Every brand is always searching for another way to get its name into people's minds and conversations and its products in people's hands. Pens—though they admittedly may seem a little cliché—are literally a simple, cost-effective way to do both. Pens are a great standalone product or an easy add-on, and they've stood the test of time as an incredible promotional product.
"Why pens?" you might ask. And that's a good question.
Second to wearables (shirts, hats, etc), pens are the most highly purchased and utilized promotional marketing tool on the market. Why? Well...
They're used almost everywhere every day. Though so much of our lives has moved into the digital world, we're not a paperless society. We still use pens. In schools, workplaces, places of worship, banks and other businesses. And what's the first thing we do when we reach for a pen? Read what's written on it.
People regularly keep promotional items given to them by businesses for up to 2 years. Imagine how many times your brand name will work its way into their memories over that time. And consumers also admit they they will most likely give the brand whose name they've been seeing on those items the first shot when purchasing in their niche.
There are a number of other reasons you might choose to add pens to your list of products, add them onto another product, or just order them to give away, but a very powerful reason is cost. Pens are effective, but they're also highly cost-efficient. Even nice pens—and you should not buy cheap ones, because the effectiveness of the pen will be tied to your brand—are relatively inexpensive when bought in bulk.
If you pursue the route of creating a nice pen for your customers, you want something that represents your brand well. Here are a few features available that will help you choose the correct pen for you and your customers.
Pen
While pens come in a variety of styles, there are a few that stand out compared to others and run the gamut, price-wise. Montblanc, Lamy, Pilot, Platinum Preppy, Uni-Ball, and Zebra all boast top ranking pen styles. Typically, there are 4 categories of pen styles: gel, rollerball, ballpoint, and fountain pens. The pen body will either be made of metal, plastic, or wood, and may have a click point mechanism, pen and cap, or a twist-style body.
Tip
For the tip, one can select between medium tip, fine tip, or extra fine tip. The most common options are fine tips, especially if this will be used for journaling or drawing. Extra fine tips may be recommended for artwork where the writer needs crisp lines. Medium points are most generic and are recommended if someone is looking for a “one-size-fits-all” style.
Ink
Once you have selected the pen and tip you would like, you can then choose between water based or oil based ink, as well as the color. For colored inks, pigment is typically added to a water based ink, so that would make your decision for you.
Design
You can design the body of the pen, as well, with options for laser, ink, or engraving. If you choose a pen body that contains a clip, your logo may also be added to it, assuming it fits the size and shape of the space. We recommend going with simple, clear text if that space is utilized.
Box
Not all pens come in boxes. However, if you are looking to up your product game, adding a box can not only create a feeling of luxury, but also increase the value of your pen. Typically, pen boxes will come with either a plastic or foam insert to hold the pen in place, while the outside can be matte art paper wrapped over a plastic cover. The box also offers more real estate to feature your brand’s designs and logo for further brand recognition.
In short, pens are a great investment if you’re looking to expand your line with something memorable that won’t break the bank. Reach out to us to discuss pen options for your brand!
Ready to create the perfect product to please your customers and enhance your brand? Contact us here, and let's create something great together.