Choosing the perfect plastic pens for your business promotion means considering who will use it, when, where and what you're trying to say about your company. Of course, budget plays a role as well. From grip to clip, you want to make sure you make all the proper considerations before ordering hundreds or thousands of writing sticks.

Ink Type
While nearly all plastic pens used for promotion are ballpoint, there are gel, rollerball and highlighter pens available as well. Ballpoint pens are the least expensive and least desirable. They are, however, the easiest to use and last longer than gel pens and nearly as long as those with a rollerball. The pasty ink tends to dry out within a month or two and even a little dirt can render a ballpoint pen unusable.

Rollerball, gel and highlighter plastic pens will help you stand out from the common ballpoint giveaways. They will cost you a bit more but if different is what you want then one of these choices might be ideal.

Barrel Size
The barrel of the pen is the outer plastic sheath that holds in the mechanism and ink stick or reservoir. In addition to the length and width of the barrel, you should consider the shape and any features like clip or ergonomic grip. Wider barrels are more comfortable to write with for most hands. If you can find room for it in your budget, consider a rubber grip and a fatter lower barrel.

If you are promoting to an elderly or disabled community, you definitely need a wider pen. The pressure is spread out over a wider surface, requiring less of a grip.

One of the great benefits of choosing plastic pens for promotion is that plastic is malleable and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Metal pens are almost always more narrow and without a soft grip.

Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of your printed plastic pens depends on whether you choose disposable or refillable. So does the price you'll pay per pen. Nearly all plastic pens are disposable to keep the prices down. If you choose refillable plastic pens, your choices will be considerably reduced and your cost will rise significantly.

If you are really set on the idea of refillable pens, you might want to consider metal, rather than plastic. The cost is about the same and the writing weight is a bit more comfortable.

Form and Function
Besides a quality writing instrument, many businesses realize the importance of multi-functionality. If your clientele is technologically savvy, consider a plastic pen and stylus pair or a mechanical pencil and plastic pen duo.

There are plastic pen and tape measure combos, pens coupled with a carabiner clip and others with bubble fluid and a wand on the end. With multiple color choices and great space for a logo or other message, the bubble wands are perfect for promoting to children, families or brides to be.

When choosing plastic pens for marketing, you shouldn't be overwhelmed with the options. Take it one decision at a time and you can eliminate many of the choices all at once.