Pens

A.T. Cross Company Caran d'Ache Cartier Pen Fisher Space Pen Lamy

Montblanc Parker Corporation Pelikan Holding AG Porsche S.T. Dupont

Sensa Sheaffer Pens ST Dupont Societe Anonyme Visconti Waterman

Guide to Business Pens

Find the best pens to use for writing and personalized pens to promote your business
By Kate McMains

	ABCs of Pens Ballpoint pens, gel pens, rollerball pens and markers are good for everyday office use. Personalized pens are an inexpensive way to spread your marketing message. High-end pens, such as fountain pens, lend an air of professionalism.

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 for Personalized Pens

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 for Personalized Pens

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.