It’s important to make considered and informed decisions when purchasing personalised pens for your business. Here are some of our top tips to help you through the process.
When it comes to promotional products, personalised pens have stood the test of time as one of the most effective and affordable marketing tools. Custom pens not only serve as functional gifts for clients, employees, or event attendees but also act as a constant reminder of your brand, ensuring that your business stays top of mind.
Define the target audience for your personalised pens
Before you start browsing pen options, it’s important to define the target audience for the personalised pens. Are you using them as giveaways at a trade show or conference? Or are they intended to serve as branded office supplies for your team? Understanding your goal will help narrow down the choices and ensure you select the right style, design, and quantity. For instance, if you’re giving pens away at a conference, you may want something eye-catching and high-quality to make a lasting impression. If you're providing pens to employees, practicality and durability could be more important factors.
Choose the right pen style
Pens come in a variety of styles, each with a distinct purpose and appeal. Popular options include:
• Ballpoint pens - known for their reliability and smooth writing experience, ballpoint pens are a great all-purpose option for business branding.
• Gel pens - with a smooth and vibrant ink flow, gel pens can elevate the writing experience and are often viewed as a higher-end option.
• Fountain pens - if you want to convey luxury and sophistication, a fountain pen may be the right choice. They are excellent for formal occasions or high-end business relationships.
• Retractable vs. cap pens - retractable pens, also known as click pens, are convenient for everyday use. Learn more about the benefits of click pens, including why they are the more cost-effective option.
At Fast Pens, all our custom pens are ballpoint click pens – read Roller ball pens Vs. ballpoint pens to find out why! We have an extensive selection of metal pens, plastic pens, and eco-friendly pens, as well as the stylish Parker Jotter ballpoint pen which is part of our executive pen range. By choosing the right style that aligns with your business identity, you can ensure that your personalised pens reflect your brand effectively.
Consider quality and durability
When choosing personalised pens, quality should never be overlooked. The quality of the pen speaks volumes about your business and can leave a lasting impression on clients. High-quality pens are more likely to be used regularly, increasing brand visibility and enhancing your company's reputation.
Look for pens made from durable materials, such as metal or high-grade plastic, that provide smooth writing and last longer. Cheaper pens might save you money upfront, but if they break easily or don’t write smoothly, they can create a negative experience for the recipient. Remember, you want your personalised pen to represent your brand in the best light possible.
Pay attention to branding and design
Another critical element when buying personalised pens for your business is the branding and design. A pen is not just a functional item—it’s also a marketing tool and there are lots of ways to use personalised pens to promote your business. Therefore, you need to make sure the pen effectively communicates your brand message.
• Logo placement - ensure that your company logo is prominent but not overwhelming. It should be placed in a visible spot, such as on the barrel of the pen, but avoid overcrowding the design with excessive text or images.
• Colours - stick to your brand colours or select hues that align with your company’s tone. Consistency in colour reinforces brand recognition.
• Typography - choose fonts that are easy to read and professional. Overly fancy or hard-to-read fonts may deter customers from using the pen.
The key to designing the perfect pen lies in keeping it simple, elegant, and aligned with your brand’s personality. At Fast Pens, our innovate and easy-to-use online design engine allows you to use your existing branding or to create new designs. Our pens offer generous print areas too and can be printed on both sides where required.
Consider the grip and comfort
If the pen isn’t comfortable to write with, it’s less likely to be used regularly, which could limit its effectiveness as a promotional item. Consider the grip of the pen and its overall ergonomics. Pens with rubber grips or contoured designs are usually more comfortable for extended writing sessions, making them a practical choice for businesses that want to ensure their promotional pens are appreciated and frequently used.
Order quantities
Personalised pens are most cost-effective when purchased in bulk, as ordering larger quantities can often result in substantial discounts which will allow you to maximise your budget. Additionally, having a supply of personalised pens means you’ll always have them on hand for giveaways at events, client meetings, or as part of a corporate gift set.
However, for the start-up business particularly, marketing budgets can be negligible. Look for a supplier that offers a reasonable minimum order and allows you to choose the pen style and design that aligns with your business needs.
At Fast Pens, our per unit cost decreases as order volume increases, but we impose no minimum order quantity for any of our products (see our online price list) enabling new businesses to budget accurately and carefully.
Select a reputable supplier
Last but not least, it’s essential to work with a reliable supplier that specialises in promotional products. Look for a supplier that offers high-quality customisation options and provides clear communication about delivery times, prices, and return policies. Reading customer reviews and testimonials can also give you a good sense of the supplier’s reputation.
Choosing Fast Pens for your personalised business pens
Buying personalised pens for your business is an investment in your brand’s visibility and reputation, and at Fast Pens, we have over 40 years’ experience in the print industry, which extends beyond stationery to stickers and labels, name badges, signs and graphics, heat seal transfers, and workwear.
Our friendly and knowledgeable sales team is available via email to offer help and support. For those who prefer a more personal interaction, the team is available over the phone on 01790 729833 for new customer enquiries, or on 01790 755833 for existing customers.
