Business Cards vs Personalized Pens vs ???

[PreciousReikiGems]

Hi All

I've been considering putting a business card in my packages when they go out. Then I realized when I get a business card in a package, it goes in a pile never to be seen again. However, when I get a pen, it goes straight in the pen holder and I use it almost daily.

So I'm wondering what others have found to get the most buys for the buck. Is it worth investing in something more expensive like a pen? Are there other useful items with company branding that might be more cost effective? Should I consider adding a coupon code to business cards and include them instead?

Thanks in advance...

Pat

[GreenMarthaBoutique]

I keep all the cards from artisans I love, they're in a pile but when I'm looking for a specific item, I will first check their store if it's in their product line. Promotional pens ont he other hand tend to stop writing about half a sentence.

[TaylorMetalDesigns]

I keep cards from artisans whose work I enjoy and suppliers for quick go to references for reorder. I put a business card in each package. I cannot afford the promotional pen idea though a great one. I have received coupons for future use. I can't say I have ever used one of those.

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

I thought about pens before, but I didn't think it was the right marketing tactic for me. For some reason, I always think of big companies giving out pens and would be weird for artisans and crafters to do it.

I actually ordered business card magnets from vistaprint. I thought that they might last better with the receiver than regular business cards. I only bought a 100 of them, and I'm going to see the reception of them at some craft fairs I'll be at that are coming up.

[FreshFromtheFlame]

I always put a business card in the package. I too keep business cards and often write on them what I purchased and if I was happy with the item.

[Former_Member]

Those Magnet business cards are great from Vista Print. I used some as our save the date cards. 9 years on and some people still have it on their fridge (it's lasted that long!).

[AuraRosesTreasures]

I don't look on the fridge and don't want to clutter up my fridge.
I keep business cards.
Promo Pens don't work well. And the info rubs off too.
When I want to get in touch with someone, I go to the internet.
If I have the card, I go there.
I don't try to find the person's pen
And I've thrown out the fridge magnet.
I think my buyers are the same way. I don't know.
But I do know that my business cards are so pretty, because the brand banner is unique and beautiful (see banner at top of our home page), that people want to keep our cards.

[Plektra]

It is tempting to think about a promotional pen as it is something useful, but at the same time I believe it doesn't look right for a handmade business. However, I would do it if it's relevant to my products line so everything blends well together. It isn't relevant for me so I go with the business card idea.

[CozyDawg]

My fridge isn't magnetic. Weird, I know. But even if it was, I wouldn't be putting business cards on it. Cards with promo codes I do save, and have been saving them since before I became a seller. I have a small box that I keep them in in my desk.

[Former_Member]

I think it depends on what you sell or what type of business you have.
Also, on the quality of the business card. I will forget of someone who has the free vistaprint card as they are all the same and plain, they do not stand out to me- to be completely honest.
I love clever business cards. Something I would put on my bulletin board and KNOW I will be coming back for more business.
I created my business cards on Vistaprint. The design itself I made on Photoshop and is a collage of some of my best top sellers. The front is all of the photos and the back has all of my info. When I am out and about and happen to talk to someone about my shop.
"Oh yeah I sell jewelry"
"Really, what kind?
hand them a card
they usually go "oooh, ahh" or "REALLY? THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!"
Something along those lines and bam, that is a sale my friend :)
So many people love my cards and even ask for more. I thought about the magnets, so I may do those with larger orders or even repeat customers. I think someone would loose a pen, plus my business wouldn't really fit the whole pen thing, but a magnetic business card with some pretty pictures of jewelry? They will have guests over and happen to look at it and that may be a sale too :)

[Former_Member]

One of the things that came to my mind when reading about the pen is, that if you give this pen to someone (because he/she needs it, you loose it etc.) you are passing along info on a shop that you might not have passed along with a business card.
But that is of course only one aspect.
I would never send along any pens because then my shipping costs would go up massively but i can see doing people that ship out larger packages.
Eta: a pen would be a clever move for people selling notebooks or other paper goods.

[Former_Member]

Magnet over buisness card. If the magnet is beautiful and pleasing to the eye I will happily have it on my refrigirator.

[PreciousReikiGems]

Thank you for all the thoughts. The pen I just received did look a bit cheap, and while it's useful, its quality isn't what I want associated with my jewelry. And I was kind of worried about what would happen to my product if the pen broke during shipping - yikes!

I have a friend who just redid his business cards with a gorgeous photo of a piece on his loom - very artistic and it really pops. Something like that on a fridge magnet/magnetic business card is something I'm going to explore.

[Former_Member]

I used to use the Mini Moo cards when I sold jewelry. I love them and they are different. not that much more expensive and people take notice.

Now I don't send cards because they really unnecessary for my shop since I don't ship anything much.

But if I was buying jewelry, I wouldn't want a cheap pen. Don't waste your money. Pens are for doc offices or dealerships. You are selling jewelry. Think of your presentation. You want a bit of class, elegance. Not bargain bin.

Eta: since you sell reiki jewelry, why not a prayer on the business card or related motivational quote? Something like that could be a keepsake.

[BluePoodleMarket]

I use my fabric business cards, and no one ever throws them away...perfectly unique for those of us involved in creative pursuits!