Whilst it’s not a comprehensive list here are our Top 5 tips when buying USB sticks:

1. Simple and strong logo’s work best: Let’s face it, if you’re working for a large corporate company or school then you’re not going to have a huge amount of choice about which logo or brand you use for your printed USB memory sticks. Typically not only will there be a prescribed brand that you’ll need to use but you’ll also have clearly defined brand rules and guidelines to adhere to which dictate print sizes, colours etc.

   Because of the relatively small amount of space on a USB stick ideally you need to use simple logos with strong colours that create a visual impact. It may be necessary to approval to adapt an existing logo to get the best effect.

2. You need the highest resolution you can get hold of: To get a great finish it’s essential that you use high resolution artwork. Vector shaped artwork is best because it will not lose any sharpness irrespective of how big or small you make it. Vector logos will typically be saved as .EPS or .AI files. If you have an in-house designer they’ll understand what’s needed. What you can’t really do is just “grab” a jpeg from your company web site because if you use this to print from the final printed image will look pixelated.
3. Choose a type or style of USB memory stick that compliments your logo: OK, this sounds pretty obvious but some logos look better on a particular style of USB memory stick. Large, complex logos work better on products like the USB Credit Card but simple, clean logos work really well on smaller USB sticks like the Twister (the capless model)

   If you’re not sure what the best option is then ask your supplier to work up a range of “mock-ups” for you. They should be happy to do this for you and at no cost.

4. Don’t go cheap on the memory size: Whilst cost will of course be a determining factor it’s important to get the balance right between choosing the correct capacity and the budget available for your USB memory sticks.

   If you hand out custom USB sticks with a small storage capacity there is less likelihood that they’ll get used. They are “ok” if you’re just using them to distribute data but if you want them to have a life beyond the initial distribution its important you give the user a reason to carry them around. A memory stick with little or no real or perceived storage will just end up in the back of a drawer.

5. Don’t forget to pre-load data: If you have data that you want to load onto your branded USB memory sticks then to get it ready early. This way the data can be loaded during the manufacturing process and it typically won’t cost you anything.

Twister USB Sticks

Local print charges are always higher because wage costs and other associated costs in the UK are significantly higher and this is reflected in the costs charged to set up each colour and then print each colour. This assumes of course that you get your custom USB memory sticks are silkscreen printed or pad printed.

An alternative to these more traditional print methods and one that handles complex prints well is to use an epoxy resin dome sticker. These “dome” stickers are precision machine cut so they fit neatly onto the memory sticks, the layer of resin applied to the sticker helps prevent wear and tear and reduces, significantly, the usual scratching and erosion of logo’s that can occur on printed USB sticks.

Custom USB Memory Sticks With Dome Stickers

Best of all you can achieve stunning results with epoxy resin dome stickers quickly and relatively cheaply – certainly when compared to standard print methods.

So, if you do find yourself in need of custom USB memory sticks printed with a complex logo and you don’t have much time to work with then its definitely worth considering dome stickers. Don’t be put off by the use of the word “sticker” which does tend to carry negative connotations because the finished product as these images illustrate are stunning!

To help demystify the purchasing and manufacturing process we have compiled a glossary of terms. Hope this helps!

A-Grade Flash: This relates to the source of the USB flash memory. Branded A-Grade lets you know that it is a new flash chip, which has been manufactured by one of the major industry brands such as Samsung, Intel and Hynex. These will go through the highest level of quality testing and will carry a longer warranty. They will carry a premium charge.

Artwork: This needs to be provided so the custom USB Memory Stick can carry your logo and / or marketing message. There are many different file types in which artwork can be saved as. The preferred formats which provide the sharpest print are ai(adobe illustrator) or eps (photoshop) and these should be in a vectorised format.

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

Custom USB Forklift

Carabineer Keyrings: Also known as snap link, snap hook, D ring or ‘biner. These are keyring that function like a climber’s carabineer. So great for attaching onto bags or lap top cases.

Data Encryption: There is software that we can add to your Branded Memory Stick that allows any data on the stick to be fully encrypted. This means that if you lose the Memory Stick it would be very difficult for anyone to access the data held on it.

Data Load: It is possible to load your data files onto the promotional USB Flash Drives. The data can be supplied in any format and is loaded onto the drives. Popular data formats are: MPEG’s, PDF’s and Powerpoint Presentations. This data can also be protected so the user can not delete and auto run (see above).

Drive Partition: It is possible to have your promotional USB Memory Stick manufactured with two separate drives. One drive partition can hold data that can not be deleted (protected) and the other can be for saving and storing data.

Duplication: Please reference Data Load.

Embossing: This is the method of adding a logo onto your Leather USB Flash Drives. Sometimes known as ‘stamping’.

Engraving: This is the process of adding a logo onto metal USB Flash Drives. Fantastic results and very durable and is highly recommended as a branding option for metal models.

Full Colour Print: Allows photo quality print but is only available on certain models.

Key Ring: Simple circular keyring which hooks onto the end of a USB Flash Drive.

Lanyard: a cord with an attached hook that is used to hold the promotional USB Flash Drive. Sometimes know as neckties.

Memory: You would usually refer to the memory of a promotional USB Flash Drive simply as ‘memory’, but others terms use are ‘capacity’ and ‘storage.’

The memory sizes come in a range if different sizes. They double up as follows, 32Mb, 64Mb, 128Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb, 1Gb, 2Gb, 4Gb, 8Gb and 16Gb.

1GB of memory is the most popular size but its useful to know exactly how many files this would hold.

Some technical jargon:

• 1024KB (kilobyte) = 1MB (megabyte)
• 1024MB =1GB (gigabyte)
• A good quality photo is about 100KB
• An MP3 music file is about 3MB upwards
• A document file can be anywhere from 25Kb upwards

Branded USB Memory Sticks

Mock Up: An image illustrating the USB flash drive with your logo file. A further proof would be provided prior to production.

MOQ: Minimum Order Quantity

OEM B-Grade Flash: This relates to the source of the USB Flash memory. Brand A-Grade lets you know that it is a new flash chip which has been manufactured by one of the major industry brands, but it is inferior quality and will not carry their brand or warranties.

Pantone Reference: All colours have a specific reference will allows printers to match any logo colours. These 3 or 4 digit references must be provided with the artwork.

Proof: This is a visual of the chosen Flash Drive. It details the layout, size and colours in the logo. It is important that the proof is checked closely.

Shipping: USB Flash Drives are usually manufactured in the Far East, typically from China. Once the items are ready they are flown from China to the UK using a courier. Unfortunately this is not an overnight service and in some cases the items could take 4-5 days to arrive in the UK. Deliveries can be affected by delays in customs clearance either in China or in the UK.

Silk Printing: The most common method of printing onto USB Flash Drives. This option usually offers up to 4 colours to be printed to 1 position. Sometimes know as Spot Print.

Tagging: This is the term used to label a drive letter on a USB memory stick. For example rather than having the generic ‘removable drive’ title, you could add a company name or short message.

Resin Dome Sticker: This is an alternative method of adding a brand to a USB Memory stick. It allows full colour print and ensure that the logo will not deteriorate or be damaged by knocks or scratches.

Rush Service: USB2U hold blank stock in the UK for real emergencies. It is usually possible to have these items printed and delivered to your door in 48 hours. Call your account manager for an update.

USB: Universal Serial Bus. This is an industry standard introduced to allow peripherals to be used across all desktop and laptops.

USB Flash Drive: The most commonly used term but others we’ve heard are; USB memory stick, USB pen drive, USB key drive, USB jump drive, USB thumb drive and USB drive.

USB 2.0: The main primary difference between 2.0 and the previous standard of 1.1 is that the 2.0 USB Memory sticks are faster. USB 2.0 averages a data rate of 480 Mbps (megabits per second) while USB 1.1 only hits 12 Mbps, which make 2.0 about 40 time faster. Your memory sticks should all be 2.0.

USB 3.0: This is the new ultra fast standard for the USB Industry. In short it will allow data transfer of up to 4.8 Gbps. However, this will not be mainstream for at least 2 years.

Wall Paper Feature: You can now have your company logo or brand set as a watermark on the drive screen when your client opens your promotional USB flash Drive. When asking for a quote just let us know whether you would like to add this feature along with your specifications.

Whilst the Winter Olympics are likely to be a more low key affair in the UK the World Cup is set to be massive, particularly in England where support will grow over the next few months to reach fever pitch. So, be prepared to be deluged with flags, pennants, badges, mugs, pens and of course branded memory sticks!

Although its still a couple of years away branded products and merchandise for the 2012 London Olympics are already beginning to appear. There’s no doubt about it global sporting events such as these are a marketers dream. There are very few other platforms with such global reach, such concentrated focus and an “engaged” audience. These sporting events offer a tremendous opportunity to build or reinforce a brand on a truly international scale.

Of course not everyone has access to the huge marketing and advertising budgets that official sponsors of these global events have at their disposal. But you don’t have to be a Coca Cola, Sony, or Visa to take advantage of the branding opportunities presented by sport.

There are always plenty of local or national opportunities for sponsorship that might be more appropriate and better targeted for you. Branding memory sticks with your logo on to support the event (or team) is just one example of how you might participate.

Instead of just printing your logo on a memory stick it’s only marginally more expensive to get a custom 3-D shape memory sticks produced. Imagine supporting your local Hockey Team with a custom shaped USB Hockey Stick or supporting your local Cricket Team with a Custom Shaped USB Cricket Bat. These custom usb memory sticks can carry your brand/logo and be printed with your contact details and of course you can pre-load data onto the sticks as well.

This is no surprise really as Cableduct have always been a company synonymous with innovation and design. They have picked up a string of awards for their cable management systems including the 2008 Innovation Award and the Electrical Industry Innovative Product of the Year award in 2009.

What better way then to show off their Cableduct system whilst at the same time providing their customers with the latest product information and pricing than to commission a fully bespoke memory stick manufactured in the shape of their best selling Cableduct system.

Cableduct Custom USB

The end result looks fantastic. Not only do Cableduct now have a unique USB memory stick but its been loaded with all of their sales, marketing and pricing material. This is an ideal tool for Cableducts sales team to use during customer visits, to give away at trade shows and exhibitions or to use at any Press Event.

This really is an example of custom memory sticks at their best – the shape really does reflect the company and the company’s product(s), it will have massive customer impact and recall and it will really help to underpin the company’s brand and sales activities.

Creating this custom memory stick was very much a team effort with Cableduct coming up with the idea and concept and the team at USB2U working with them to turn it into reality and then taking care of the data loading for them.

During 2010 we expect more and more companies to place orders for custom USB memory sticks rather than standard “factory designs” that are overprinted. Not only do custom USB memory sticks deliver a “bigger bang for your buck” but the historic minimum order quantities and large set up costs associated with this type of product have all but been eroded. The only real consideration is the lead-time to deliver the completed memory sticks. Where are standard “printed memory stick” can be delivered in around 10-14 days you need to allow around 28 days for a custom memory stick.

If you would like pricing on your own custom memory stick then just give our team at USB2U a call or if you prefer complete our on-line enquiry form.

Today custom USB memory sticks can be manufactured from a variety of materials such as PVC, ABS, Silicon and PET. By using these materials the factories have been able to drive down the set-up and production costs without any compromise on quality. Production runs of a couple of hundred pieces are now possible and are they are only marginally more expensive than a standard memory stick.

The manufacturing process means you can now get fantastic detail in either a 2D or 3D custom shape so the design limitation is more to do with imagination than any production process. Examples of custom USB fruit, vehicles and animals abound on the Internet but more sophisticated offerings that dovetail into magazine and TV advertising are now beginning to emerge.

Well conceived and manufactured custom memory score incredibly well in terms of “wow” factor and brand association and because they are now only marginally more expensive lots more companies are opting for them.

There is also an interesting secondary market developing in these custom USB memory sticks and that is amongst collectors. Of course people will collect anything but custom USB sticks have all the characteristics of a product that will drive a secondary collectors market – they are produced in relatively small numbers, they are attractive, fun, functional, quirky and many have additional packaging and other components (key rings, lanyards, presentation tins etc) that can also be collected.

With this in mind if your are commissioning your own custom USB memory sticks its worth ordering a few extra to tuck away just in case their future value rockets. Of course if you are promoting a product or brand that plays into the collectors market(s) then you could also consider a series or range of custom memory sticks to help drive the collectable aspect of them and get some viral marketing and discussion flowing.

Radionhead Custom USB

Since 2007 there have been a few other smaller bands and labels releasing material on USB but now Apple Records have announced the release on the 7th December of the Beatles back catalogue on an apple-shaped USB Stick The 16GB memory sticks is packed with 14 stereo albums, 13 mini-documentary films about the albums, album art and copies of rare. There’s only going to be 30,000 available and although they will cost around £200 they are expected to sell out pretty quickly.

With bands increasingly using various downloading services to distribute their music it unlikely that we’ll see a headlong rush towards the use of USB sticks for music but for some iconic bands with very large back catalogues and a library of videos and other material its an interesting option.

Even if you’re not a global rock/pop band you might want to consider getting a custom USB memory stick produced to support your own advertising or marketing activities. The price of custom USB memory sticks has fallen dramatically over the last year making them only a little more expensive than standard USB memory sticks that use “generic” factory designs.

Just as Radiohead and the Beatles have pre-loaded their material onto the sticks its also possible to pre-load any data you may want to make available to your customer onto the memory sticks.

You just need to come up with the idea and we’ll do the rest. Don’t worry about having to produce polished/finished artwork because we can help with that also. Just give us a call and talk through your ideas with us and we can help you with costs, design and lead-times.

Whilst we can’t claim to have produced the memory sticks for Radiohead or the Beatles we have produced lots of custom memory sticks for a wide range of clients.

All USB Memory sticks will work with the new Windows 7 Operating System as well as being backwards compatible with the older version of Windows.

Unlike the previous Operating System (Vista), which did have the potential to cause issues with branded memory sticks that had pre-loaded data early indications are that this will not be true of Windows 7.

So whether you’re looking to buy branded USB memory sticks or commission your own unique custom USB memory stick there is no need to worry about Windows 7 compatibility.

So what are the benefits of offering Custom USB Memory sticks?

• Branded USB Memory sticks are a unique way to get a client’s brand and content to end users in a simply and cost effective way.
• Branded USB Memory sticks are now in the mainstream, so if you are not in the market you could be losing out to your competitors.
• Customised USB memory sticks are quick and easy to manufacturer and have an intrinsic value associated with them. By adding a small margin you have the potential for a supplementary new income stream.
• If you are new to promotional market Branded USB can be an excellent launch product.

How can you offer Branded USB Memory sticks?
There are two main ways of offering Branded Memory sticks to your customers.

Option 1 – Buying direct from the Far East.

The vast majority of Branded USB Memory sticks come from China and Taiwan. The advantage of buying direct is that you can cut out the middleman and make more margin. However there are many risks associated with this.

• Far East suppliers will want their money upfront, before starting any production. So you will have cash flow gap to fund as most clients will pay on delivery or on credit terms.
• If you have not undertaken careful due diligence on the supplier base you could be risking the quality of the goods that are sent or at worst you may never see any goods!
• The Promotional USB manufacturing process is complex and is riddled with many potential issues that can really cost you from both a reputational and financial perspective.
• Customs, duty, VAT will all need accounting for.
• Post sales support must be provided – so what happens if memory sticks need replacing? Sending Branded USB back to the Far East is a difficult, costly and time consuming process.

Option 2 – Buying from a UK provider.

The good news is that there is an easier and lower risk option. By contracting with a reputable UK supplier they will take all of the problems and risk away from you. They will also manage the time consuming element of the Branded USB manufacturing process, leaving you to manage the customer relationship.

The cost may not be that different from dealing direct, as the larger providers will able to demand great economies of scales.

Finding a reputable UK supplier of Branded Memory Sticks

There are many suppliers providing Branded USB Memory Sticks. As with any industry the quality of the organisations varies widely. Whilst normal due diligence is always required, here are a few tips to help you with the process:

• It is always good practice to run a credit check to make sure your supplier is in good financial health. This is more important if you are being asked to pay upfront for the Branded USB Memory sticks.
• Reputation speaks volumes. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and testimonials from their existing customer base and make contact. If they have provided excellent service levels, they will not be embarrassed to share their successes.
• Make sure there are full contact details on the web site including address and contact telephone numbers – and phone them!
• Ensure they are working from a business premises. There is a growing trend for individuals pertaining to be companies are working from home without the infrastructure to support you if things go wrong. An easy way to check this is by using Google Earth.

Apart from picking up your P45, there may be something that can be done  to rescue the situation.

Firstly a problem shared is a problem halved! Contact the UK Branded USB provider assuming you have not purchased direct from the Far East. A reputable company will give you more than excuses and apologies, they should help to dig you out of this hole. If you have purchased direct then contact the factory and wait for the normal  response of ‘return the goods and we shall replace’. This typically takes 3 – 4 weeks and your deadline has already passed!

So what goes wrong and how can you correct it?

1. Delays in customs. If you need the goods urgently, the Far East or UK customs have an unwitting way of selecting your order for inspection. Not much that can be done other than to provide your courier with a letter or authentication prior to despatch to minimise the risk.
2. Courier delays. If the Branded USB Memory Sticks have been delayed in transit and are now stuck at a UPS / FedEx / TNT international hub, you may be able to save some time. Ask them to hold them at their hub rather than sending on a next day delivery and arrange for a point to point courier to pick them up and deliver direct to your event or client. Beware it will have all the commercial invoices on the box so if you want these to remain undisclosed you’ll need to ask the courier to remove.
3. Problems with the Branded USB print. If the brand police are not happy, but end users will not really notice then commercially it may be worth using the USB Branded Memory sticks and then kicking the provider’s shins very hard and asking for a part refund. However, if there is something materially wrong, then ask a UK printer if they can remove the logo using a special solution and then reprint. Can be costly but worth a shot. Alternative produce some dome stickers with your logo printed on and place on top of the offending print.
4. The Promotional USB Memory sticks do not work when you plug them in. You will need to test on various operating platforms and not behind a corporate firewall as this may restrict access. If there is still a problem then format all the disks and pray!
5. Problems with the dataload on the Custom USB Memory Sticks. If data has been loaded on to the USB Drives and it is not protected or has an autorun function then simply format the Branded USBs and reload the data. For quantities of less than 100 units, grab a very long coffee and spend a few hours doing this thankless task. If time does not permit, or if the quantity is higher then contact a UK data duplication house who can do this for you at a price.

If the disks are protected then panic! The only chance you have is to ask the supplier for software that will allow you to reprogramme. This is both a technically difficult and a time consuming process.

If none of the above works then search for a UK supplier that holds blank USB Memory sticks and who can print within the timeframe required. Swiftly followed by a phone call to your corporate lawyer to get your money back from the cowboys that produced the original batch.

Finally always insist on a pre-production working sample, that way you will know exactly what you are going to receive and allows you to sleep easier…well just a little!