The Satisfyer–Fun Factory Buyout: What Fans Need to Know

My great-uncle once said, “Everything’s changing, and not for the better.” Most of the time, I disagree, but in the case of the Fun Factory buyout by Satisfyer, I’m afraid to say he may have been right. For those of you not in the sex toy business loop, in July of 2024, the German company Satisfyer purchased the entire product portfolio, patents, designs, and brands as well as the inventory of Fun Factory, an iconic sex toy company, for 15,000,000 Euros (about $17,646,750). As with any buyout, this left many customers uncertain about the future of Fun Factory.

About Fun Factory

Founded in Germany in 1996, Fun Factory helped pave the way for the modern world of sex toys we live in today. Their innovations included rechargeable toys (I applaud them for that alone) and their Click ’n’ Charge magnetic charging cable. They were among the first brands to use quality silicone and make toys in bright, fun colors that helped de-stigmatize and de-mystify sex toys, especially for women and queer people. We partly have them to thank for all the colorful, downright cute toys and endless innovations that exist today.

About Satisfyer

Satisfyer is no stranger to the world of sexual wellness. We’ve reviewed plenty of their products on this website and sung the praises of many of their toys, such as the Men Vibration Rechargeable Penis Masturbator and their V Kegel Balls, as well as the legendary Pro 2 (okay, they’re not great at naming their products). According to their website, they have won over 500 design awards. 12 of their toys, including the Pro Modern 2 Blossom and the Seal You Soon have won the prestigious German Design Award.

However, their success hasn’t been without controversy. Satisfyer has been accused of plagiarizing designs from other companies, especially when it comes to their suction toys, which are suspiciously similar to the ones Womanizer innovated first. How suspiciously similar? So similar that Womanizer took action against them. Another brand Satisfyer has been accused of plagiarizing from? Fun Factory themselves.

Buyout Controversies

Fun Factory founder and CEO Dirk Bauer said he was confident in his decision to sell to Satisfyer. In turn, Satisfyer CEO Sven Pelka reassured Fun Factory fans that the brand would maintain its separate identity, and that the only major change would be lower prices. He stated that the brand identity would be enhanced by the innovations of Satisfyer and that Satisfyer’s broader international reach would help Fun Factory provide pleasure to more people than ever before.

Those are all very noble statements, but Fun Factory fans on Reddit couldn’t help but notice that their German factories seemed to have shut down, as has their US website. The buy-out happened over a year ago, so it seems odd that Fun Factory toys are still difficult to get a hold of if Satisfyer truly intended to keep the brand going.

Unfortunately, the Satisfyer buyout of Fun Factory means that some Fun Factory products aren’t as readily available. For example, the Fun Factory Volta, considered one of the best clitoral stimulators of all time, is no longer available on Lovehoney, and (in the US at least) their website is still down. A few of their products can be found on Amazon, though not the Volta. An online shop called LoveWare, based in Belgium, still sells some of their toys, including the Volta.

Satisfyer might start selling new toys under the Fun Factory brand name, but there is no guarantee they will still be made in Germany. There are also rumors on Reddit that Satisfyer will lower the prices on Fun Factory toys once they start making them again, but that could be a controversial decision. Many people feel that lower cost will also mean lower quality, and that the once-beloved brand will no longer be as good as it once was.

With buy-outs like this, the question of competition is also raised. As we all know, competition drives innovation, and especially in the sex toy world, there is so much innovation out there, and so much more that I’d love to see (toys specifically for people with vaginismus, anyone?). With buy-outs like this, one has to wonder if that innovation will begin to stagnate if there’s no reason for companies to make new and incredible things.

Final Thoughts

One takeaway is that spending more on a quality toy from a quality company is always a good idea. Not only are you investing in your own pleasure, but if you do your research, you’re also supporting a company that really cares about quality, innovation, and the planet. We can’t all be conscientious consumers all the time, but sometimes it’s worth putting in a little extra time and money to find a product from a business that shares your same values. With so many people regretting not making Fun Factory purchases when they had the chance, this is also a friendly nudge to get that sex toy you’ve been daydreaming about. Odds are, it’s worth it.

Happy vibing!

Becky

Becky V is a Los Angeles native who loves indie bookstores, Broadway musicals, and a good cup of tea. She is passionate about sexual wellness and wants to make the world a better place one orgasm at a time!