How can schools can get best ‘bang for buck’ when buying Branded USB Memory sticks?

The most progressive schools understand that USB Memory sticks are an ideal vehicle to allow pupils and staff to store and transport at school and between home and school.

So what are the major advantages for school who embrace Branded USB Memory sticks:

• It reduces the cost of printing and transporting paper, so its environmentally friendly.
• Allows staff to take school information and pupil coursework home to work on, make changes / mark and upload to the school network.
• Pupils can back up coursework that they complete at home or at school as a safety net.
• The USB Memory sticks can be branded with the school logo to add greater affinity with the school.
• Passwords can be added to the Customised Memory sticks so if the data is sensitive it can be made secure.
• Data can be loaded and protected on the Branded USB Memory sticks. So the school could consider providing all the standard school docs, e.g. school term dates, policies, link to web sites etc.
• A unique serial number can be printed to the side of the Branded USB Memory stick to allow any lost memory sticks to be easily reunited with their owner.
• A strip can also be added to the Branded USB Memory stick so users can add their names.

With the current scrutiny of school budgets and horror stories in the media of poor procurement from schools / LEAs, what should you consider when purchasing Branded USB memory sticks.

• Try to obtain three quotes from established UK suppliers
• Ensure that you are offered a line of credit, you should not ne required to make any upfront payments.
• A free sample of the proposed USB Memory stick should be requested.
• Ensure that the chips in the Branded Memory sticks are new and not recycled or reconditioned.
• Consider contacting other local schools and purchasing a larger order with different logos, as economies of scale would definitely drive the price down.
• Explore getting a local company to sponsor the production of the memory sticks and in return you can add their logo / contact details to the back.
• Parents may be willing to make a contribution to the Custom Memory Stick so they can become cost neutral.

The benefits of Branded USB Memory sticks combined with pupils appetite for new technology has lead to many leading schools embracing USB Memory Sticks as an essential tool for learning.