Custom Pens

Most pen styles start at 100 pieces. Specialty pens — premium metal, stylus hybrids, executive gift styles — can start at 50–100 depending on stock. Below 100, cost-per-pen climbs sharply because setup fees spread across fewer units, so larger quantities usually give much better value.

Three main methods. Pad printing for spot-colour logos on plastic barrels — the standard for promotional pens. Laser engraving on metal barrels — permanent, premium, no fading. Full-colour digital printing for photo-realistic designs or gradients (available on select pen styles with flat or wrapped print zones). We’ll recommend the best fit for your logo and pen choice.

Plastic pens ($1–$3 each at volume) are the budget-friendly choice for mass giveaways — trade show swag, promo mailers, branded conference kits. Metal pens ($3–$10 each) feel weighty and premium; they show up on desks instead of in trash cans. For hand-outs, go plastic. For client gifts, partner packages, or executive swag, go metal.

At 250+ pieces: plastic pens typically run $1.25–$2.75 each; metal pens $3–$8 each; premium executive pens $10–$25 each. Setup fee is usually $45–$65 per colour for pad printing, or $50–$75 for laser engraving. Quantities of 500+ drop the per-pen price significantly.

Standard 2–3 weeks after artwork approval for in-stock styles. Rush available on most styles at a 20% premium with 7–10 business day turnaround. Specialty pens (imported or low-stock) can need 4–5 weeks, so ask about stock availability when you request a quote.

On select styles, yes. We use digital UV printing for full-colour, photo-quality graphics on pens with flat or gently curved print areas. It’s a great fit for logos with gradients, drop shadows, or multi-colour designs that would be expensive to match via traditional pad-print ink changes. Not every pen barrel is compatible — we’ll confirm when you request your quote.

On metal pens and executive styles, yes — most accept standard Parker-style or Cross-style refills available at office-supply stores. On promotional plastic pens, the cartridge is typically non-refillable and the pen is designed as single-use-lifecycle. If refillability matters, ask us before you pick a style.

Two clear winners. The classic click plastic retractable (stick pens are essentially dead for modern events — clicks feel upgraded) at $1.50–$2.50 each for large giveaways. And the metal twist-action pen in brushed silver or matte black for higher-value booth interactions, usually $4–$7. Giving out both tiers — a budget pen for walk-bys and a premium pen for qualified leads — is a proven trade show play.

Yes, and for metal pens we usually recommend it over pad printing. The engraved mark is permanent (won’t scratch or fade), looks elegant, and reveals a contrasting undertone — silver engraving on matte black, black engraving on brushed metal. Cost is similar to pad printing on the same pen.

Yes. Stylus-pen combos (rubber-tip or disc-tip capacitive) work on phones and tablets, and sit around $2.50–$6 each. We also stock highlighters, gel pens, gel-ink rollerballs, fine-point drawing pens, and eco options made from recycled plastic or bamboo. Let us know your audience and we’ll suggest matches.