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Branded Flash Drives – Certainly No Flash in the Pan

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

When something is described as being a “flash in the pan” its generally considered to be a failure or something that you assumed would offer some value but let you down when it came to the crunch. Believed to have derived from a failure of gunpowder charges in flintlock muskets (the “pan” in the musket held the gunpowder and if it failed to ignite and discharge the round it was described as a “flash in the pan”.

Twisters - Pantone Matched

Branded and Promotional Flash Drives certainly don’t fall into this category. In fact, flash drives (also called memory sticks, USB pen drives and thumb drives) are on set to become one of the best selling promotional products of recent times. Why? Well, these humble little drives deliver on so many levels:

Fantastic Brand Ambassador – Flash drives carry print incredibly well and can even be produced in a 3-D representation of your brand or product. The print quality achievable today by the factories that produce the flash drives is superb with many drives now able to support photo realistic printing. So, no matter how complex a logo or brand is, it can be reproduced to a very high standard.

High Perceived Value – Anyone given a flash drive is immediately going to recognise the worth of what they have been given and will attach a high perceived value to the item. By association this “value” transfers to any brand printed on the drive and engenders a feeling of gratitude and satisfaction.

Easy Distribution of Sales Data and Files – unlike inert promotional products such as umbrellas, mugs, caps etc. flash drives give you the capability to pre-load your sales material onto the flash drive. This is an incredibly powerful capability because not only can you distribute easily and cheaply all of your brochures, price lists, presentation slides but you can also include media files and applications that start automatically as soon as the flash drive is inserted in any USB port on a PC.

Harbours

Small and Portable – Memory sticks have never been the largest of products but even so the current generation are roughly 25% smaller than they were a couple of years ago. This is good news not just in terms of portability for anyone that is given a promotional flash drive but also for any company having to transport flash drives to a show or event. Compare the shipping overhead of transporting 1,000 small flash drives around compared to 1,000 umbrellas or mugs.

High levels of repeat usage – The fact that flash drives are very popular for saving data to and carry files around means they are handy for use at work, school and home. As a consequence they get high levels of repeated use and with this there is repeated brand exposure.

Relatively inexpensive – Whilst they might be a little more money than a mug, a keyring or a cap they are still relatively inexpensive and the costs can be kept low by ordering smaller memory sizes. Be careful you don’t go too low though because its important if you want to give the recipient enough memory storage and motivation to use the flash drive. When you factor in the costs you can offset on transport, printing of brochures and sales literature and combine this with the benefits outlined above branded flash drives more than stack up in terms of cost vs benefit.

Without doubt branded flash drives are here to stay, they deliver time and time again in terms of real value to the giver and receiver and as such they will never be a “flash in the pan”

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Branded Flash Drives – Certainly No Flash in the Pan

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Scratch Resistant Flash Drives That Give Greater Protection to Printed Logos

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Whilst the vast majority of printed USB flash drives are pretty robust and will brush off the knocks and bumps of everyday use, the logo that you get printed onto them will ultimately wear off and scratch over time.

Although most printed flash drives are protected with a lacquer, which the factory applies after the print process, this is not sufficient to give a life long guarantee. If the printed memory sticks are attached to a key ring then the wear and tear inflicted on the printed logo is going to be quite severe and again this will shorten the life of the printed logo.

Given that one of the key drivers for buying branded flash drives is to promote your brand the likely longevity of the print should a key consideration.

Realistically, no supplier is going to be able to give you any hard and fast warranties on just how long the print will stay on simply because no one can anticipate the environment in which they will be used. But allowing for fair wear and tear and “normal” usage if such a thing can be defined you should expect your printed logo to last for more than a few weeks. If the print does start to fail early on then go back to your supplier and ask for an explanation and a plan of action to deal with the issue.

If you’re anticipating that your branded flash drives might take some punishment once distributed to your clients then you might want to consider a model or style of flash drive where the printed logo fully protected under a layer of resin. The benefit of these resin coated sticks is that they support a full 4 colour print process and a clear layer of resin then “encases” the print not only giving it excellent protection but also making the finished product incredibly tactile.

Scratch Resistant Flash Drives

Scratch Resistant Flash Drives

The resin layer enhances the finished product and of course has the added benefit of protecting your logo or brand.  So if you’re looking for a scratch resistant flash drive that offers greater protection and looks fantastic then consider something like the Express Flash Drive from USB2U

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Scratch Resistant Flash Drives That Give Greater Protection to Printed Logos

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Customised USB Memory – Tip 4. The Manufacturing Process Explained

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

In the forth of the series of top tips to consider when purchasing Customised USB Memory Sticks, we explain the manufacturing.

Once you have selected your supplier (See Tip 3) it’s worth understanding the manufacturing process, as this will give you a great appreciation of some of activities and the supplementary questions that you may wish to ask. On the face of it you would assume that the manufacturing process for Customised USB Memory sticks would be simply. However, pulling back the veneer shows a complex and challenging process.

Custom USB

There are 3 hardware components that make up a Branded Memory Stick:

  • The Flash Memory Chip, which comes in various memory sizes from 64Mb to 16Gb.
  • The PCBA Board which houses the Chip, Electronics and USB Connector
  • The casing that houses and protects the USB Memory Stick. These come in a myriad of shapes and designs.

Custom USB

Your UK supplier will be contracted to the factory/s that will purchase each of the above three components and assemble them. The following is the typical process a reputation factory would follow:

  1. They will purchase the Flash Memory Chips from companies such as Samsung, Hynix, Micron, Intel or other OEM brands. Care that they do not use B grade or recycled flash memory.
  2. All chips will be tested before attaching into the PCBA
  3. Any data that needs to be added onto the USB Branded Memory Stick is typically loaded at this stage. Again all units are QA tested. A screen print of the data will be sent to the client for sign-off.
  4. The factory will purchase the housing from dedicated manufactures. Again whilst certain models look the same it is important that only quality material is used.
  5. The next step is for the factory to screen print, emboss or engrave logos onto the shell of the USB Memory Stick. This can be a long and drawn out process if completed by hard, however most of the larger factories have fully automated printing processes. A proof will be sent to the client for signoff.
  6. The factory’s production line is then responsible for inserting the PCBA into the housing.
  7. Once the units have been assembled a full QA is again undertaken.
  8. Any accessories are added to the USB Branded Memory sticks, e.g. key rings.
  9. Finally they are packing into gift boxes or bubble bags.
  10. A courier picks up the goods, which need to be cleared through the originator’s and UK customs.

This entire process can take between 7-14days

The UK suppliers should undertake their own QA process before despatching these to you.

View Tip 1. Here, Tip 2. Here, Tip 3. Here.

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Customised USB Memory – Tip 4. The Manufacturing Process Explained

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Customised USB Memory – Tip 3. How To Select Your Supplier

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

In the third of the series of top tips to consider when purchasing Customised USB Memory Sticks, we explain some of the elements you should consider when selecting a supplier of Branded USB Memory sticks.

There are two options to consider:

Custom USB

Option 1. Selecting a supplier from the UK

Most orders for Customised USB Memory sticks are normally processed via a UK intermediary. These organisations manage the entire end-to-end process, but more importantly most will ensure that the manufacturing process is fully audited and of a high quality.Custom USB

So what should you be looking for when selecting a supplier? Of course price is important, but this should not be the primary driver. A small saving may be a false economy if end users start to experience problems when using the Branded Memory Sticks. Think of the reputational risk and the inconvenience of getting these replaced.

Whilst there is no substitute to full due-diligence, there are some simple things you can do to sort the wheat from the chaff.

  • First Check they have a proven track record by contacting previous clients.
  • Ensure there is a contact telephone number on the site and speak to a representative.
  • Ensure they are working from business premises. There is a growing trend for individuals pertaining to be companies, but working from home without the infrastructure to support you if things go wrong. An easy way to check this is by using Google Earth.
  • Ensure they only use new branded USB Flash Chips.
  • Finally do not pay for any part of the order until the goods are in the UK and ready for despatch.

Option 2. Selecting a supplier from the Far East.Custom USB

The primary benefit of purchasing from the Far East is that you can potentially save money. However, it is a complex process and would expose you to a high degree of risk. The key disadvantages are that:

  • You must undertake due diligence on the provider to ensure they are a genuine company. It seems that every contact that sells Branded USB memory sticks claims to be a factory. This is factually incorrect, at best most are intermediaries.
  • All suppliers will ask for the full funds to be transferred to their bank account before they commence any work. So a real act of faith.
  • If things go wrong it is extremely difficult to send items back to the Far East. At best you may get the supplier to repair / make good any errors, but this would take several weeks and you have to pay for them to be shipped to the Far East.
  • There are many pitfalls that could occur if the order is not correctly specified to the Far East supplier. For example, ensuring that dataload autorun is as requested by the client or are they using genuine class A USB Flash chips.
  • Finally if you wish to purchase direct from the Far East, manufacturers are desperate to secure new business and will offer heavily discounted rates by cutting many of the quality corners mentioned above.

In short, if you are an infrequent purchaser of Branded USB Memory sticks then purchase from a recognised UK supplier. If you purchase on a regular basis then it may be cost effective to purchase direct from the Far East, but ensure you undertake full due diligence and ideally visit the factory before sending any money.

View Tip 1. Here, Tip 2. Here.

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Customised USB Memory – Tip 3. How To Select Your Supplier

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Looking For Inspiration – Consider Promotional USB Flash Drives

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Lets face it; if you’ve been tasked with coming up with a promotional giveaway for a forthcoming event, campaign or conference it’s never easy. After all trying to come up with something a little bit different that is relevant to the audience and more importantly is within budget can be a chore.

If the items in question have also got to be transported to the event then size and weight might also be an issue or at least something you need to consider. This is particularly true if the event is overseas where shipping costs might well exceed the actual cost of the items and then of course there is VAT and Duty to consider at the point of entry into the country – no one said it would be easy!

Promotional USB

If you’ve already exhausted the old favourites like printed pens, T-shirts, key rings, cups and mugs etc. then you’re task will be all the harder. Whilst these great favourites are good options you might consider printed USB flash drives.

Printed USB flash drives (also sometimes referred to as memory sticks or USB Pens) not only look fantastic when printed up with a company logo but they are incredibly popular with the recipients because they really are very useful and handy things to have.

Flash drives are available in a wide range of styles and memory sizes so you’re bound to find something to suit your taste and budget. If you want to go the extra mile you could even commission a fully bespoke flash drive that is manufactured in 3-D shape to reflect your company’s products. Just remember if you do go down the custom route to allow yourself a little longer when placing the order.

Promotional USB

One of the beauties of a printed USB flash drive is their compact size. Typically they will come “bulk supplied” so there is no excessive packaging to worry about. They are also incredibly light so if you do have to take them to an event venue you’re not looking at a huge logistics operation.

To really get the best value from a promotional USB flash drive you can pre-load them with your sales data sheets, price lists, web links and media files. If you’re really organised these files can be loaded for you by the factory during the manufacturing process. The cost of doing this is tiny and in some cases free but it does rely on you having the information and files ready when you place the order.

There are lots of companies now supplying promotional memory sticks so shop around to get the best deal but do buy from a reputable supplier with a proven track record because its all too easy to buy cheap/cheerful versions that are not quite what they seem and will have a high failure rate.

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Looking For Inspiration – Consider Promotional USB Flash Drives

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Branded USB Memory – Tip 2. The Hidden Dangers Of Autoruns

Monday, February 15th, 2010

In the second of the series of top tips to consider when purchasing Branded USB Memory Sticks, we explore whether autorun make good business sense when set against the hidden pitfalls!

Many clients are faced with the dilemma of whether they should add an autorun facility to their Branded USB Memory Sticks.

An autorun facility allows users to insert a Branded Memory Stick and for the computer to automatically run a programme e.g. a movie file.

USB Dataload

The advantages of this facility is that it ensures the user is presented with the information the client wants them to see, without having to find the information themselves. This makes is a very intuitive process and ensures the information on the USB Memory Stick is delivered. However there are some hidden pitfalls:

  • Autoruns will not work on Win 98 or 2000 operating systems – beware there are still many users out there with these systems. You will also need to ensure that the appropriate code is written into any autorun for it to work on Mac operating systems.
  • Some corporate firewalls restrict autoruns, so the danger is that the end user will never see the data.
  • Nuisance factor. If one of the objectives is to ensure that the USB Branded Memory Stick is a keepsake that the end user will access on a regular basis then its worth bearing in mind that every time the user wants to access or save a document they will have to run through the dataload programme. Fine for the first few times, but thereafter they may find this an irritation and relegate the memory stick deep into a draw!

There is a middle way, why not consider loading the data onto the Branded USB Memory Stick with an icon labelled ‘Click Here To Start’ and allow the user to access the data when they want.  This data can be protected so it would not be deleted, but overcomes may of the issues detailed above.

If this is not an option, then it is highly recommended to produce a pre-production sample of the autorun. In this way you or your client can test the autorun in the environment it would be used. You do not need to have the final data file to complete this exercise.

Another option would be to load the same data as a non-autorun file on the unprotected part of the Branded Memory stick. In this way, if the autorun fails to work, the user still has the option to select information manually.

There is no doubt that autoruns are a great method to deliver information, but ensure you and/or your client are aware of the pitfalls and try to build in a safety net, as once produced it is extremely difficult to reload the data without returning to the manufacturing plant, which is usually based in China.

View Tip 1. Here.

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Branded USB Memory – Tip 2. The Hidden Dangers Of Autoruns

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Customised USB Memory sticks are getting more and more unusual

Monday, February 15th, 2010

At USB2U, we are asked everyday for unusual and wacky Custom USB ideas. People are certainly realising now that they no longer need to settle for a standard ‘Classic’ model and that Customised USB’s are much more acceptable in terms of cost these days.

Certainly the shapes and sizes we get asked for seem to be getting more and more unusual. We’ve been asked for cricket bats and balls, light switches, animals and parts of the human body!!

Custom USB’s are far more simple to produce than you’d think. All we need initially is a concept/design to work from and we’ll create a mock up to show you how the custom USB would appear.

You could even send your own hand written drawing or idea for us to work from.

Our talented design team will then arrange a visual mock up to bring to life your idea. Once the mock up is approved we then create an actual physical sample of the product – the most common material used to make customised USB’s is PVC, but they can also be made using plastic or metal.

After the sample has been approved the factory then produces the final quantity ordered and they are shipped into the UK via a courier then direct to you. The whole process for Custom USB’s from order to delivery is usually between 14-21 days.

So, if you have an upcoming event or meeting and require something different it could be worth considering Custom USB’s. All you need to do is contact the team at USB2U and we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

Custom USB - USB2U

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Customised USB Memory sticks are getting more and more unusual

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Do you have stock of Branded Twister USBs that are dated and unusable?

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Maybe you have changed your logo, phone number, web address or just need to promote something new, but still have stocks of your old branded USB memory sticks.

One of the many advantages of using the Twister USB Memory Stick is that the branding is on the removable metal clip, as opposed to other USB Memory sticks that are branded directly onto the housing. This makes the most valuable part of it, the housing, reusable if your branding requirements change.

It is a cost effective method and easy process to change the clip from Branded USB Memory Sticks. With just a few precautions to take to ensure that the USB housing isn’t damaged or scratched. It is also important to ensure that the new clip is installed correctly to ensure a snug fit.

The following steps should be followed for a smooth transition from one clip to another:

  1. To avoid fingerprint marks on the Branded USB Memory Twister, it is advised that you wear gloves before handling the goods. To remove the old clip, put the forefinger of your left-hand into space inside the metal clip to prise it apart and open it up to get the plastic housing out. This should avoid any scratches to the housing.Recycle Your Branded USB's
  2. Before attaching the new metal clip you need to pinch it together to ensure a snug fit.Recycle Your Branded USB's
  3. In order to avoid defacing the housing, wrap a small plastic bag around it before attaching the clip. Prise open the clip just enough to squeeze it around the housing with the plastic bag sandwiched in between as a protective barrier.Recycle Your Branded USB's
  4. Lastly, carefully pull out the plastic bag to reveal the finished Branded USB Twister.Recycle Your Branded USB's

If all of these steps were carefully followed, you would never know that the clips had not been factory fitted.

Your Branded Twister USBs are now ready to use.

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Do you have stock of Branded Twister USBs that are dated and unusable?

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Cheap Printed Flash Drives – Fact or Fiction

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Everyone loves a bargain but is there such a thing as a good quality cheap printed flash drive. Considering that any item that is printed with your company’s brand effectively becomes an ambassador for you company its important when sourcing branded products that you don’t compromise on the core quality of the product by buying cheap.

This is particularly true of memory sticks. Anyone given a printed memory stick is going to want to trust it to store and carry data on. They will expect any promotional memory stick carrying a corporate brand to perform equally as well as, if not better, than memory sticks from regular brands such as Kingston, Sony or Transcend. If you’re printed memory sticks underperforms or worse fails and the user loses their treasured or important data this negative memory will be associated with your brand.

Equally if you want to pre-load the memory sticks you are buying with data before your distribute them then you don’t want to discover when you come to load them that they are slow or worse fail. Today its common for memory sticks to be loaded with Sales Sheets, Product Sheets, Web Links, Audio and Movie Files and other sales collateral. Implicitly you need this data to be accessible and readable otherwise why go to the trouble of preparing it and loading it. Trusting it to a cheap, sub standard memory stick that might have been manufactured using Grade B (recycled) flash memory chip sets would be false economy.

Express Flash Drives

Express Flash Drives

The core component of any memory stick is the flash memory module and the controller chip that goes with it. These have a price in the market just like any commodity and most factories that assemble memory sticks buy from the same small number of flash manufacturers at the prevailing rate. The price variance in the market of the finished memory stick (within a given memory size) is driven by the costs of the shell/case around this core component, the assembly costs, the manufacturers profit margin and the currency exchange rate to bring the memory sticks into the country. Given this the price for any printed flash drive should be broadly similar so if you are being offered prices below the general market price ask yourself why but more importantly ask your supplier why. Ensure you get some guarantees on the grade of chipset being used and check the credentials of the supplier.
In reality the only safe way to reduce the cost of branded memory sticks is to:

  1. Buy memory sticks with a smaller capacity, e.g. 128MB instead of 1GB. The smaller the memory capacity the cheaper the stick but don’t go too small or you will give the user little incentive to carry and use it.
  2. Plan ahead to ensure you allow sufficient time to get them printed at the point of manufacture e.g. in China. Last minute orders mean your supplier will have to print them locally and local printing is typically 3-4 times more expensive.
  3. Avoid times of high demand and limited supply when the prices are driven upwards. Typically this is during Chinese New Year and in the run up to Christmas.

As with everything in life you get what you pay for and printed memory sticks are no exception!

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Cheap Printed Flash Drives – Fact or Fiction

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If You’re Buying Branded USB Memory Sticks Take 5 Minutes to Read This

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Its no exaggeration to say that USB memory sticks are now incredibly popular to the point where they have replaced CD’s and DVD’s as the way to backup personal data and carry it from place to place. Their popularity is driven by their ease of use, their portability and their relatively low cost. Its not uncommon for people to have multiple flash drives with one for work and one for personal data and of course they tend to get replaced/upgraded every year or so to the “latest” model or just a version with more  storage capacity.

Branded Memory Sticks - Click to enlarge

The growing dominance of the once humble USB memory stick is something the promotion and advertising sector spotted early on. Think about it, its rare to attend a conference, show or seminar and not have been offered at least one promotional memory stick. The reason is understandable – not only are they incredibly popular but they are an excellent way to distributing sales material, links to web sites, media files, presentation slides and lots more besides.

Of course in accepting a branded memory sticks (often pre-loaded with data) you are complicit in the on-going promotion of the “givers” brand beyond the event. It is though a real “win win” for both parties because the giver gets great brand exposure and brand association with a highly regarded product whilst the recipient gets something truly useful rather than a cheap/tacky gift that will be discarded quickly.

branded memory sticks

But, a word of warning before you rush to buy branded memory sticks; there are a number of important factors that you must consider:

Am I getting A Grade (new not recycled) Memory Chips?

In the world of flash memory chips not all chips are equal and it’s not just the memory size that is the differentiator. Flash memory chips provide the storage capability inside a USB flash drive and these memory chips are graded by the industry. Only “Grade A” flash memory chips are new and provide certified transfer speeds and guarantee access to the full amount of advertised memory on the chip. Other grades are likely to have failed the factory QA process or will have been salvaged from other products. The consequence of using or buying anything other than Grade A chips is likely to be seen in terms of high failure rates, slow/read write speeds and an inability to access or use all of the claimed memory.

Before you order your memory sticks make sure you are getting new Grade A flash memory chips in your memory sticks and choose a supplier you can trust. Its very difficult to spot the use of cheap chips from a visual inspection of the delivered goods. expected and its possible you’ll overpay for what you’re getting. Always check with your supplier that they are using Grade A memory chips

Should I order USB 1.x, USB 2.0 or event the new USB 3.0 and does it matter.

In short make sure you order USB High Speed version 2.0 memory sticks. Anything using USB 1.1 is old and slow and whilst version 3.0 might be tempting because its new you’ll pay a huge premium for USB 3.0 and its not necessary.  Whilst you might get USB 1x versions at a bargain price anyone you give them to will quickly get frustrated with the slow transfer speeds and abandon them.

RoHS Compliance – You need to understand what this is.

RoHS or the Restriction of Hazardous Substances to give it its long hand  applies to thousands of electrical and computer components imported into the EU. The RoHS legislation is designed to protect the citizens of the EU against hazardous chemicals and substances and its legislation that you and your supplier must comply with. If you are found to have imported non-RoHS compliant products into the EU then you have no defence by arguing that your supplier was to blame. You are collectively responsible and the fines for non-compliance are significant. Before you order anything ensure you ask your supplier about RoHS compliance and if necessary get copies of RoHS certificates.

WEEE Compliance – Educate yourself about what it means to you

The WEEE directive was implemented to encourage reuse and recycling. The Directive states that 65% of all IT kit must be recycled. Some items like old monitors, PCBs (printed circuit boards), computers and batteries should be treated before disposal. It might surprise you but the small, humble USB memory stick falls into this category. As such you ought to advise anyone you give the branded memory sticks to of their obligation under this directive. Failure could result in prosecution.

Choose a reputable supplier who you can trust and who can demonstrate a proven track record.

There are lots of companies springing up (many operating from back bedrooms) that will offer to supply you with branded USB memory sticks and custom flash drives. Whilst their prices may look attractive the above points demonstrate that there is more to buying memory sticks than just price. Choose the wrong supplier and you could get more than you bargained for. You have a corporate responsibility to understand your obligations and to ensure you comply. Ignorance is not a defence.

A reputable supplier will understand the issues and compliance requirements. They will be able to provide you with copies of RoHS and WEEE certificates should you want them for reassurance. Branded memory sticks are fantastic promotional products but just like anything else you buy the better informed you are the better placed you will be to secure not only a great commercial deal but a deal a deal that does not come back an “bite you in the bum”

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If You’re Buying Branded USB Memory Sticks Take 5 Minutes to Read This

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