Data Preloads
1. What is Data Preload? Data preloading is where we load/save digital content provided by your client onto each lfash drive. Common data preloads would be such things as, PDF Catalogs, Videos, Marketing Materials, JPEG Pictures, Software Programs etc. The rule of thumb...anything that can be saved onto a computer's hard drive can also be saved onto a flash drive. The only restriction would be that the total file size of the preloaded content cannot exceed 95% of the memory size of the flash drive.
2. Is there a maximum preload size?No. There is no limit as to the maximum size of any preload. The only restriction would be that the amount of data preloaded cannot exceed 95% of the memory size of the flash drive.
3. How do I prepare the data content for preloading?You simply select and compress all files and folders of your preload into a single ZIP file. You then rename the zip file with the GD number that will be provided to you by USB Promotions. IMPORTANT: ZIP only the files and folders you want to be preloaded onto the root of each flash drive. Often we find clients putting the data content into an unnecessary folder (for example folder PO98979-Flash_Drive_Order) and then subsequently zipping the entire folder. This is not suitable, for if we were to unzip and preload the contents it would include the parent folder called PO98979-Flash_Drive_Order. So please only zip the files and folders you want preloaded, nothing more.
4. How do we send you our zipped file containing our preload?Once your data content for preloading has been zipped and named properly(see #3 above), you will then need to upload the zipped file to our FTP servers. Login details and instructions will be emailed to you on how to upload to our FTP servers. NOTE: If the total file size of your preload is under 5 MB's, then you have the option to attach the zipped file to an email. However, anything more than 5 MB's must be uploaded to our FTP servers.
5. What proofing is provided to ensure the integrity of the preload?As standard practice with all preloads we provide 3 ways to help confirm the integrity of the data being preloaded.
First we unzip your preload and take a screenshot/image of all File(s) and Folder(s) that will appear when viewing the root of each flash drive. This image will be emailed to you for your client's inspection and approval.
Secondly we indicate on this same screenshot image the total number of files and folders throughout your entire preload; as well as the total file size of your entire preload after being unzipped. For comparison purposes we specify the total preload size in total number of BYTES. Having this information allows you to then accurately compare and confirm our specs against the clients' original.
Thirdly, your approval email will contain a link to the zipped file containing your preload, after being prepared for production. This provides your client with the final opportunity to download, unzip and thoroughly test their preload contents. Doing so is recommended as it allows the client to ensure 100% that we are preloading exactly what was sent to USB Promotions.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure that your preload has been thoroughly tested. Apart from what was mentioned above, we do not test or validate the data in any way; we simple preload what we have received.
6. Are there any set-up or run charges?Run Charges: Run charges may apply on larger preloads. Please login and click the link titled "Data Services", located on the top horizontal menu, in order to view current run charges.
Set-up Charges: The $45.00 Set-up charge to prepare your preload is waived for all preloads. However, should there be any changes to the clients preload after the preload has been prepared and the screenshot has been sent for approval, then a charge of $45.00 net will be applied for each subsequent change.
7. What is auto-run and do you recommend it?Auto-run was a feature that allowed the computer to automatically run applications directly from a flash drive after being inserted into most Windows computers. Since the introduction of the auto-run feature, it has been plagued with compatability issues. For example, auto-run's will not work on any MAC operating systems, they also will not work on many Windows versions. And since 2011 Micosoft has now eliminated all auto-run features from their operating system; meaning there is no way to make a flash drive auto-run. All this to say...we strongly discourage the use of the auto-run feature.