| Despite the current price volatility in the memory stick | | | | Underpinning the demand for branded memory sticks |
| market their popularity as promotional giveaways | | | | is the realisation that not only do they make an |
| continues unabated. The current weakness of Sterling | | | | excellent and popular giveaway but used properly they |
| (GBP) against the US Dollar has pushed prices back | | | | can also help to reduce other print, production and |
| up a little but hopefully once the uncertainty of the UK | | | | transportation costs. By pre-loading the memory sticks |
| General Election is behind us things will settle down and | | | | with sales brochures, price lists, presentations, media |
| prices will fall again. | | | | files and so on companies are now reducing |
| Whilst demand for branded flash drives is not | | | | significantly the amount of printed media they produce |
| completely immune to pricing, orders continue to be | | | | and take with them to trade shows, exhibitions and |
| strong with demand for bespoke and custom flash | | | | conferences. When these cost saving are offset |
| drives seeing a noticeable increase. | | | | against the purchase cost of the USB pen drives |
| The forecast for the remainder of 2010 is that prices | | | | (including the data loading) the business case for their |
| of the core components that make up the memory | | | | purchase is pretty compelling. |
| sticks (the flash modules and PCB's) will remain largely | | | | The other major benefits that drive the popularity of |
| unchanged albeit the usual season peak in the run-up | | | | memory sticks are: |
| to Christmas will no doubt happen as it does every | | | | - High perceived value |
| year. | | | | - Handy and easy to use |
| The one real unknown is what will happen in the | | | | - Large range of designs and styles |
| currency markets. Some analysts and speculators are | | | | - Great brand ambassadors |
| suggesting that the pound (GBP) has now "bottomed | | | | - High levels of repeat usage |
| out" and that there will be a slow but steady | | | | - Easy to store and distribute If you're looking to buy |
| strengthening throughout the rest of the year. But | | | | branded flash drives in the short term for your |
| conversely others are predicting a rocky few months | | | | company then, given the current volatility in the market, |
| as the UK heads towards and comes out of the | | | | make sure you shop around for the best all inclusive |
| General Election. | | | | deal and lock in the price for as long as possible. |