At Fast Pens, we are in the business of supplying personalised business pens and promotional pens, so we thought we’d take a look at some interesting facts about them – just for fun!
Promotional pens are a staple in marketing and branding efforts worldwide. These seemingly simple items have a fascinating history, surprising uses, and an undeniable impact on businesses and consumers alike. Whether handed out at trade shows (see Making the most of trade shows with personalised promotional gifts), included in welcome kits, or given as part of a promotional campaign, personalised business pens have proven to be one of the most effective marketing tools. Here are some fun facts about promotional pens, and pens in general, that highlight their significance and appeal.
The collective noun for a pen lover
A lover of pens is known as a stylophile. The word papyrophiliac refers to a lover of paper but it is generally used to refer to a lover of stationery and writing materials.
The origins of the word ‘pen’
The word pen is derived from the Latin for feather, penna. Writing quills were fashioned from sharpened feathers and began to be called pens.
Personalised pens for business are almost a century old
Promotional pens date back to around 1935, when cartoon characters were printed onto fountain pens. Pepsi-Cola created a pen with a clip in the shape of its bottle but it wasn’t until after World War II when plastic became more readily available, that customised pens began to take off. Since then, personalised pens and the promotional pen industry have evolved significantly, with innovations in design, ink technology, and branding techniques.
Personalised pens are one of the most popular promotional Items
According to the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA), a personalised pen is the top promotional product to have on your desk, followed by mugs, sticky notes, personalised notebooks, and calendars.
Promotional pens can travel!
One of the most intriguing aspects of promotional pens is their ability to travel. A single branded pen can pass through multiple users over its lifespan, extending the reach of the company’s name far beyond the original recipient. In fact, it is estimated that a promotional pen changes hands around 7-8 times, making it an incredibly cost-effective advertising tool.
A customised pen has an impressive lifespan
High-quality executive branded pens like the Parker Jotter ballpoint pen can last for years, depending on how frequently it is used. The average pen contains sufficient ink for 45,000 words and some pens can write for nearly two miles before running out of ink! This long lifespan ensures that a company’s brand remains visible for an extended period, reinforcing its message repeatedly.
The largest ballpoint pen in the world
Since 2011, the world’s largest ballpoint pen has been the creation of Indian Acharya Makunuri Srinivasa. This magnificent specimen measures an impressive 5.5 m in length (18 ft 0.53 in) and weighs in at 37.23 kg (82.08 lb 1.24 oz).
The most valuable pen ever sold at auction
Comprising 945 black diamonds, 123 rubies and an 18-carat gold nib, the unique one-of-a-kind Fulgor Nocturnus by Tibaldi sold at auction in Shanghai in 2020 for an eye-watering $8million!
Ballpoint pens don’t leak at high altitude
When World War II pilots discovered that the ballpoint pen didn’t leak at high altitude, it quickly became a firm favourite as a reliable writing instrument.
Ballpoint pens have been to space
Designed by Paul Fisher for the 1968 Apollo space mission, the Space pen functioned in zero-gravity, upside down and underwater.
Promotional pens from Fast Pens
From stylish and sleek metal pens to eco-friendly bamboo pens, we offer a wide choice of promotional pens. This enables our customers to choose pens that reflect their brand identity, whether it’s a luxury feel with the digitally-printed Parker ballpoint pen or an environmentally conscious message on our recycled paper pens. We also supply personalised stylus pens for added functionality.
Promotional pens may seem like simple giveaways, but their impact is anything but ordinary. They are cost-effective (see our online pricelist), widely used, and capable of leaving a lasting impression on consumers. Whether you receive one at a trade show or borrow one at a restaurant, chances are a promotional pen has found its way into your hands at some point. With their long lifespan and high visibility, it’s no wonder that businesses continue to rely on promotional pens as a key part of their marketing strategy.
To use promotional pens to advertise your business, contact the team now on 01790 729833 (new customers) or 01790 755833 (existing customers). Alternatively, the team is always contactable by email.
