Various promotional strategies can be used to advertise in order to stand out and assert oneself among the competition. One of the most classic but always effective is the distribution of customised company products. In the world of corporate products, pens with name and logo remain one of the most popular and versatile tools, both when used as an exclusive tool in a promotional strategy and when integrated into digital marketing campaigns. While having the same basic promotional functionality, i.e. making the brand visible and recognisable, engraved and printed pens offer different possibilities and advantages. Let's compare the two types of customised pens with logo and company name and examine which option is more suitable in certain promotional strategies, for certain occasions and types of companies.

Laser engraved and logo printed pens: basic differences

As their name implies, laser engraved pens are pens made of materials such as metal, stainless steel, anodised aluminium, wood, resin or plastic suitable for laser engraving. They are made through a process that strips the pen of material at the part where the logo, name or advertising message is to be engraved. Pens with name or logo printing, on the other hand, are made by a process that involves printing on the pen. They can be made of plastic, paper or metal.

Engraved and printed pens: similarities and differences in functionality and purpose

A writing instrument, customised pens are an effective branding and corporate promotion tool. Let's take a look at what custom-engraved pens and custom-printed pens have in common.

Custom engraved pens and custom logo print pens: what they have in common

In a promotional strategy, both types of pens are used for the purpose of:

  • Make the brand and company visible
  • Making the brand and company recognisable among competitors
  • Enhancing the corporate image
  • Building customer loyalty to the brand

The psychology behind pens with name is to expose the user of the pen, and those around them each time they use it, to the brand. In this way, repeated use of the pen helps the user to unconsciously memorise the brand and remember and recognise it more easily. The same thing happens to those who are exposed to the brand while using the pen. Another purpose is the transmission of a certain image of the company to the public: the better the quality of the pen and the design, the better the externally perceived corporate image will be. A further purpose for which customised logo pens can be used is to make customers loyal to the brand. When customers receive an engraved pen from a company, they feel appreciated and pampered and this can lead to greater customer engagement and increased sales.

Personalised engraved pens and logo-printed pens: what differentiates them

The two types of pens can be used in different promotional strategies to reach different strategic goals and audiences by companies and individuals operating in different fields.

Features

Quality and durability

Engraved pens are known for their durability and refinement. Engraving gives an elegant and professional appearance, ideal for companies that want to convey a high image, such as luxury companies, banks, but also for professionals such as doctors, accountants, lawyers. Printed pens, on the other hand, can be more colourful and creative, ideal for attracting a mass and youthful audience, but tend to deteriorate faster because printing, unlike engraving, wears off over time.

Cost and Customisation

Printed pens have cost to their advantage, are generally cheaper and offer more scope for creative design. Engraved pens, although they may be more expensive, offer a more valuable and unique impression.

Professionalism and creativity

Custom-engraved pens convey an image of professionalism and reliability. This can be important for companies that want to create a good impression on customers. Pens with printing, on the other hand, convey an image of creativity, which is why they may be a better product for companies that want to convey the idea of creativity.

Target audience and objectives

Their characteristics make them more suitable for different targets and objectives. For example, printed pens are particularly suitable when the target audience is large and you are aiming for mass distribution that exposes the brand and impacts as many people as possible. Engraved pens, on the other hand, lend themselves well to companies operating in the luxury sector and targeting a public of a certain level and status with whom they want to maintain a high-profile image, just as they are perfect for professionals who want to leave a memory of their professionalism with their clients.

Occasions in which to give them as gifts

Personalised engraved and printed pens can be given on the classic occasions when a company decides to distribute personalised corporate products to customers, employees, partners:

  • Year-end corporate gifts to loyal customers, employees and business partners. This is a way to make these people feel pampered and help them develop and maintain brand loyalty.
  • Promotional gifts in conjunction with the purchase of particular products or services or the promotion of new services and products. This is an effective way to attract the public's attention and promote the company.
  • Products for corporate events, such as trade fairs or conferences. This is a way to make the company known to a wider audience.
  • Corporate merchandising: engraved pens can be sold as corporate merchandising. This is a way to generate revenue and promote the company.

How to choose the right customised pens

Depending on the target audience and the goals to be achieved, then pens with engraved logos are better suited to certain occasions and for particular companies and professions, and vice versa.

When to choose engraved pens

Here is a non-exhaustive list of occasions when custom-engraved pens are the most suitable choice:

  • For exclusive corporate events and conferences

Engraved pens are perfect for high-profile corporate events, where you want to leave a lasting impression of elegance and professionalism.

  • Companies in the luxury and professional sectors

For companies operating in the luxury sector or with a high-end target clientele, engraved pens are the ideal choice to reflect the quality and status of the brand.

  • As awards and prestige gifts

Engraved pens make excellent gifts for corporate recognition or as prestige gifts for important customers.

  • Professionals

Pens engraved with name and company logo are excellent gifts that professionals such as doctors, lawyers, architects, consultants and professional firms can give to leave clients with a lasting reminder of their professionalism and reliability.

When to opt for printed pens

Here is a non-exhaustive list of occasions when custom-printed pens are the preferred choice:

  • Mass promotions and advertising campaigns

Printed pens are ideal for large-scale promotional campaigns, where a large volume of products is required at a low cost.

  • Companies with a young and dynamic target audience

For companies aiming at a younger audience or wishing to convey a dynamic and colourful image, printed pens are the best choice.

  • Informal events and trade fairs

In less formal occasions or at trade fairs where you want to maximise visibility, printed pens offer a practical and effective solution.