If you give away a business card, you never know if the person will keep the card or simply throw it in the garbage as soon as you turn your back.
On the other hand, if you give away printed pens, that pen will likely go into a pocket or purse and remain with the potential customer until it is lost, given to someone else or runs out of ink.
The money invested in these pens is a great use of your advertising budget.
Pens are available for almost any budget.
They may be inexpensive stick pens all the way up to very nice desk sets.
They can be handed out to the general public or used as rewards for loyal customers.
The pen should be imprinted with your business name and contact information.
In today's world, you will want to include information that allows you to be contacted by e-mail or that leads to your website.
One advantage of business pens it that when they are dropped by one potential client, they will probably is picked up by another.
If a pen is left on a table, someone will eventually pick it up.
It may end up in a pen cup on a desk or at a business where it is handed over to someone writing a check.
The good news is every time the pen changes hands, someone else is exposed to your business.
Tight advertising budgets due to the economy have many businesses re-examining where they spend advertising money.
While there may be the temptation to do away with advertising completely, the tough economy really means that you should be using the most effective form of advertising.
In order to survive, your business must continue to expand its customer base.
Newspaper and television ads may be a one-time shot in the dark.
If someone sees the ad at a time of perceived need, he or she may call for your help.
The pen, on the other hand, will repeat its message every time the pen is picked up to make a note.
The nicer the printed pens you give away, the more likely a potential client will keep track of and use those pens on a regular basis.
If you choose a cheap pen that does a poor job of writing, it reflects poorly on your business and is likely to be thrown away prematurely.
On the other hand, if you choose a smooth writing pen that is comfortable, it is likely to be held onto for a long time.