So, you've reached a point in your career where you've deemed it necessary to spend a nice chunk of change on an executive pen. These days, executive pens are often used by people in business and politics to sign important documents, but they can also be used to make everyday writing more enjoyable or even as a status symbol. Before you spend your money on just any executive pen, however, there are some important questions worth asking.
What Style Do You Prefer?
First and foremost, understand that there are so many different kinds of executive pens available. The three main styles are:
- ballpoint
- fountain
- rollerball
Generally, ballpoint and rollerball pens are the most common choices for those who don't want to have to do much in the way of maintaining their executive pens. Fountain pens, on the other hand, offer a more unique look and feel, despite the fact that they require some special care to prevent nib breakage and drying out of ink.
Is Smudging a Concern?
Take a moment to consider the type of writing you'll primarily be doing with your executive pen. Will you be using it to write or sign important documents? If so, then you'll want to opt for a pen that comes with fast-drying ink (meaning a fountain pen probably won't be your best choice). On the other hand, if you're not as concerned about the possibility of ink smudging (perhaps the pen will be more of a showpiece than anything else), then you can buy just about any type of pen with any type of ink without having to worry about smudging.
Can You Try Before You Buy?
Buying an executive pen is one of those things that it's hard to do online--much like shopping for a pair of shoes. You really need to try the pen out before you buy it, so if you're not planning on buying from a brick-and-mortar store, then you'll want to check to see if the online store you're buying from offers any kind of trial period. This way, in the event that you don't like the way the pen feels or writes, you can send it back and receive a refund.
Is There a Customization Option?
Finally, if you're interested in using executive pens as a form of advertisement, check to see if the company you're buying them from offers customization options, such as the ability to print your company name and/or logo on the pen itself.
