Here at iPromo, as you might suspect, we are avid readers of gadget blogs from all over the World Wide Web. Lately, we’ve seen some bad PR go around about flash drives. New York Times Online put together a list of gadgets that you should either use or loose; things like desktop computers, camcorders, and books. Although the New York Times brings up some very valid points about tossing old technology, we still cannot understand why they would hate so much on USB flash drives. The short blurb about thumb drives discusses how file sharing is now done online and via email. Google Docs has done wonders for collaborative projects and emailing documents has been around since the popularization of email in the early 90’s. Virtual document sharing isn’t as new of an idea as we like to credit ourselves with. The short paragraph goes on to say that “a USB drive is just something to misplace or break.” *
Our first reaction to this small but massive statement was panic. Millions of people read the New York Times daily and take their advice. We can’t argue that personalized thumb drives can be lost or stop working. This is a fact of life. However, we’d like to tell you where the New York Times overlooked the benefits of flash drives. Here are a few short examples:
- Give-a-ways: Custom flash drives have replaced standard tradeshow handouts like pens, lanyards, notepads, and other desk paraphernalia. We’re not discouraging you from purchasing these items, just keep in mind how many of these items are lying around your own office… would you really like more clutter? How do you think your customers are feeling when they receive a goody bag stuffed with pens whose ink dries in a matter of a month? Those kind of objects get tossed when they no longer function or run out. Flash drives, on the other hand, can be used and reused and reused. Even if you accidently run them through the wash. Plus, they give that extra confidence boost to those who aren’t especially technologically advanced.
- Picture and Music sharing: There is a reason why wedding photographers, musicians, and almost all those who work in the arts buy imprinted flash drives. Minus the fact that their names look much more professional, they are able to hand out a promotional item that attracts new business. Promotional flash drives do much more than just make a name look pretty, they allow for huge files; pictures, video, and music, to be shared in their original size. This means that the user controls the size of the pictures and videos without compromising on resolution. With music, it allows users to share music and make it viral without having to look for a pirated copy online.
- Free Advertising: Customized flash drives are designed so they can be customized. Customization can range from imprinting a name, a logo, a phone number, a website, or even a picture if space permits. The design of a flash drive is such that is large enough to have an imprint and small enough to fit in your pocket. Even if it is lost, the Good Samaritan picks it up and tries to find its rightful owner, will no doubt pay attention to the details imprinted on the drive.
Even though our list is short, we hope that we have provided you with enough reasons to not give up on imprinted flash drives just yet. Custom drives speak not only for you but for your business as well. Would you really chuck something that says so much with so little effort? For more information or to order, call 888 994 7766 or email sales@ipromo.com.
* To see the whole New York Times article, please click here.
