Believe it or not, I consider Ebay to be an excellent resource for fetish shopping. The variety of gear and garments available lterally at your fingertips is quite spectacular - and at a fraction of the cost of shopping at most local fetish-oriented stores.
I know that many people still remain reticent to shop online for many reasons - you cannot be assured of quality, entering one's credit card number online is risky and one never knows if the online store one is shopping with is reputable.
I do have the following advice to offer when considering a purchase:
When shopping for boots ask for calf and thigh measurements.
The shoe size is not enough information.
Look at the payment methods the dealer accepts before you bid.
When ordering fitted garments, ask for all the relevant measurements.
Again, the size is simply not enough information.
When considering a purchase from a foreign dealer, ask for the shipping costs
and times to your location before you bid.
If you're in a rush to receive a garment or a piece of gear for a special occasion, there is a chance you may not receive it in time and you may find yourself disappointed.
Take into consideration that much communication may be required to achieve
your satisfaction.
Many of these dealers only speak, read and write in limted English.
You may have to write several letters to get the answers you need. That
said, I have found that the foreign dealers I have done business with
have offered me excellent customer service.
Ironically, I have often received items from China in a fraction of the time it has taken me to receive items from the U.S - AND NOT HAD TO PAY THE DUTIES I'VE HAD TO PAY FROM US DEALERS!
Finally, when ordering from a foreign dealer I have found that asking for shipping by post is far superior to receiving by courier. Items sent by courier are more likely to be stopped by Customs and to incur sometimes outrageous duties charges. When sent by post, this situation is much less likely.
ONILINE FETISH SHOPS I LOVE
The following stores are some I have encountered in my time that carry items worth having a look at. Gorgeous fetish apparel and toys. Do have a look.
Northbound
Leather
Located right here in Toronto, I love these guys and they are personal friends of mine. Not only do I hold them responsible for putting Toronto on the fetish world map, they have been instrumental in making the Toronto scene what it is today by hosting one of the world's best annual fetish events for years AND they carry a vide array of quality leather and latex gear - clothing, gear and toys. They even have an assortment of medical and electrical play devices!
HW Designs
This online shop is unbelieveable. I am proudly in possession of their "heavy combi rubber corset" - images in the member's side. This item had me drooling over for years - a gift from a devoted admirer (thank you, you know who you are). The turnaround time for shipping was also a surprise (delivered to my door within 4 weeks!!!
Lovesick
Corrective Apparel
Andrea is most certainly the most gifted and creative corsetier I have ever
met. If you can travel to Toronto you can have an in-studio consultation and
fitting of your piece.
I seriously recommend this lady's work.
I am in possession of a custom leather corset gifted to me by a slave I had under my consideration - thank you dear boy - and a black-on-black brocade "waspie".
Demask
If you are a fetishist, you have to visit this site! The variety of designs in clothing (leather AND heavy rubber), fetish foot wear and toys is nothing short of inspirational. Very sexy, hot and steamy stuff - the stuff of fantasy.
House of Harlot
Chances are good you've seen their designs used in any number of fetish movies. Very sexy and elegant designs.
Fairy Goth Mother
A recent "discovery" of mine while searching lingerie shops in London - although they do much more than lingerie.
They offer up a wide array of lingerie, gowns and wonderful corsets.
Delightfully decadent designs reflecting a fusion of the goth and "pin-up" aesthetic.
I'll be setting up my wishlist with them soon.
Simon O
This online shop is for the latex lover. The variety of designs and colours
they offer is phenominal. I LOVE their stuff and own a delicious pair of very thin transparent latex pantyhose with heavy black latex overlay to create the illudion of fishnet back-seamed stockings with a Cuban heel and garters - image in the members' area.
Marquis
If you're a rubber freak, chances are good you've already heard of this store.
They carry some of the wildest designs in the world of fetish - many in my
personal wish list - including Pony Boots! Their designs range from mild to
extreme. Pay them a visit.