How many printed pens do you have?

We all have them – many of them, in fact. They may be found in a wide assortment of places. In the car: the cubby, the door pocket, center console, and possibly under the seat. In the home: telephone table, kitchen drawer, bedside table, desk drawer, down the back of the couch. In the office: on the desk, desk drawer, credenza, reception counter, stores counter, copier, fax machine.

These are just a few of the many places they may be found. What am I talking about -printed pens, of course.

These pens are given to us in many environments, by many companies with whom we do business, or who want our business. They are a common and effective means of inexpensive marketing.

Being branded with the name and contact details of a business, we are reminded of that business each time we see or use the pen.

If you have a business and are not giving out customized printed pens, then maybe you should be. They are cheap enough for any business to afford.

If your business is a start-up, and you feel that you cannot afford even this cheap form of marketing, then you should look at ways to cut costs elsewhere. Marketing is important, after all.

Furnishing the offices of your start-up business are a costly exercise, and particularly so if the right image is going to be portrayed. However this is a place where money can be saved, without harming your image – money which can go towards marketing.

Used office furniture does not necessarily equate to shabby. Sure, if you look for it at garage sales and junkyards you will not find anything worthwhile. Shop for it at a reputable used office furniture specialist, however, and you may well save a fortune.

These dealers have reputations to maintain, as they want to remain in business. They will only buy the best items for resale, and in many instances refurbish it before reselling. As a result, you get furniture which looks like new at a fraction of the price.

This will enable you to present an image you may have thought was unaffordable and even free up some cash flow for marketing purposes.