An interview with the founder of Poppers-Shop.de

Interviewer: Today we meet the founder of Poppers-Shop.de, a veteran of the scene and someone who has been shaping the market with his company for over 30 years. Time for some honest answers and the stories behind the scenes. Here we go!

Interviewer: First of all, hand on heart: who are you actually and why are you doing this at all?
Founder: Good question. We are Poppers-Shop.de and yes, we've been around longer than most people even knew what poppers actually were. Over 30 years. Back then, when being gay was still officially considered "sick" and you risked getting in trouble for kissing on the street. Even back then, we wanted to create a safe place - for everyone who just wanted to be themselves. Without shame, without prejudice.

Interviewer: Do you only have gay employees?
Founder: (laughs) It would be nice, then at least we would always have fresh gossip updates. No, seriously: quite the opposite! We employ people from all walks of life - queer, straight, lesbian, bi, diverse. Our credo from day one has been: we don't judge anyone by their sexual orientation. And that is precisely our recipe for success.

Interviewer: Does it ever happen that your employees recognize customers at trendy parties?
Founder: Impossible. Firstly, we encrypt all customer data to the highest security level and secondly, only very few employees have any personal contact with customers. Our support team signs strict confidentiality agreements. With us, your sweet little secret really does stay secret - we promise!
(And yes, we've heard stories of other stores where someone on the dance floor suddenly yells "Hey, aren't you the guy who ordered Amyl the other day?"... But with us? Never :)

Interviewer: Some people say that only gay employees can really rate the products because they have personal experience. What do you say to that?
Founder: Bullshit. Firstly, poppers are no longer just a gay thing - straight people, lesbians, non-binaries, all kinds of people use them today. Secondly, we want to evaluate products neutrally and objectively. No rose-colored glasses, no personal preferences. Only the best in the range, that's it.

Interviewer: There's a lot of competition nowadays. How do you deal with it?
Founder: Competition stimulates business, as the saying goes. But honestly, many of the new stores are only thinking about making a quick buck. They don't care if a customer has a problem with a product. For us, it's always about more: we want to create an experience. One where every customer feels valued and not like an order number on a receipt.

Interviewer: But you also have to earn money, don't you?
Founder: Of course! We also have to pay our rent and want to go out for an ice cream every now and then. (laughs)
But the majority of our income goes towards the further development of safe products, better advice and supporting LGBTQIA+ projects and associations. Because unfortunately there are still too many people who don't dare to be open about their feelings. We want to help at least a little bit.

Interviewer: Last question: If you had to describe yourselves in three words - what would they be?
Founder: Passionate. Respectful. Outrageously good.

Poppers-Shop.de is much more than an online store. It's a statement. A little piece of lived freedom and a big heart for everyone who just wants to be themselves. And let's be honest: who can resist that?