Watch Out for These Pitfalls When Choosing a Custom Branded Pen
Custom branded pens are one of the most popular promotional items around—and for good reason! They’re practical, affordable, and everyone loves having an extra pen. But not all pens are created equal. Before you go all-in on that sleek-looking writing tool for your brand, here are a few pen pitfalls to avoid, presented with a touch of humor!
1. The Leaky Pen (Not to Be Confused with the Lucky Pen)
Ever handed someone a branded pen and immediately heard them ask for a tissue? That’s the dreaded leaky pen. Sure, it might leave a lasting impression—but do you want your brand associated with ink-stained fingers and shirts? Probably not. Make sure your chosen pen is more about smooth writing and less about surprise messes.
2. The Too-Fat-to-Hold Pen
Ah, the oversized pen. Tons of branding real estate, but unless your clients are secret powerlifters, gripping it may feel more like a workout than a writing session. While it offers space for your logo to shine, keep it user-friendly. Nobody wants a pen they have to hold with two hands.
3. The Too-Simple Stick Pen
Classic, minimalist, straightforward... or just plain boring? The too-simple stick pen is the one that looks like it came straight from the bottom of the office supply closet. It works, sure, but it won’t wow anyone. If your brand deserves a little extra flair, so should your pens. Otherwise, it may end up in the pile of “just another pen.”
4. The Stylus-Is-in-the-Way Pen
In theory, a pen with a built-in stylus is great for multitasking. In practice? Sometimes that little nub at the end is just awkward. It feels like it’s poking you when you try to write, or it keeps rolling off the table like a mischievous cat. If you go for a stylus pen, make sure it’s designed for comfort as well as tech-savvy use.
5. The Recycled-Material-Pen-That-Recycles-Too-Fast Pen
We all love eco-friendly products, but some recycled-material pens take the "reuse" concept a little too seriously. These pens sometimes break down faster than your brand’s next social media post. If you want a pen that screams "green," make sure it doesn’t start disassembling itself in the process.
6. The Clicker-with-a-Mind-of-Its-Own Pen
Ah, the classic click pen. Fun to use, right? Until it starts clicking on its own. The clicker-with-a-mind-of-its-own pen is like that one friend who just can't stop tapping their foot—once it starts, it doesn’t stop. Imagine your client in a meeting, fidgeting with your branded pen that won’t stop clicking. They’ll remember your brand all right, but maybe not for the best reason.
7. The Writes-Beautifully-for-About-a-Week Pen
This pen starts out strong, offering a smooth and elegant writing experience... until a few days later when it runs out of ink. Or worse, it becomes that annoying, scratchy mess that makes you wonder why you even picked it up. If you want longevity for your brand’s reputation, choose pens that last longer than your favorite TV show’s cancellation.
8. The Cap-That-Will-Disappear Pen
Some pens come with caps so loose they seem to vanish into thin air the second you take them off. Or even worse, the cap becomes a projectile in an impromptu desk war. Branded pens should have caps that stay on—otherwise, they might become the next office toy instead of a writing tool.
9. The "It-Was-a-Great-Idea-on-Paper" Pen
You know the one. It looks cool, has all the bells and whistles—a flashlight, a stylus, a bottle opener—but the actual writing function? Meh. Sometimes, less is more, and a pen should always prioritize writing over doubling as a Swiss Army tool (unless you're actually selling Swiss Army knives!).
10. The Fancy-Pen-in-a-Fancy-Case Pen
At first glance, this pen screams sophistication—it comes in a sleek, luxurious case that looks like it belongs in a museum. But once the pen is out? Meh. It writes just like any ordinary pen. You’ve essentially paid for the packaging, and while it might impress at first, your clients might wonder if they can trade the case for a pen that’s actually as amazing as it looks. Sometimes, simplicity with quality beats flashy presentation!
Final Thoughts
Custom branded pens are a small investment with a big impact—if you avoid the pitfalls. Whether it’s leaky, too bulky, or just a little too clever for its own good, the wrong pen can turn your well-meaning gesture into a headache. Stick with quality, functionality, and style, and your clients will be reaching for your pen again and again (instead of hiding it in the drawer).
With so many options available, choosing the right branded promotional item can be overwhelming. Since 2016, we, at Florida Custom Merch, have helped numerous businesses achieve success through the use of custom branded promotional merchandise. Hiring an expert can help you select the perfect item, save time and money, and, most importantly, maximize your results.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful!
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