The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Promotional Pen

  • June 15th, 2023
  • 5 minute read
  • Bagmasters Team

Promotional pens are some of the most cost-effective and impactful promotional products your brand can invest in. Just by adding your logo to a pen, you can expand your reach and build connections with customers every time they go to write something down or take notes.

However, if you're new to promotional products, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of promotional pens for small businesses that are available on the market.

Whether you’re searching for the best custom pens or the most cost-effective option, we’re here to help.

We put together a guide to help you shop for the best custom pens for your business, so you can find a solution that fits your budget and impresses your customers.

Let’s take a look at the best promotional pens for small businesses:

Why Custom Pens?


There are many reasons to consider incorporating promotional pens into your marketing budget. Whether you’re looking for fancy custom pens to have around the office or cheap promotional pens to hand out to event attendees - there’s always a reason to have some by your side.

Here are a few reasons why:

  • Low-Cost: In some cases, you can invest in cheap promotional pens for less than 10 cents a pen! There aren’t many promotional products with the same ROI you can get for that cost.
  • Usable and Functional: No matter the occasion, you can feel confident that people will find a use for the pens you give them.
  • Fun Ways to Brand: The best custom pens come in different colors, styles, and materials. This means you have a unique opportunity to fully customize your pens to complement your branding initiatives.
  • Great for all Occasions: You can hand out the best custom pens to your customers, employees, eventgoers, or students. No matter the occasion or marketing goals, you can feel confident that your audience will use and enjoy the pens you give them.

What to Consider When Shopping for Customizable Pens


If you decide to incorporate customizable pens into your marketing budget, there are a few things you'll want to consider. How do you plan on using these pens? Who do you plan to give them to? What look and feel are you looking for?

While shopping for custom pens, you'll want to have these questions answered before placing your order:

  • What is your budget for the project?
  • How many do you need?
  • What are your marketing goals?
  • What branding do you plan to use?
  • Are you looking for the best cheap pen for small business or the most high-end?
  • Will your logo fit on the barrel?
  • What color will complement your branding best?

The Different Types of Custom Pens To Choose From


There are many different pens on the market. Each option is designed to complement your branding and help you get noticed by your target audience.

Here are our top five favorites:

Executive Pens


Executive pens are the best fancy promotional pens. higher-cost pens that are great for celebrating milestones, corporate gifts, or surprising your high-paying clients with a gift. These pens are typically heavier and have a high-end look and feel. They are usually made with aluminum, brass, or metal.

    The Venetian Pen
    • Available in over six different colors
    • Option to silkscreen or laser engrave your logo
    • Low-cost giveaway with a high-quality look and feel
    Cross Calais Chrome Ballpoint Pen
  • High-end, name-brand pen with a sophisticated look and feel
  • Great for milestones, celebrations, and customer gifts
  • Comes in a Cross gift box and includes a lifetime mechanical guarantee

Stylus Pens

Stylus pens are one of the best cheap pens for small businesses. They feature a stylus on the top or the bottom of the pen and are great for working professionals always on their tablets or phones. The stylus makes it easier to use these devices without smudging the screens. These pens are considered low-cost pens and great to have around the office or as an event giveaway.

Custom Printed La Jolla Stylus Pen
  • Available in nine different metallic colors
  • The perfect 2-in-1 giveaway for events
  • Features a sleek metallic barrel and polished chrome accents
Yoga Stylus Pen and Phone Stand
  • Includes a stylus on the top and a phone stand
  • Available in eight different color options
  • Great low-cost pen for giveaways, events, and universities

Rollerball Pens

Rollerball pens are arguably one of the most popular fancy custom pens for corporate gifts and employees. They are available at different price points and provide a next-level writing experience. These pens require little to no pressure, so you can confidently write letters, notes, and messages without smudging the ink. These are typically great for employee new hire kits, raffle items, gift baskets, and client gifts.

Luna Roller Ball
  • European rollerball pen with black ink cartridge
  • Comes in a presentation box
  • Option to silkscreen or laser engrave your logo
Custom Printed Granite Rollerball Pen
  • Heavyweight brass rollerball pen
  • Features a cap-off design
  • Stylish, functional with a professional look and feel

Novelty Pens

Looking for something fun and out of the back? Consider a novelty pen. These pens are great for anyone looking to stand out from competitors and leave a playful impression on their target audience. They typically come in bright colors, fun shapes, and playful designs.

Up Your Standard Jotter Pen
  • Choose from over 22 different playful and fun color options
  • Comes with a one-color, one-location imprint
  • Soft touch surface and fine point gel
Awareness Moptoppers Screen Cleaner With Stylus Pen
  • Three-in-one pen with a stylus and a screen cleaner
  • Great for spreading awareness for breast cancer awareness month
  • Features an awareness ribbon clip and a mop top hair

Eco-Friendly Pens

Eco-friendly pens are perfect for the eco-conscious consumer. They are made with recycled materials and are great for events, giveaways, and university giveaways. When you brand an eco-friendly option, you're showing your customers that you care about the environment and doing your part to make the world a better place - one pen at a time! These pens come in post-consumer materials, bamboo, and other recycled materials.

Oasis Recycled Bottle Pen
  • Choose from over eight different color options
  • Made with 80% recycled PET material made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Comes with the choice of black or blue ink
Dual Function Eco-Friendly Pen / Highlighter
  • Two-in-one pen and highlighter combo
  • Comes in five different color options
  • Made with a recycled paper barrel with a wooden clip

Find The Perfect Promotional Pens for Small Businesses


At Bagmasters, we have a variety of pens in every style, material, and color. Whether you’re looking for a cheapie or want something fun and different - we’re here to help you find pens that complement your brand initiatives.

Explore our collection of promotional pens for small business today.

Bagmasters Team

The creative team at Bagmasters collectively works on articles to help give insight into the latest trends in marketing and promotional products.