With so many promotional gifts to choose from, it is usually a consumer's nightmare in choosing an appropriate medium to display their advertising message. Having worked within the promotional merchandise business for the last thirty years, manufacturing and printing mousemats, coasters, keyrings, magnetics, stickers etc. I can honestly say that nothing approaches the value-for-money and advertising power that printed promotional pens can offer. Of course I am biased, but after all this time, I am still passionate about this humblest of promotional products and these are my top-ten reasons.

1. Price. Giveaways can be a good investment if they work but as it is not always very easy to quantify the viability or effectiveness of an advertising campaign it is prudent to set yourself a conservative budget. This is one of the main strengths of promotional pens because their relatively low price, compared to other forms of promotional merchandise means your outlay, and consequently your risk, will be minimal.

2. Acceptability. Promotional pens are acceptable in equal-measure to men, women and children of nearly all ages. In other words they appeal to almost everyone. This level of acceptability is not mirrored by any other promotional product in its price range.

3. Functionality: Sometimes we forget that even the cheapest printed pen is a functional writing instrument that is intended for use day after day. As such, it is unique amongst promotional gifts, where the norm is one-off or at best, very occasional use.

4. Exposure: The inherent functionality of promotional pens ensures its popularity amongst recipients and as a consequence maximum exposure for your corporate message is guaranteed throughout its working life. Contrast this with the exposure that most of the other promotional items can achieve and it is clear that it holds a unique position within the promotional merchandise industry.

5. Visibility: No other promotional product is intended to be used at a more personal level than your promotional pen. It is an arms-length companion wherever the recipient wishes to takes it.

6. Diversity: Not only do promotional pens carry your powerful printed advertisement for all to see every day but by careful selection of the materials they are made from you can also convey a more subliminal message to the intended recipient. By choosing any one of the biodegradable, recycled, or FSC certified wooden promotional pens you are also demonstrating your stance on the environment. Choose from the BiofreeTM range with it pathogen neutralising additives and you will be seen to not only be promoting your company's brand but you will also demonstrate your approach to healthy living. No other promotional product is available in this range of unique materials - at any price.

7. Universality: Whether you want promotional giveaways for paying guests in hotel rooms or a fine writing instrument for those prestige awards the choice is limitless. There is a promotional pen with a perceived prestige value available at all levels - you just have to think of the application, the impression you want to create and then make your selection from the vast range available in the market.

8. Finishes: What other promotional gift is made in such a variety of materials and finishes? Wood, metal, plastic, stone, ivory, corn starch to name but a few. Combine this with the range of finishes available such as frosted, electroplated, enamelled, leatherette, polished and wood grain and you have an almost limitless amount of permutations to suit your application.

9. Print: Virtually all the standard methods for decoration can be used on promotional pens. High volume screen printing for plastic pens, pad printing on compound shapes, full colour 360 degree wrap around and engraving on those prestige metal or wooden pens. The choice is yours to suit the budget and the image you wish to create.

10. Presentation: From bulk packed to individually wrapped and boxed there is a level of presentation available that is suitable for every application or impression that you wish to create.

I believe that no other category of promotional gift provides the level of choice that promotional pens can offer. They are not only incredibly diverse, they are also timeless and without equal. Thank you for reading this article, I hope you have enjoyed its content and are as inspired as I am about the marketing potential of promotional pens.