How much does it cost to make custom pens?

By Ross Bielema

If you’re considering branded pens for your next promotion, you’re not alone. Pens are consistently among the best promotional items to give away, thanks to their usefulness, affordability and staying power. But when budgets are tight or large quantities are needed, one question always rises to the top: How much does it cost to make custom pens?

The answer depends on a few factors, like style, imprint method and order size. But the good news is that custom pens offer great flexibility across nearly every price point. Let’s break down what to expect.

How much does it cost to brand a pen?

Branding a pen typically includes printing your logo, organization name or custom message onto the barrel or clip. You might also choose an ink color, pen color or grip style to match your brand. The good news? With 4imprint, most of those choices are included in the base price. There are no hidden design fees or charges for using your own artwork, and set-up fees are clearly outlined.

Many of the best custom pens even allow for a full-color imprint or laser engraving, depending on the material. You’ll see your design on a digital e-proof—free of charge—before production starts. And because 4imprint reviews every logo for sizing and clarity, you can feel confident your branding will look its best.

“Easy to hold, writes smoothly. Isn’t cheaply built. Nice product for the cost.”
— Javelin Pen product review provided by customer

This kind of feedback is common. Customers often remark that the value and durability of 4imprint pens exceeds expectations, especially when ordered in volume.

What is the average cost of a pen?

The average cost of a custom pen can fall into one of three tiers:

• Under $1: These are cheap custom pens in name only. Think high-quantity giveaways, like classic plastic click pens, translucent barrels or capped stick pens. Perfect for large events or quick branding impressions.
• $1–$2: A sweet spot for gel pens, comfort grips and stylus combinations. These are ideal when you want a balance of function and style without going over budget.
• $2 and up: Premium metal pens, engraved gifts or name-brand styles, like Sharpie^® or uni-ball^®. These are great for executive use, thank-you gifts or as brand ambassadors.

Each tier offers value, depending on your goals. Most pricing on 4imprint.com is displayed by quantity, so you can easily see how the cost per pen drops as you scale your order. That kind of price transparency helps you plan—and stretch—your budget.

To explore other cost-effective promotional ideas, visit our roundup of the best promotional swag to give away.

How much does it cost to put a logo on something?

For most 4imprint pens, the cost of printing your logo is already built into the base price. There’s no extra fee just to add your business name or message. In cases where a set-up fee applies—such as for a new screen or engraved plate—it’s listed clearly during checkout. And here’s the best part: the set-up fee is never charged again for exact reorders.

Whether you're ordering a single-color imprint or full-color wrap, the cost structure is straightforward. No surprise markups or fees for logo placement.

“Huge fan of these. The turnaround time, cost, and quality make these great for promo bags.”
— Bic^® Clic Stic^® Pen product review provided by customer

It’s also worth noting that custom pen shipping fees depend on order volume, shipping location and delivery speed.

How much does it cost to make custom pens in bulk?

Bulk ordering is where custom pens really shine. Larger quantities unlock significant savings, which is why so many organizations use them for conferences, sales calls or new-hire kits. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• 100 pens: Expect to pay about $0.60–$1.50 each, depending on style and imprint method.
• 500 pens: Volume discounts kick in. Pricing could drop to $0.35–$1.25 per pen.
• 1,000+ pens: You’ll often pay $0.25–$1.00 each—even for some gel, metal or stylus models.

With such a wide range of personalized pens in bulk, it’s easy to find something that fits your brand and your budget. And if you’re unsure where to start, a 4imprint representative can walk you through price comparisons, shipping timelines and even bundle recommendations.

Explore our full line of custom pens to see just how far your promotional budget can go.

Get the most for your pen budget

Branded pens don’t have to be expensive. And quality doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Whether you’re looking for a handful of thank-you pens or thousands for a major campaign, 4imprint makes it easy to find the right fit.

Every order includes free artwork prep, a guaranteed delivery date, and our 360° Guarantee_®—which means if your order isn’t right, we’ll make it right. Explore our catalog of personalized pens in bulk and discover why so many customers trust 4imprint for durability, style and lasting value.

Need help choosing? Contact a representative today, and we’ll help you find the best custom pens for your next promotion.

Ross Bielema

Ross Bielema is a seasoned SEO marketing specialist at 4imprint, based in Oshkosh, WI, a title he’s held for the past 16 years. He previously was a copywriter here, crafting everything from headlines and company letters to e-mails and faxes. Boosting web presence and organic ranking creatively for one of North America’s top promotional merchandise distributors comes easily because of his combined 38 years of journalism experience. This includes freelance writing for local media outlets such as the Shawano (WI) Leader newspaper, expanding his experience beyond digital marketing into broader content creation. Ross brings a unique blend of marketing acumen, content creation talent and community engagement to his work at 4imprint.