A Beautiful Pen with a Sticky Problem: Why Samples Matter
- Florida Custom Merch
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
As a marketing professional, you're often tasked with making dozens of decisions quickly—especially when it comes to promotional products. Pens, mugs, bags, notepads—they all look great in pictures, and the descriptions sound convincing. But every now and then, a product arrives that looks like a win and turns out to be a real letdown. That’s exactly the situation I want to talk about today, based on a recent experience I had with what should’ve been a fantastic custom pen.
Let me start by saying: this pen looked amazing.
The finish? Matte rubberized, which has a smooth, almost velvety feel in your hand—very professional. The imprint area? Large, well-placed, and our logo came out beautifully. If I were judging this pen based on appearance alone, I would have ordered them in bulk without hesitation. It seemed like the kind of item people would genuinely keep in their pockets, throw in their bags, and use at their desks.
But then I picked it up.
And that’s when everything changed!
A Sticky Situation
No exaggeration—the pen was sticky. Not sticky like glue, not like syrup—just sticky enough that it clung to your fingers and didn’t feel right. At first, I thought maybe it was a fluke. But every sample I touched had the same issue. And that tacky feel makes a big difference. Imagine handing out a pen like this at a business meeting or tradeshow. The recipient pockets it, goes to grab their phone later, and now their phone case has bits of lint or dust clinging to it from the pen. That’s not the kind of brand impression anyone wants to leave behind.
This was disappointing, because in terms of print quality, design, and concept, the pen was spot on. But the tactile experience—the way it feels—is just as important as how it looks.
Looks Can Be Deceiving in Promotional Products
The whole experience reminded me of an important truth in the promotional marketing world: not everything that looks good in a catalog or online will feel right in real life.
You can have the best design, the best price point, and even fast turnaround. But if the physical item turns people off when they hold it—or worse, ends up in the trash—you’ve wasted your budget. Worse, you may have harmed your brand perception.
This particular pen is a perfect example of that. It would’ve been easy to place a bulk order based on how great it looked in the product photo. Fortunately, I had the sample in hand before recommending it to a client—and that’s what saved us.
The Power of Sampling: Protecting Your Brand Reputation
This is why we always recommend asking for a sample—especially for new or unfamiliar products.
At our company, we test samples all the time. We evaluate the texture, usability, print quality, packaging, and durability. We want to know: How does it feel? How does it write? How will it hold up after a few uses? And most importantly—would we personally want to keep and use it?
In this case, my answer was no. I didn’t even try writing with it. That’s how off-putting the feel was. Even a great writing experience wouldn’t have changed the fact that the pen sticks to everything, and that’s not a good quality in a promotional item.
So here’s my takeaway: never skip the sample. If your budget doesn’t allow for sampling every time, then ask us for feedback. We’re happy to give honest opinions based on experience. Sometimes, we’ve already tested the item you’re considering. We know which items are reliable and which ones are better left alone.
Beyond the Product: The Experience Matters
Custom branded merchandise isn’t just about the logo—it’s about the experience your brand delivers. When someone picks up your pen or puts on your shirt, they’re interacting with your brand. If the item feels premium, useful, and comfortable, your brand earns points. If it feels cheap, awkward, or sticky? That’s a point against you.
Think about the power of everyday items. A great pen can stay on someone’s desk for months. A quality tote bag can be carried around town, seen by hundreds of eyes. A well-made t-shirt can become someone’s favorite weekend wear. But it only works if the item delivers.
Quality + Fit = Promotional Success
Of course, cost always matters. We understand budgets. Some pens are just $0.40 each, and some go up to $3.00 or more. But when it comes to your brand, a few extra cents can be worth it—especially when you’re making a lasting impression.
That’s not to say expensive always means better. There are great budget items out there that feel amazing and perform well. The key is to test before you invest. And that’s why we’re here—to help you navigate the options and avoid sticky situations (literally and figuratively).
In Summary: Don't Let a Beautiful Dud Represent Your Brand
Just because something looks great doesn’t mean it’s worth buying.
Always test samples when possible.
If a product feels wrong, it is wrong for your brand—no matter how nice the print looks.
Don’t hesitate to ask us for an opinion—we’ve probably tested it already.
Your brand deserves better than sticky pens.
If you’re unsure about a product or want to test it before committing, reach out. We're based here in Florida and happy to ship samples, talk through options, and help you choose items that not only look good but feel great too.
With so many options available, choosing the right branded promotional item can be overwhelming. Since 2016, we, at Florida Custom Merch, have helped numerous businesses achieve success through the use of custom branded promotional merchandise. Hiring an expert can help you select the perfect item, save time and money, and, most importantly, maximize your results.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful!
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