The power of printed USB drives is simple: the company is giving out a useful device that will constantly remind the user who gave it to them. Business cards get put in a wallet. Pens get thrown in a car, a purse, or thrown in a cup. A memory stick is something that a person can benefit on a constant basis; the cost is higher than a pen, but the memory stick will be far more useful than the pen ever was. The company can really get their name out there by putting it on these devices that many people use every day.
The fact is that a memory stick has become the new 3 ½ floppy disc; some people may not remember them, but they were the primary means of transferring documents. Promotional USB memory sticks have taken over this particular function and are used to transfer entire presentations, architectural plans, and a whole host of electronic files. The cost of the memory stick has come down in recent years too and it makes it possible to give them away as a promotional gift without too heavy of a hit to the wallet.
Some people leave their USB drive in their computer all time. Some people take the memory stick with them wherever they go, just in case they need to pick up an important file. Using Branded USBs is a great way for a company to be ever present in the mind of a computer user. Each time the person takes out their memory stick they will be hit with that logo and the memory of the chartable company that gave it to them. It is a simple and practical way to help people out while getting free advertising. With an appropriately attractive logo other people will inquire about the USB and the person can relate how they received the gift for free.
When it comes to a pen, a company is not often interested in the construction. It is sort of a cheap one shot deal that a person might use the pen a few more times, but if the ink runs out or the construction is poor the person will just toss the pen and get another. If one of the printed USB drives dies with important documentation on it, then it is highly likely the person will partially blame the company for providing a shoddy product. Finding a solid offer is good, but taking into account the quality and construction is very important.
Using branded USBs is a great way to show people that your company is willing to go above and beyond what others are willing to do. Instilling the idea that your company is willing to provide higher quality products and gifts is a sure sign the company wants to do quality work. Not to mention it adds a bit of class to a company that is willing to give you a moderately expensive piece of computer equipment, instead of a plastic pen that is likely to break in a few weeks.