24 April, 2023

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Promotional Pens for Your Brand

Promotional pens are one of the most recognised products out there, and for good reason. They're practical, have a low cost per impression, come in hundreds of styles, and work for just about every industry/brand. In this guide, we'll cover everything you'll ever want to know about promotional pens, including the type of pen, material, style, barrel shape, ink capacity/colour, branding options, and buying tips.

Types of Pens

Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint pens are the most popular choice in the promo space. They use oil-based ink flowing over a metal ball that applies to a surface. They usually have a click or twist mechanism since the ink will not dry out easily.

Rollerball Pens
Rollerball pens also use a ball to apply ink, but it's water-based and provides a smoother writing experience. However, the ink dries out much quicker, so these pens usually have a separate cap.

Gel Pens
Gel pens use a pigment suspended in a water-based gel, allowing the ink to be vibrant and precise. However, they tend to skip more, and the ink has a longer drying time.

Highlighter Pens
Highlighter pens have vivid ink colours and commonly utilise a felt tip or wax. They are fast-drying and perfect for highlighting an important section of text or notes.

Marker Pens
Markers apply ink via their compressed soft tip. Marker ink is usually permanent and can be applied to most surfaces such as glass, wood, plastic, and metal.

Stylus Pens
Stylus pens have a stylus tip or capabilities and can be used with touch screen devices such as a tablet or mobile phone. These pens usually have a ballpoint writing mechanism and are available in plastic or metal.

Pen Material

Metal Pens
These are commonly made from aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and other metals, and they usually have a heavier feel in the hand and a longer useful life. They tend to be more expensive than their plastic counterparts and can also be laser engraved which ensures your logo lasts the life of the pen

Plastic Pens
Plastic pens are usually lighter in hand and less expensive than their metal counterparts. Due to the way plastic pens are created, they have more flexibility in their shape and are available in much more vibrant colours. However, they do not have the same value perception and cannot be laser engraved.

Pen Style

The style of pen plays a role in the value perception and helps to protect against unwanted pen leaks.

Click Action Pens
These pens have a “click” action mechanism that will hide and reveal the nib by pressing the button usually located at the end of the barrel.

Twist Action Pens
Twist action pens are as the name implies pens that will reveal or hide the pen nib by the twist of the barrel.

Removable Cap Pens
Pens with removable caps are usually rollerball pens that are very nice to write with. The caps can usually be stored on the other end of the pen to prevent ink from drying out.

Barrel Shape

The shape of the barrel influences how the product can be decorated as well as how it feels to write with. Pens usually come in two general barrel shapes:

Sleek/Cylindrical
A sleek style that's usually fairly narrow and comfortable to use. These cylindrical shapes are common with metal pens.

Contoured
This is a common design style with plastic pens and creates a visually appealing shape that's also comfortable to write with.

Grip
Some pens incorporate a grip into their design for both visual appeal and practicality. The grips are commonly made from plastic or silicone.

Ink Capacity
The more ink the pen has, the longer it will likely be used. Here are some tips to help you decide:

Low Ink Capacity - Less than 1000m of Ink
Pens with less than 1000m of ink are typically low-cost options intended for short-term use. Unless you're looking for a disposable pen, it's best to avoid these.

Medium Ink Capacity - 1000m to 3000m of Ink
Most promotional pens fall into this category, offering a good tradeoff between price and useful life expectancy.

High Ink Capacity - Greater than 3000m of Ink
Pens with over 3000m of ink will last a long time, making them a great investment. Look for pens that meet this criterion for a high-quality, long-lasting writing instrument.

Ink Colours: Choosing the Right Ink Colour for Your Promotional Pen

The ink colour of your promotional pen can also impact its usefulness and appeal. Here are the most common options:

Black Ink
The majority of branded pens use black ink, which is suitable for most applications.

Blue Ink
Some pens feature blue ink, which can be a great option for standing out on the page. However, it's not always suitable for legal documents.

Coloured Ink
Pens with coloured ink can be a fun and practical option for separating ideas or adding a pop of colour to your writing. Look for pens that offer multiple colours in one pen for added versatility.

Branding Options: How to Add Your Logo to Your Promotional Pen

Finally, you'll want to consider how to add your logo or artwork to your promotional pen. Here are some common options:

Pad Print
Pad printing is a cost-effective method that works well on curved surfaces. It's available for both plastic and metal pens.

Laser Engraving
Laser engraving provides a permanent, high-quality finish that won't wear off over time. It's typically only available for metal pens.

Digital Print
Digital printing offers full-colour options that can be used on flat or slightly curved surfaces. It's available for select plastic and metal pen styles.

Suggestions for Branding Your Pens
When it comes to branding your pens, there are a variety of options available to you. Here are some suggestions for what to include on your pens:

Logo
Including your logo on your pen is a great way to promote your brand and make your pens easily recognizable.

Website URL, Company Name, and Contact Information
Adding your website URL, company name, and other contact information such as phone number or address can help customers easily find and connect with your business.

Brand Slogan or Marketing Message
Including your brand slogan or marketing message on your pens can help communicate your company's values and messaging to potential customers.

Social Media Handles
Adding your social media handles to your pens can encourage customers to follow your company on social media and engage with your content.

Gift Packaging
For premium pens that are given away as corporate gifts, gift packaging can add perceived value to the product. Here are some options:

Cardboard Sleeve
An eco-friendly and economical option for gift packaging, a cardboard sleeve looks great with branding but may not have the same impact as a gift box.

Velvet Pen Sleeve
A great option for protecting pens from scratches and smudging, a velvet sleeve is not usually available with a print.

Cardboard Gift Box
A simple black gift box can make the gifting experience more special and add value perception to the pen.

Premium Gift Boxes
Reserved for premium pens, custom branded or brand name specific premium gift boxes can make a lasting impression on recipients.

The Printed Pens Team