Many people know they can purchase printed pens to advertise their company or
service. What you may not realize is the variety that is available in a custom
pen selection. Choices are offered to fit a variety of needs, niches and
personalities. You can say a lot with your pen choice, so understanding the
options is essential.
Basic Pen and Cap Packages
One of the cheapest custom pen options is a basic plastic blue or black
ballpoint with a cap. When purchased in bulk, these pens only cost a few cents
each, which is why you see them in businesses where a lot are given away. Banks
and hotels usually offer these types of pens to anyone who walks through the
door. This is the pen you choose if you want volume and are less concerned with
long-term quality.
Beyond Basics
The next step in custom pen marketing includes click pens, roller ball options
and pens that are abnormally sized or shaped. For example, a popular drug
company often hands out pens that are triangular instead of cylindrical. These
pens stand out, but are not overly expensive. They are usually made of plastic,
contain standard ballpoint elements, and are printed with a company logo and
contact information.
Deluxe Custom Pens
Deluxe pens may be high-quality metal or gel pens. They might also be pens with
a secondary purpose, such as a pen with a highlighter on the end or a pen with a
light. These products are much more expensive, although deals can be had when
purchasing in bulk. Even at a good deal, you may not want to provide a basket of
these pens in the lobby of your building. Instead, most companies use deluxe
custom pen products in targeted marketing visits. Drug reps deliver them to
health care staff, for example, but pharmaceutical companies would not send them
out to patients.
Niche Custom Pen Options
Knowing a bit about your target market will help you choose niche pens your
customers are more likely to use. For example, anyone who markets in the health
care field knows pens are prime currency in a hospital. If nurses find a pen
they like, they want to hold on to it before it walks away with someone else.
Custom pens that hang on a cord around the neck are perfect in such situations.
If you market to outdoors people, a waterproof pen or something that can write
on many surfaces may be optimal. Likewise, pens that have lights, whistles or
other extras will appeal to different customers.
Choosing the right custom pen for your advertising needs requires you to
understand both the volume of pens you will give away as well as the desires and
needs of your consumer base. Always remember, you can choose multiple products.
Many companies have a cheaper pen for large giveaways and a more expensive
variety for targeted marketing.