Tags:commerce bank pens, pen collection, promotional pens.
This article is certain to disappoint pen collectors everywhere. One of the most infamous sources of promotional pens — Commerce Bank — seems to be getting rid of its most popular giveaway! Commerce is in the middle of re-branding itself as “TD Commerce,” and with that new name comes new colors and less pens 
TD Commerce is apparently seeking to donate its existing stock of 23 million promotional pens to the military and charitable organizations (We’ve got our fingers crossed that promopencollector.com is on that list).
I’d urge promo pen collectors everywhere to find the nearest branch and grab some of these pens before they’re gone for good!
(Photo via Flickr)
Have you ever thought about getting creative with your promo pen collection? Perhaps you’ve had an idea to turn a pen itself into something artistic, or perhaps even something more useful than a simple pen? That’s what participants in the Designboom competition had in mind when they re-invented the Bic ballpoint pen.
This participant decided to add to the functionality of the classic Bic pen cap by adding fork, knife, and spoon extensions.
This next entrant decided to take a green approach and turn their Bic pen into a flower vase!
And this final entrant got a bit militaristic and decided that Bic pens should also be used as bow-and-arrows.
So you see, collecting free pens goes beyond the joy of building up your stash. You can actually use these pens for do-it-yourself projects like the ones pictured above. Who knows, maybe your innovative design will revolutionize the way we see pens!
Tags:promotional pens, Tips.
If you’re a fan of collecting promotional logo pens like I am, you’re always on the lookout for new sources to supply your collection! Here are the three of the most common places I’ve found to always be a reliable source for new pens.
- Trade shows. Trade shows are definitely number one of my list. At these events, exhibitors set up booths and usually hand out all sorts of free stuff in order to attract your attention. Promotional pens seems to be the most common type of trade show giveaway at these events because they’re inexpensive for the companies that are handing them out. You should be able to get your hands on plenty no matter what type of trade show you’re attending.
- In-store. I’ve found that a lot of my favorite retails stores have free promotional pens to give out, even if you don’t see them in plain view in the store. Ask an employee if they have any free logo pens, and you’ll be surprised by how many actually do! By asking employees at the stores I frequented the most, I found about 30 new pens for my collection in just under a month! Don’t be afraid to ask — companies buy these pens for a reason!
- Doctor’s offices. Every time I go to the doctor for my check-up, there is always a huge pile of promotional pens on the counter. Doctors receive these pens from pharmaceutical companies and can’t wait to get them off their hands. If you don’t see any when you walk into the waiting room, ask the receptionist if she has any extra logo pens she wants to get rid of. Most offices are usually more than happy to oblige!
If you have any favorite places to get new promotional pens for your collection, please comment on this post and share them with the rest of us. Until then, happy collecting!