The promotional product marketplace is flooded with printable promotional USB memory sticks, but what should you be considering before you purchase?
Tip 1 – What Grade is my Memory Chip?
Well here is the thing – did you know that there are varying qualities or USB memory chip. These chips are graded on the ability or not to use all of the quoted memory capacity. If you purchase your USB memory stick only on cost and purchase the cheapest one quoted, this may be cheaper because it has a lower quality memory chip. What does this mean to you?? Well, less memory than you supposedly paid for and the chance of losing some of the data and information that you have saved to the drive. Question your supplier on the quality of the chip.
Tip 2 – Do I need version 1.1 or 2.0?
Version 1.1 and version 2.0 are the two versions of USB stick that are available currently. You can tell what version a stick is by looking at the silver colour connector end. The different version have different data transferring speeds with version 2.0 being the faster and the better.
Tip 3 – RoHS Compliance – do not be caught out!
RoHS stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Promotional USB memory sticks are just one of thousands of items that have to comply with this legislation. This is applied to items manufactured outside the EU and any item being imported into the UK must have this certification. Look for the RoHS tick on the product – if you do not have it you could be prosecuted. By purchasing through Arcadia you know that you are covered!
Tip 4 – WEEE Compliance – Know your responsibility
The WEEE directive is aimed at encouraging reuse and recycling, and minimising the negative environmental aspects of disposal. The Directive sets targets that 65% of IT equipment must be recycled, and materials such as CRT’s (monitors), LCD displays, printed circuit boards, batteries and flame retardant plastics be pre-treated before disposal. All USB memory sticks must be supported by a WEEE recycling scheme which allows the end user or recipient of the promotional USB stick to return it for ethical recycling. Again if your USB stick is not WEEE compliant, then you could be prosecuted. By purchasing through Arcadia you know that you are covered!
Tip 5 – REACH Compliance – What do you need to know??
REACH is a new European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use within industy. It deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances. This new law came into force on 1st June 2007.
The REACH legislation is designed to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances. At the same time, innovative capability and competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry should be enhanced. The benefits of the REACH system will come gradually, as more and more substances are phased into REACH. By purchasing through Arcadia you know that you are covered!
Tip 6 – Know your branding options
Consider what type of design you want to be oriented or engraved onto the USB stick and choose accordingly. These are hundreds of different styles available and each has a maximum number of colours that is can be printed with. Ask your distributor for assistance is the selection fo the model most suited to your logo or design.
Tip 7 – Pre-load your content
Do not be left with the laborious job of loading your presentations onto the USB sticks yourself the night before they are to be given out. Many of the Chinese factories that produce the memory sticks will pre-load your information onto each USB saving you time, money and hassle!
Tip 8 – Think about the presentation and packaging
The manner in which a promotional product is packaged often can increase the perceived value of the item. These are a number of rigid plastic boxes and tins available to package the USB stick. This also can be used to add another corporate message, logo or web address that may not be on the memory stick itself. Four colour process imagery can easily be added by producing a sleeve to fit over the box.
Tip 9 – Ensure the USB stick is retained
Make sure that you stick is the one that your customer or prospect uses on a daily basis. Ensure that the memory size is sufficient for their needs. Make sure that the design is printed well and that the style of USB is up to date and relevant to your company.
Tip 10 – Know your recipient, your event and chose accordingly!!
The style of USB memory stick that you select is very important. Do not choose the one that you have seen hundreds of times before – there is a good chance that one of your competitors has produced that one in the past! Know who you are targeting and what their preference might be. Try linking in the style of the USB to the event – there are many shapes and styles to select from.