June 14, 2012

Review: Side Socket

Description: A surge protector/outlet multiplier
Main Pitch: "The swiveling multi-plug miracle that allows you to move cords and furniture flush against the wall"
Main Offer: $14.95 for one
Bonus: 2nd one (just pay P&H)
Marketer: Allstar
Producer: The Schwartz Group
Website: www.SideSocket.com
Prediction: Unlikely to succeed

Surge protectors and power strips, no matter how innovative, just don't strike me as the type of item people will jump off the couch to buy on impulse. I can see this moving at retail in-line, selling on live shopping or getting strong catalog sales. But DRTV? It's a pretty high bar.

Of course, the creative for this product is very well done. I do have one small nit to pick, though. This rhyme always seems forced to me: "Turning that ... disaster into a space-saving master." Doesn't really make sense.

As someone who has praised this creative team for their catch-phrases in the past, it's only fair for me to point out the occassional clunker. Also, I am guilty of going too far with the rhymes myself, so I guess it takes one to know one!