Real PopSockets vs Counterfeit Phone Grips
Learn how a real PopGrip protects your brand's image and how to spot a fake.
PopSockets phone grips are one of the hottest promotional products on the market. When customized with your business logo, they are a great corporate or small business marketing giveaway.
As you search for bulk PopSockets, you will find some incredible deals, like imprinted PopGrips for 40 cents each.
In reality, that deal you just found is not for a real PopSockets PopGrip. It's instead for a custom phone holder, pop-up grip, or pull-top phone holder. These low-cost grips are a knockoff version of the real thing.
Counterfeit promotional products like these are more likely to break, have a poor quality imprint, and do not represent your company well. That's why it's important to stay alert and only buy authentic products.
You also run the risk of never actually getting your order. That's because customs officers seize counterfeit PopSocket shipments at the border.
Inventor David Barnett patented the PopSockets design to stop counterfeiters. His company received a rare general exclusion order that allows the U.S. Customs Service to confiscate knockoff PopGrips at the port – regardless of whether or not the name on the product is PopSockets.
That means the mobile grip you paid for might never arrive. The online company you bought them from now has your money and does not care whether you get them.
We even tested some fakes from overseas to see the difference. Their plastic was cheap, they cracked easily, and the logo peeled quickly.
Copycat versions simply don't stand up to an authentic PopSocket.
Why are real PopSockets worth it?
They are reusable
A real PopGrip uses the company's proprietary repositionable gel adhesive, made to move from phone to phone.
They are sturdy
PopGrips can expand and collapse 12,000 times and use high-quality, well-tested materials.
They are from a U.S. company
PopGrips are made by an American company using materials approved for use here. They also offer high-quality imprints that will not fade, rub off or peel.
Perceived value and building brand loyalty
Real PopSockets have a high perceived value. Customers will transfer that perception to your company and its products.
You can resell a real PopSocket
Nonprofit organizations with tight budgets love customized PopGrips. You can pay $15-$20 each for a stock design in retail stores. Our PopSockets sell for between $4 to $5 each, and you can sell them at market prices as your fundraiser.
How to spot a fake PopSocket?
To help buyers and customers determine whether the PopSocket you were given is real or a counterfeit, here are some clues:
What does the backing label say?
If you see a 3M backing, then it is not a real PopSocket (no disrespect to 3M here). PopSocket's adhesive gel has a clear backing. Thanks to this gel, you can pop the grip off, rinse it under cold water, and let it dry for 10 minutes. It will then go on your next cell phone.
How does it stick?
Take the backing off of your grip and stick it to something. An authentic grip should come off easy enough and have the clear gel visible.
If that puppy will not come off, or part of the tape remains, it's a fake. A little Goo Gone and the back of a plastic spatula or pan scraper might get most of the leftover tape up without too much damage.
What is the price point?
If your online retailer says they will do full-color pop sockets for $.49 each, pass. While customized PopSockets are less expensive than what you will pay at retail stores, that price is way too low.
Expect to pay $4-$5 each for a real, logo-printed PopSocket. Prices can go up depending on your base model and imprint design.
Does it pop?
PopSockets, true to their name, make a distinctive popping sound. If you don't hear the pop, you likely have the knockoff.
What does the base say?
A real PopSocket proudly says so on the base. PopSockets.com and a patent number are embossed on each PopSocket. Take a close look to ensure the imprints are there and there are no errors. Misspellings are a dead giveaway of a fake.
Want a visual guide? Check out our infographic on How to Spot a Counterfeit PopSocket. You can print out the PDF for reference.
How are real PopSockets made?
This YouTube video shows how U.S. workers personalize PopGrips for our customers. The factory uses high-tech printing and laser engraving on your products. Quality control testers do everything by hand, while some cool robotics prepare and ship your PopSockets. With this incredible technology, Logotech can get your custom grips to you in less than two weeks for upcoming promotional events.
Still not convinced? How about we send you a real, free PopSocket to try out? You will understand why it is the right choice for your marketing.
Are you ready to buy real phone PopGrips, PopWallets, and PopMounts? Contact Logotech or create an account with us. Your Account Manager will help you find the right design for your brand and get you the real thing.
