PPB August 2021

by Kristina Valdez Wr i t i ng I ns t rumen t s Pen Pals Reliable and effective, writing instruments have earned their place in the top five best-selling promotional products, according to PPAI’s 2020 Sales Volume Study. As pandemic- related delays and closures continue to disrupt the shipping industry, distributors can count on the variety and availability of writing instruments to connect buyers with their end users, easily and affordably. T hroughout civilization, sharing knowledge has been essential. Beginning with the earliest cave drawings in 15,000 B.C., society has been propelled forward by the recording and sharing of stories, ideas and events. Because writing is one of humanity’s most important inventions, fundamental to all people are the universal tools and instruments that help transform abstract thoughts into coherent communication. Although technology has expanded and revolutionized how we communicate, basic writing tools are never hard to find. In kitchen “junk” drawers, catch-all dishes and car glove compartments, people stockpile pens, pencils and markers for those many moments when they’ll need to jot down important info. And because these writing instruments are often borrowed, loaned or passed on, consumers can never have too many. According to PPAI research, when people see a promotional pen being given away, they almost always pick it up, which is why writing instruments are among the top-selling promotional products year after year. But there are many reasons why writing instruments continue to prevail as powerful marketing tools. Sales Manager Bryan Irby of supplier I-Mark says pens are unique promotional products. “They are easy to get, there are so many different styles and shipping costs are minimal because they are so small,” he 50 | AUGUST 2021 | GROW