Promotional pens—most businesses use them, but most customers don’t. Are you considering promotional pens for your business? There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to purchase promotional pens to advertise your business at an event such as a conference, trade show, or fair. Pricey promotional pens might work best for you, but make sure you understand why before you spend a huge percentage of your budget on promotional pens.

First, it is important to understand why promotional pens are the traditional promotional product that every gives away. Promotional pens are not the most fun or original, but companies hope they are useful. How many women do you know that do not carry a pen in their purse? How many homes do you know that do not have a “junk drawer" with a few pens in it? How many cars do you know that do not have a pen in the glove compartment? Pens are used in a number of places, and so companies want to give you a product that you can use too. The disadvantage here is that everyone has promotional pens. Although they can be quite inexpensive, there’s a good chance that your potential clients don’t actually need any more pens.

A solution to this problem is to look for pens that stand out above the crowd. Promotional pens are traditionally the least expensive items you can buy. However, if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars, you can get pens that are neat shapes, have bottle openers or tape measures on the cap, light up, include bubbles, or even come with four different colors of ink. Sound pricey? They are, in some cases. However, that’s only when compared to the price of cheap plastic promotional pens. At first, it may seem expensive, but then compare these prices to promotional coasters, mouse mats, key chains, bottle openers, and other promotional products. In fact, promotional pens with these special features aren’t really as expensive as you may think.

Are pricey promotional pens a good idea for you, then? Well, maybe. It depends on your clientele and your products or services. It also depends on your budget. You shouldn’t break the bank to buy pricey promotional pens if you need a huge quantity. If you still aren’t sure if they are right for you, remember that there may be valuable opinions right in your own company! Ask your other employees how they feel about promotional pens and your business. People love to give opinions, and their insight might help you to decide if you should choose the less expensive pens to buy more or the more expensive pens to attract higher-end customers.

There’s no right or wrong answer for everyone. Since every business is so different, you have to determine by yourself which option is best for you. Promotional pens, when used correctly, can really help you to make the most of your advertising budget. Check out all of your option to imagine how they might work for you!