The varying grades of flash drives can confound even the most perceptive customer. A Grade, B grade, Tier One, and Tier Two are the most common distinctions. Unfortunately, different flash drive companies sometimes call these grades by different names and incorporate different aspects into them. This jumble of information can get confusing very quickly. This article lays out the differences between the grades and a mark up for a CFgear order, just for clarification. Any remaining questions can be directed to a CFgear representative.
Satisfying customers is the main goal at CFgear. They want to make a product to your specifications, exactly. A competitor may sell a flash drive for a lower price that appears to compare to CFgear’s top-quality products. However, the speed will not. Speed and durability are the factors CFgear grades by. For example, a flash drive with 3mb/s write speed or lower performs at the B grade level. This specific speed also indicates the quality of the internal parts. Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) parts and generic or recycled components all perform slower than factory direct products. The parts inside of a B Grade flash drive are always cheaper and come with shorter warranty policies. CFgear is more than happy to explain the specifics in your order. These details are the components that drive pricing, not just custom labels and cool packaging.
CFgear offers an amazing variety of flash drives. All advertised prices are 5mb/s+ write speed with a limited lifetime warranty. Negotiating a lower price will lower the quality and warranty. Here is an example of their very popular 1GB Swivel USB on a 500 piece order. (Prices accurate as of June 2011. Prices vary due to market fluctuation.)
Tier One
Advertised price includes: top-of-the-line materials and components. 5mb/s+write speed and CFgear’s limited lifetime warranty. — $4.76 each
Tier Two
Advertised price includes: OEM flash memory and controller chip. Maximum 2mb/s write speed and a 1-year warranty. –$4.16 each
Tier Three
Advertised price includes: fully reconditioned components and recycled materials with no warranty. — $3.86 each
The best way to insure the purchase of quality flash drives is to require a 5mb/s or more write speed. A company who cannot promise that is not giving you the same quality as CFgear. Comparing flash drives before purchase should not be extremely difficult if you look at speed and durability above all else. More questions should be directed to a CFgear representative at 1-800-371-1984. They also have an online inquiry form at www.cfgear.com and accept emails at consumeraffairs@cfgear.com.
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