What Should I Take Into Account When Placing An Order For Promotional Pens?

Have a firm idea of how many pens you need and how quickly you will distribute them. Regular ballpoints have a shelf life of two years, for instance.

Depending on which company you order from, there will be a minimum order volume and discounts for bulk buying. A minimum order has the advantage of enabling customers to regularly update their pen design or customise them to reflect a particular marketing campaign or an event. However, the unit cost will be higher than ordering in bulk.

A bulk order, meanwhile, is less flexible, so you should avoid including anything in your design that will quickly date the pens.

The easiest way to estimate volume, particularly if you haven't ordered promotional pens before, is to include your pen in with a direct mailing to customers.

Also, allow plenty of time for your design to be finalised, the order processed and shipped out to you. Err on the side of caution and pencil in at least a month in case your first choice pen is out of stock or of insufficient quantity.