I often find myself trying to explain Babeland to people. Since so many people have been in "mainstream" sex toy stores, I usually find that the easiest way to talk about Babeland is to explain that all of the toys are out in the open and the people who work there aren't creepy - they're sex educators. When I start talking about how people can come in and get all (or most) of the questions answered in a bright, friendly and fun atmosphere, people's eyes light up. And then they start asking me questions. No matter where we are.The people I talk to in the stores are my favorite part of working at Babeland. From a woman buying her first ever vibrator to the seasoned spanker looking for a new paddle, I'll tackle any question. I don't think I'll ever get tired of explaining the differences between a butt plug and anal beads or getting people to try lube who up until now have only been using spit. (I used to be one of those people, but I'm a true lube convert). Sometimes, they come back after they've used their toys and we get to help them on the next step of their journey. Having someone come back and say to me "you were so great at answering my questions" makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.I love that people are so thankful, but it makes me sad that there are so few places where people can go to get this kind of customer service. This week's issue of Time Out New York bemoans this fact as well (in general, not just about sex toys) and lists some places to go in New York for great customer service and, of course, Babeland is on the list! Here's what they had to say:

A sex shop that doesn?t make you feel like a perv

Sex shops aren?t exactly known for creating an inviting atmosphere, but Babeland makes the search for titillating toys less daunting. Its two brightly lit Manhattan locations seduce patrons with a huge selection of battery-equipped floor models to fondle, walls of gleaming strap-on harnesses and informative descriptions for everything. The friendly staff are all trained sex educators, rather than the unsavory characters you might find at other joints. ?We test and try everything in the store, and are continually trying to learn as much as possible about everything that we carry,? says Babeland buyer Alicia Kay. Happily for those confounded by their purchases, the emporiums host enlightening workshops each month on fellatio, female ejaculation and other lascivious subjects. 94 Rivington St between Ludlow and Orchard Sts (212- 375-1701); 43 Mercer St between Broome and Grand Sts (212- 966-3674)