When you are looking to stock your office supply cabinet, consider purchasing mechanical pencils instead of traditional pencils. In addition to these pencils always being sharp, they are also a very economical choice, because depending on the type of pencil you buy, you may be able to purchase replacement lead and erasers in the future, as opposed to having to buy new pencils again and again.

When you are looking into mechanical pencils pricing and costs, it's a good idea to have an idea of the other items you may need to purchase when buying mechanical pencils for your office. Consider these ideas:

1. Choose mechanical pencils for a great way to save money on office supplies.

2. Buy replacement mechanical pencil lead instead of having to purchase a whole new pencil.

3. Check out replacement erasers for your mechanical pencils and be ready for any mistakes you might make.

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Use mechanical pencils and never use a pencil sharpener again

Mechanical pencils are the choice of many workers in today's offices. Never again will you need to search around the office for a pencil sharpener, as these pencils always have a fresh supply of lead just a few clicks away. There are reusable pencils where you can buy replacement lead and there are disposable ones that you throw out when the lead runs out. The reusable ones tend to be more expensive outright, but purchasing replacement lead is often less expensive than buying more disposable mechanical pencils.

I recommend: Graphite Pen & Pencil Company sells economical mechanical pencils at prices that start from around 25 cents per piece and go up to around 60 cents, depending on the quantity ordered, with a minimum order of 250 pencils. Check out Empire Promotional Products for a large variety of mechanical pencils that range in price from around 50 cents up to about $6.

Purchase replacement lead for your mechanical pencils and save money on office supplies

If you have a mechanical pencil that is refillable, then you will eventually need to purchase replacement lead. The price for the replacement lead depends on a couple of things, such as the size of the lead and the number of pieces in the package. Often this product comes in multi-packs so while you may pay a little bit more up front, each piece is less than you would pay if you purchased them separately. Buying replacement lead for your mechanical pencils is usually less expensive than buying a whole new set of pencils.

I recommend: Gotoforms.com carries many different kinds of mechanical pencil lead in prices that range from around $1.75 up to around $2. Quantity discounts are available. When you are looking for replacement lead for your office’s mechanical pencils, check out RapidSupplies.com. Their lead selections range in price from about 50 cents all the way up to about $5 per piece.

Consider buying mechanical pencil replacement erasers in bulk

Just as mechanical pencils need replacement lead, they also need replacement erasers from time to time. It depends on the type of mechanical pencil you have, but replacement erasers are usually inexpensive and buying in bulk will save you a considerable amount of money, especially since erasers don't wear out all that often.

I recommend: When it’s time to stock up on some erasers for your mechanical pencils, go to Discount Office Items where you can get these three different kinds for about $1 per piece. Look no further than SuppliesNet.com when you need some replacement erasers. Their prices range from around $1 up to about $2 for erasers.

Customers from students to professionals may prefer mechanical pencils over their traditional wood counterparts. Mechanical versions not only create a smooth and consistent line when writing or drawing, but are also more convenient since they never need sharpening.

With lead diameters ranging from .3mm to .9mm, automatic pencils write with a finer point than standard writing pencils. When stocking lead refills, consider that the majority of your customers will opt for the .5mm or .7mm sizes. With that in mind, also aim to order mechanical pencils in a variety of styles:

1. Stock packs of disposable mechanical pencils for students who’d rather use and toss the writing utensils.

2. Offer refillable mechanical pencils along with lead and eraser refills that customers will perpetually need.

3. Find mechanical pencils with additional features for diverse applications and added convenience.

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Provide disposable mechanical pencils as economical options

Students who write a lot (or often lend out and lose writing utensils) will appreciate inexpensive mechanical pencils that they can throw away after exhausting the lead. Display multi-packs with different barrel designs and thicknesses, including solid colors to appeal to older customers.

I recommend: ReStockIt.com offers boxes of PaperMate disposable mechanical pencils that resemble the standard Number 2 versions used in school. Click on the "Mechanical Pencils" link to see other packs of mechanical pencils, information and pricing. Concord Enterprises distributes cases of 6 and 10 packs of disposable mechanical pencils at wholesale prices.

Promote refillable mechanical pencils for environmentally conscious customers

If your clientele would rather reuse and recycle their office supplies, stock refillable mechanical pencils that they won't have to throw away. Choose styles ranging from economical plastic models to high-end metallic styles weighted for writing comfort.

I recommend: StorePulls.com sells several mechanical pencil styles, including four packs of refillable pencils packaged with extra lead. Wholesale Warehouse Supply sells inexpensive refillable pencils with a sophisticated finish. Check the mechanical pencils list for information on the types of lead refills and erasers that you should also stock.

Add mechanical pencils with additional features to attract specific customers

In addition to 'regular' mechanical pencils, also offer versions that cater to specific users. For example, students and professionals alike will appreciate the convenience of multi-function utensils that house a pencil and highlighter in the same barrel. Other customers may need versions with metal lead sleeves that keep the lead from breaking or thick rubber grips to prevent hand fatigue.

I recommend: SuppliesNet.com is a mechanical pencils provider that offers auto-feed drafting pencils with lead sleeve supports designed to work with heavy duty straightedges. The site also sells an assortment of disposable pencils in bulk quantities. Get multi-feature mechanical pencils that combine pencils, pens and highlighters from U.S. School Supply.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although you can display packs of disposable and refillable mechanical pencils along with the rest of your inventory, keep expensive pencil styles behind a locked counter, near cash registers or inside bulky plastic security containers. Otherwise, it's far too easy for shoplifters to slip them into a purse or pocket.

Mechanical pencils are preferred by many customers over classic wooden pencils. Mechanical pencils offer the user comfort and do not require sharpening. Mechanical pencils range in styles and prices from disposable to executive drafting pencils. Companies who want to stock mechanical pencils for resale or for office use should review mechanical pencils types and styles in order to locate the right type of pencil to meet your need.

Mechanical pencils types and styles are available in three categories: traditional, drafting and promotional pencils. All mechanical pencils come with different lead sizes. Know which size you need before purchasing. Traditional mechanical pencils normally come in packages of two to 12, or are sold by the case. Drafting pencils are designed to match high quality standards and are made to last for many years. These are sold individually, paired or in a set with a high quality pen. Promotional pencils are printed with your company's information or logo and are sold by the case.

1. View traditional mechanical pens options.

2. Compare different styles of drafting mechanical pencils.

3. Use promotional mechanical pencils to advertise your company.

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Locate traditional mechanical pens options

Traditional mechanical pencils have storage space within the pencil for extra lead. These pencils also come in a disposable style, which allows you to use the pencil until the lead is gone, and then simply throw the pencil away. Traditional mechanical pencils are made of plastic with some small parts made of metal.

I recommend: Office World carries traditional mechanical pencils from all major manufacturers. ReStockIt.com supplies a wide range of traditional mechanical pencils. Visit Wholesale Warehouse Supply to find mechanical pencils for bulk orders.

Discover available drafting mechanical pencils options

Graphic artists, architects and other professionals use drafting pencils to work on projects. Drafting pencils are designed with fine points for drawing. These pencils have advanced grips and are made of higher quality materials than traditional pencils. These pencils are normally made of metal or high-grade plastic with rubber or gel grips.

I recommend: Compare different features of drafting pencils at Office Depot. Browse the vast selection of mechanical pencils available at PenCity. Dick Blick Art Materials sells many mechanical pencils for drafting.

Create custom or promotional mechanical pencils

Writing utensils are the highest sellers among all promotional products. Many companies choose mechanical pencils as one of their promotional products because they are useful, lightweight and customers enjoy them. These pencils are available in both traditional and drafting styles to meet consumers' needs.

I recommend: Create custom mechanical pencils through Holland USA. View your custom mechanical pencil options at RushKing Promotions. ThePenGuy.com works with you to create promotional mechanical pencils for businesses.

For an office that wants a lot of writing power with easy restocking, good ecology and efficiency, mechanical pencils can be a great alternative to those old wood and paint models. Over the years, these refillable graphite tube pencils have become popular in a lot of different work places, not just for efficient stocking, but for branding opportunities. Knowing about some of the key terms for types of mechanical pencils is good for business buyers looking for either internal supply or gift choices.

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Lead diameters

Mechanical pencils have different diameters of 'lead' (actually graphite) that buyers can choose from. The lead diameter is the thickness of the graphite piece that users write with, and it influences the feel of using the writing point, as well as the resulting line on the paper.

I recommend: Find out more about lead diameters for mechanical pencils at Pencil Talk.

Lead grades

Another choice for a mechanical pencil is the lead grade. Two scales are common: the European HB scale, which indicates degrees of hardness and blackness, and the traditional numbered scale we know from wood pencils. Buyers should know about any lead grade requirements before buying. For example, when pencils are used to fill in computer scanned forms, a No. 2 lead is usually preferred.

I recommend: See more on lead grades for mechanical pencils at Dave's Mechanical Pencils.

Pocket safe

Mechanical pencils that sellers call 'pocket safe' are models with retractable tips. Pocket safe mechanical pencils are less likely to cause problems, as this advanced feature protects clothing and pencil containers.

I recommend: See more on pocket safe mechanical pencils and other features for these high-tech writing instruments at Cult Pens.

Ratchet based mechanical pencils

The ratchet base has become a practical standard for mechanical pencils. This type of pencil works on the principle of incremental mechanical advancement of the internal lead piece. A ratcheting button pushes the lead forward slowly as it depletes.

I recommend: See more on ratchet based mechanical pencils and other varieties at Absolute Astronomy.

Replacement erasers

Lots of mechanical pencil users rely on replacement erasers to easily refit pencils when the original eraser wears down. These special eraser heads are customized to fit onto pencil tips.

I recommend: See visuals on replacement erasers at Pencil Things.

Liquid lead pencil

The liquid lead pencil goes a step further than its traditional hard graphite cousins. With the liquid lead pencil, the lead 'flows' from the pencil tip, much like ink from a pen.

I recommend: See more on the liquid lead pencil and other styles at this page from WiseGeek.