HQ Cages versus Copy-Cat Cages

HQ Cages	Copy-Cat Cage

Look at these two cages on the pictures. They look alike one another, isn’t it? Probably you have heard the statement “Tings that seem to be alike are not always alike”.

The cages we offer are manufactured by HQ Cages (see the picture on the left). There are many online companies, so-called “copy-cat companies”, that offer cages which are quite similar and of course cost a bit less.

Since the beginning of our website formation we have been selling HQ cages which were distinguished between the other bird cages by their beautiful fit and finish. Sometimes we meet a little difficulty to source the cages in the right color. Even thought they are well known and preferred by the customers.

What about Copy-Cat companies? 

We have had an experience with one of these “copy-cat companies”. A manufacturer based in Florida (just like we are) addressed an offer to us for buying some of their products. They delivered us a cage sample and we were amazed how good that sample was. We made an order for quantity that could meet the customer demands for a month. Imagine what a shock it was when we discovered the true for the origin of that kind of cage. Actually it was a copy of the HQ cage. The statement “Sometimes cheaper just means cheaper” was absolutely true in our case.

We decided to make a short list of some basic problems with the copy-cat cages that we would like to present at your attention for avoiding future inconveniences when you buy a bird cage: 
1. The supplied stand hardware was smaller for the full size and weight of the cage and too rickety. Also the wheels were too small for the load as you can compare it on the enclosed two pictures above .
2. Bolds (look at the pictures below). HQ Cages (on the left) uses full-size bolts while Copy-Cat (on the right) uses small screws to hold the stand together. As you can see comparing the two pictures there is a big difference in the size of the fasteners while the width of the frame of both cages remains the same.

3. Door locks were also inappropriate. The door locks used by HQ cages push back into a fully locked position which means that difficulties such as releasing the lock by the children and creating fuzzbutt mayhem are well in hand. The copy-cat cage lock simply drops down without sliding back into a locking position. For example, in this case the danger of releasing a highly inquisitive sugar glider is rising. We have received a couple of reports explaining problems because of the easy raising of the lock.

In the way these cages were, we couldn’t be able to sell them. The copy-cat company promised us to upgrade the hardware and locks. It was normal to think that it is going to be simple and easy. Also we thought we just can replace the manufacturer’s hardware with stainless steel hardware of high quality as well as new wheels and locks.

Furthermore, our bad experience didn’t finish with a happy ending. It appeared that the copy-cat cage has many more welds than the HQ cages. In fact this is not such a bad thing since the welding is done technically proper and qualitative. In addition we were informed by our customers for damaged and broken welds of totally brand new products as a result from the transport. 

One of the most important things for keeping the product in good repair is the packaging. That was the next problem we came into collision with the cages. One way Copy-Cat was able to offer what they tout as a cage just as good as H/Q at a cheaper price is by cutting corners on the product as well as the packaging. They use a single corrugated box with no reinforcement in the corners. The boxes are also packed "loose" which can easily mar paint jobs, bust welds, and bust open the whole box during shipment when heavy metal stuff is rattling around inside.

HQ uses double corrugated packaging, with quadruple strength boxing around the sides and all corners are reinforced and heavy duty stapled, meaning minimum shift during shipment. Our claim statistic showed that 15% from the copy-cat cage orders were an object for claim. After one month we suspended their offer once we were realized that these persistent inconsistencies were associated with the product. Regarding to HQ cage we field only one claim for a period of two years and the reason was that UPS was lost the cage.

What we can share with you now is that we are really proud and happy with our products not just because it is “our” product but because even the testing under our care with over than 400 different gliders give a proof for the product itself. It’s not a shame for us to confess that we screwed up dealing with a copy-cat cage and we can assure you we have learned a good lesson. Here is the place to apologize to those few customers who went trough and got over all copy-cat problems.

In conclusion I could say and advise you that just because something looks the same it does not mean it is the same! Please pay attention to each spending of your dollars when it comes to making decision on buying products for the lovely fuzzy members of your family.

Can you see some differences comparing the two photos above (we hope the size is large enough)? One of the basic differences is the “double bar” above the top door that all HQ cages have. The copy-cat cages do not have.

Also you should check the stand wheels in case they are included (make sure to ask). For comparison refer to the pictures at the top of this page.

We do hope all of this information is going to be useful for you especially if you consider a buying of cage that looks like these. We recommend you to ask the seller if it is an HQ cage in order to avoid a buying of copy-cat. No matter where you choose to shop, make sure you get an HQ cage as using the SunCoast supplier services will make your deliver on time and in god repair.