Even in the age of electronics, we still need good pens; ballpoint pens, fountain pens, gel pens, rollerball pens or markers are often the best tools for a job. Pens are also a popular giveaway item - promotional pens are easily personalized and company logo pens are inexpensive when bought in bulk. Fancy, high-end pens make excellent one-size-fits-all corporate gifts for clients.
When shopping for pens, consider the following:
1. Many types of ballpoint pens, gel pens and rollerball pens are used in all offices.
2. Personalized pens or logo pens are useful marketing tools for your business.
3. High-end fountain pens and ballpoint pens make distinctive corporate gifts.
4. Pens have even become a new type of low-tech device to provide identity theft protection.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Ballpoint pens and other types of pens are an office essential
Find a one-stop shop for a variety of general office-use pens, such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, rollerball pens, gel pens and markers.
I recommend: Quill Pens has a wide selection of pens for all uses and offers online access to your order history to make reordering easy.
Green Earth Office Supply has an unusual selection of recycled pens. For general office-use ballpoint pens, go to any office supply store, such as
Staples,
OfficeMax or
Office Depot.
Personalized pens and logo pens are mobile marketing tools
Personalized pens, also known as promotional pens or logo pens, are a classic marketing tool that can be customized for your business. They make great take-aways for trade shows and put your company's name in the "write" hand of your customer.
I recommend: Branders.com has a wide selection of promotional pens to fit all budgets including ballpoint pens, rollerball pens and gel pens.
Dayspring Pen Shop has a special "fast ship" section for last-minute orders.
Fancy fountain pens and ballpoint pens make elegant corporate gifts
If you want to impress clients with a memorable corporate gift, consider high-end pens, such as fountain pens or other stylish pens. They're affordable and inexpensive to ship.
I recommend: Absorbent, Ink. offers a variety of fancy fountain pens, ballpoint pens, rollerball pens and more.
Gel pens can protect your business
Some of today's gel pens use ink that can't be washed away, which can help prevent check fraud and identity theft.
I recommend: Quill Pens has an interesting article outlining how pens fight fraud. See a selection of gel pens at
Amazon.com.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Keep the utilitarian ballpoint pens in the supply cabinet, and the expensive fountain pens in your desk drawer.
- Don't try to include too much information on logo pens - usually your company name and phone number or website address will do.
- Distribute your personalized pens at trade shows and conferences and hand them out to customers on a regular basis.
The official source of Business Pens is the Pens page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
Fine Personalized Pens and Fountain Pens - $50 and UpFine Engraved Executive Pens and Fountain Pens. Personalized Sterling Pens, Desk Sets and Waterford Pens. $50 and Up. Corporate Pens and Programs.
www.ThePenWorks.com
Promotional Writing Pens - Daily DiscountsSave on Promotional Writing Pens. $50 Off First Order. Free Samples. Instantly Preview Items With Your Logo. Browse Products now!
www.branders.com
Sensa PensFind Sensa Pens Solutions and Compare prices at Shopica.com. Search products and stores before making a purchase. Start Now!
www.Shopica.com
Subscribe to
Try our free weekly WhatWorks newsletter, with business how-to advice
& resources from Work.com.
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
