I have been reading articles on categories and how they apply to tax rates in different areas. I have been working in the adult side of the retail industry for years and I know that this is something that has influence in brick-and-mortar stores as well, however when searching for deeper answers pertaining to Shopify, I cannot find any clear suggestions.
Shopify categories for merchandise pertaining to adult themes include: Sex Toys, Mature, Erotic, etc. I am wanting to know what differentiates a product from being a “Sex Toy” vs “Mature” or something else. In my experience things labeled as “Sex Toy” or “Adult” have a higher tax rate and the only items required, by law, to be labeled as such are items that are shaped specifically like human genitalia. Does this apply to Shopify as well? Ex - A non-vibrating massager with no discernable shape vs a non-vibrating massager with a phallic shape. “Massager” category and “Sex Toy” category respectively? Or must the non-descript shaped massager go under Mature/Erotic/Sex Toy regardless of shape due to its intended (obvious) nature of use?
Secondly, as adults are aware there are numerous things that can be used in a “mature”, “erotic” way, that are not specific to sexual acts alone: rope, handcuffs, blindfolds, riding crops, whips, etc. Can I put rope under “Rope and Hardware Cable”, handcuffs under “Toys” because they are essentially that, and crops and whips under “Riding Crops and Whips” because they are?
Lastly, my store has a big focus on sexual health and wellness and stocks many items that are used for health purposes: prostate stimulators, harnesses, suction cups and pumps, to name a few. I have been listing these in the Medical category and I do not want to be wrong about that later. Is this correct (especially if it is not shaped like genitalia as previously mentioned)?
Thank you all in advance for any time and assistance you can provide!
~ The Chazzy Girl