cells must never go in household waste. You can hand them in free of charge at any municipal collection point and at any retailer selling batteries – or return them to us free of charge. All details on our Battery Act page.

Electrical toys count as electronic waste and belong at your municipal recycling centre. Remove the batteries beforehand where possible.

Toys without electronics made of silicone, TPE or glass go in residual waste or the glass container.

Within Germany your items are usually on their way for 2–4 working days. Orders placed on working days before midday normally ship the same day.

Delivery within Europe takes 3–8 working days depending on the country.

As soon as your parcel leaves our warehouse you will receive a shipping confirmation by email including a tracking number. If an item has to be reordered we will let you know – in that case it may take a little longer.

• Germany: €0.00 – free shipping, no minimum order value.
• Europe: €14.90

There are no hidden surcharges and no minimum order value. You always see the final amount before you click the binding order button.

All details on our shipping conditions page.

When your parcel ships you receive an email with the tracking number. Using that number you can follow the shipment directly with DPD.

Alternatively you can look up your order here in the shop via order tracking – you will need your order number or the tracking number from the shipping confirmation.

Can't find the email? Please also check your spam folder. If it isn't there, just write to info@dildodave.de and we will send you the number again.

Yes, we ship across Europe with DPD. Shipping costs are a flat €14.90 per order; within Germany shipping is free.

Delivery time within Europe is 3–8 working days depending on the country. Packaging and sender are neutral abroad as well.

You can see which countries we deliver to when selecting your delivery country during checkout. If your country is not listed, write to info@dildodave.de and we will check what is possible.

Please check these three things first:

• Have you received a shipping confirmation? If not, the order is still with us – usually because an item had to be reordered. We will deliver as soon as possible.
• What does the tracking say? Parcels are often already at a DPD parcel shop or have been left with a neighbour.
• Check your spam folder. Shipping confirmations end up there surprisingly often.

If the delivery time has been clearly exceeded or tracking hasn't moved for days, please contact info@dildodave.de with your order number. We will then open an investigation with DPD and find a solution.

As long as the parcel has not been packed, yes. Write to info@dildodave.de as quickly as possible with your order number and what needs to change.

Once the parcel has shipped we can no longer make changes. In that case simply use your 100-day right of withdrawal and send the goods back.

Since we ship quickly on working days, the window is often short – it is best to contact us straight away.

We will inform you by email and offer you two options: you wait for the restock, or we ship the available items immediately and refund the rest.

A partial delivery is always free of charge for you – no additional shipping costs arise.

We ship with DPD. If you would rather not receive the parcel at home, you can redirect it to a DPD Pickup parcel shop of your choice after dispatch via DPD tracking or the DPD app.

We cannot deliver to a DHL Packstation, as those are only served by DHL.

Alternatively you can enter a different delivery address during checkout – your workplace, for example. The packaging is neutral and carries no indication of the contents.

Yes. You can collect your order from us at:

DS Shopping GmbH
Sachsenweg 9
59073 Hamm
Germany

Collection hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please announce your collection briefly in advance by email to info@dildodave.de so we can have the goods ready.

Yes, you can order as a guest – a customer account is not required. All you need is an email address for the order confirmation and shipping information.

An account does have advantages though: you can see your order history, don't have to re-enter your address every time, and can find tracking numbers again more easily.

Our range is aimed exclusively at adults aged 18 and over. By placing an order you confirm that you have reached the age of 18.

Our shop is also aimed exclusively at consumers, not at businesses within the meaning of § 14 of the German Civil Code (BGB).

Yes. The invoice is enclosed with the parcel and additionally sent to you by email.

If you would rather not have an invoice in the parcel – for example because someone else might open it – simply say so in the order comment field or by email. You will then receive it digitally only.

You can pay with all common payment methods:

• PayPal – including buyer protection
• Credit card – Visa, Mastercard, American Express
• Klarna – instant bank transfer, pay on invoice or pay in instalments
• Purchase on account – pay once the goods have arrived
• Direct debit
• Advance bank transfer – no surcharge
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Shop Pay – one-click checkout
• Gift cards

We do not charge a surcharge for any payment method. Details in our article Payment options at dildodave.de.

No. Your bank statement shows only DS Shopping GmbH – with every payment method. The name "dildodave" does not appear there, nor does any indication of the type of goods.

This applies equally to credit card, PayPal, Klarna, direct debit and bank transfer.

Yes. We offer instalment payments via Klarna and PayPal. You select it during checkout with the respective provider.

Term, interest rate and monthly instalment are shown there before you commit, along with the full contract conditions. The instalment agreement is concluded with the payment provider, not with us – their terms and a separate right of withdrawal apply.

Yes. Our entire shop is SSL-encrypted, which you can recognise by the padlock symbol in your browser's address bar.

Payment processing is handled exclusively by certified providers such as PayPal, Klarna and Shopify Payments. We never see your full credit card or bank details – they are processed directly by the payment service provider and are not stored by us.

That depends on the payment method:

• PayPal, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, direct debit: immediately with the order.
• Klarna pay on invoice: after you receive the goods, within the payment period set by Klarna.
• Advance transfer: you transfer the amount after ordering. We ship as soon as the money reaches us – usually 1–2 banking days after your transfer.

Yes. You will find the field for a discount or voucher code in the cart and at checkout. Enter the code, confirm it – the deduction appears in the total immediately.

As a rule one discount code can be redeemed per order. A gift card can be used in addition to a discount code.

If it doesn't work, please check the spelling, the validity date and any minimum order value. If it still fails, contact info@dildodave.de.

Yes, you can buy gift cards from us. The gift card is delivered by email and can be redeemed at checkout – also in partial amounts, with any remaining balance retained.

Since delivery is digital, no parcel arrives at anyone's door. It is the most discreet way to give someone something from our range.

You have a 100-day right of withdrawal with us – considerably more than the 14 days required by law. The period starts on the day you received the last item of your order.

Within these 100 days you may withdraw from the contract without giving any reason. You only need to notify us clearly – most easily via our online withdrawal form, alternatively by email to info@dildodave.de, by letter or by fax to 02381-4897882.

Important exception: for sealed goods that are not suitable for return for reasons of health protection or hygiene, the right of withdrawal expires once the seal has been removed after delivery (§ 312g para. 2 no. 3 BGB). With sex toys this applies to practically every opened item.

All details are in our return policy and withdrawal instructions.

Yes – as long as they are in their original packaging, unused and unopened. The seal must be intact.

The reason is set out in law and applies to every erotic retailer: for reasons of hygiene and health protection, the right of withdrawal expires once the seal has been removed (§ 312g para. 2 no. 3 BGB). We can neither resell nor take back an opened toy.

Unaffected by this: if an item is defective or was delivered incorrectly, your statutory warranty applies. In that case we will of course take it back – even opened. Just get in touch with us.

In three steps:

• 1. Declare your withdrawal. Most easily via our online withdrawal form. You will receive an immediate confirmation of receipt by email.
• 2. Pack it securely. Ideally in the original box or well padded, so that the goods reach us undamaged. Enclose a note with your order number.
• 3. Send it back to: DS Shopping GmbH, Sachsenweg 9, 59073 Hamm, Germany.

Please keep your proof of postage until the refund has reached you.

In the case of a withdrawal you bear the direct costs of returning the goods. That is the statutory arrangement and is set out in our withdrawal instructions.

It is different in the case of a justified defect: if the item is defective, arrived damaged or was delivered incorrectly, we cover the return shipping costs. In that case please contact us before sending anything back and we will arrange the return directly.

We refund at the latest within 14 days of the day your declaration of withdrawal reaches us. However, we may withhold the refund until we have received the goods back or you have provided proof of return – whichever comes first.

The refund is always made via the same payment method you used to pay. No fees arise for you as a result.

Depending on your bank or payment provider it may then take another 1–3 banking days until the amount appears in your account.

The statutory liability for defects applies – for consumers, two years from receipt of the goods.

Before you send anything back, a quick check is worthwhile: are the batteries inserted the right way round and fully charged? Is the rechargeable battery really fully charged (many toys need several hours the first time)? Is a transport lock or key lock active?

If the problem persists, write to info@dildodave.de with your order number and a short description of the fault – a photo or short video helps us resolve it quickly. We will arrange a replacement or refund and cover the return shipping costs.

We are sorry about that – we will sort it out quickly. Write to info@dildodave.de with your order number and, if possible, a photo of the item received and the delivery note.

We will send you the correct item right away and cover the cost of the return. Please do not send an incorrectly delivered item back unprompted – contact us first, that way it is faster.

Go ahead and accept the parcel, and document the damage with photos before you fully open it – outer packaging, damage and contents.

Send us the photos together with your order number to info@dildodave.de. We will handle the claim with DPD and arrange a replacement or refund. You do not have to deal with the carrier yourself.

Completely neutrally. Specifically that means:

• A plain brown outer box – no print, no logo, no company name on the packaging.
• Sender: "DS Shopping GmbH" – a neutral company name that gives no clue about the shop or the type of goods.
• No indication of the contents – no product names, no categories, no images.
• Opaque packaging, so nothing is visible from the outside.

Nobody – neither neighbours nor the courier nor flatmates – can tell from the outside what you have ordered. More on this in our article Discreet shipping at dildodave.de.

The parcel shows only "DS Shopping GmbH" as the sender – the name dildodave appears nowhere on it.

In emails (order confirmation, shipping confirmation) the shop name is naturally included so you can identify the message. If you want to avoid that too, use an email address that only you have access to when ordering.

Our entire shop is SSL-encrypted – all data you enter is transmitted in encrypted form.

We pass your data on only to those parties needed to process your order: the shipping provider for delivery and the payment provider for payment. We do not sell or pass on your data to third parties for advertising purposes.

What we store and why is set out in full in our privacy policy. You can request information about your stored data or ask for its deletion at any time – a short email to info@dildodave.de is enough.

No. We do not send advertising by post – no catalogues, no brochures, neither to you nor to your address.

You only receive email marketing if you have explicitly subscribed to our newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time with one click via the link at the end of every newsletter.

Order confirmations, shipping notifications and invoices are separate from this – you need those to process your order and will always receive them.

We are required to store order data for the legally prescribed period due to commercial and tax retention obligations – there is no way around that, and it applies to every retailer.

Only the staff processing your order have access to it. There is no transfer to or analysis by third parties for advertising purposes.

Details in our privacy policy.

dildodave.de is run by DS Shopping GmbH, based in Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. We are a German company with our own warehouse – no dropshipping from abroad, no weeks of waiting.

You can learn more about us on our About Us page. Full company details are in our legal notice.

Email: info@dildodave.de
Fax: 02381-4897882
Chat: via the chat window at the bottom right of every page
Contact form: go to the contact page

Address:
DS Shopping GmbH
Sachsenweg 9
59073 Hamm
Germany

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (CET)

We usually reply to emails within one working day. For questions about an order, please always include your order number – it speeds everything up considerably.

Yes. Our newsletter brings you new products, promotions and guide articles – without a daily flood of mail.

You can sign up via the form in the footer. Unsubscribing is possible at any time with one click via the link at the end of every email. The sender is kept neutral here too.

Just ask us. Our range covers several thousand items, and through our suppliers we can access considerably more.

Write to info@dildodave.de, ideally with the manufacturer, product name or EAN – or simply a description if you don't know the name. We will check whether and at what price we can source the item for you.