Plastic Pens vs Metal Pens: Which Logo Pen Delivers More Value?

When sourcing promotional pens, the obvious assumption is that metal pens are premium while plastic pens are budget-friendly. But interestingly, the opposite can sometimes be true. Let’s compare a high-priced plastic pen with a more affordable metal pen and see which one delivers better results for branding campaigns.

Expensive Promotional Plastic Pens

Pros: 

1. More colour range. It is easier to match with your brand colours. 
2. Lightweight and comfortable for long writing sessions. 
3. Premium plastic pens often comes with softer grips. 

Cons: 

1. Despite the higher cost, recipients may still perceive plastic as “cheap.” 
2. It can wear down faster with the clips snapping off 
3. Definitely Not for Corporate gifting 

Budget-Friendly Metal Pens 

Pros: 

1. A solid, heavier feel that conveys durability and value. 
2. Stylish finishes (matte, gloss, brushed) give a professional look. 
3. Laser engraving ensures branding lasts far longer than print. 
4. Perceived as a premium item, even at a lower cost. 

Cons: 

1. The colour range is often more limited than that of plastic pens. 
2. Slightly heavier 
3. It can be pad printed, but the logos using pad printing do not last as long as pad-printed plastic pens. 

User Perception Matters Most 

The accounting team may push for the most cost-effective option. However, it is the end-user experience that defines marketing success. A recipient may not value a plastic pen, no matter how costly, the same way they would a sleek metal pen. Metal pens, even when purchased at budget levels, tend to feel more substantial and are kept for longer. This extends brand exposure well beyond the initial event or campaign. 

Practical Takeaway 

1. If your campaign needs bold, colourful designs for wide distribution, plastic pens still have their place. 
2. If you want recipients to associate your brand with quality and professionalism, budget metal pens may deliver greater impact for similar or even lower spend. 

Let’s talk about Pen Weight 

Weight plays a surprisingly important role in how recipients judge a promotional pen. A heavier pen, like most metal styles, signals strength and reliability. When a user picks it up, the balanced weight gives a sense of quality that aligns with premium branding. 

Plastic pens, even expensive ones, are usually lighter. While that makes them comfortable for quick notes or extended writing, it can also create the impression of being less durable. In settings like conferences or boardroom gifts, recipients often equate a pen’s weight with its value. 

For procurement teams, this means that choosing a metal pen doesn’t just affect the look — it also influences how your brand feels in the hand. A pen that feels substantial is more likely to be kept, used, and remembered. 

 The Overall Winner is the Metal Pen 

For procurement officers deciding between the two, the safer bet is often the cheap metal pens. It carries a stronger user perception, offers longer brand visibility, and positions your organisation as professional without stretching the budget.

About the Author

Charles Liu

Owner

Charles Liu is the Founder and a recognised authority in the promotional products industry in Australia. With over 17 years of experience, he has guided Cubic Promote to work with over 10,000 Australian organisations. His specialty is helping Aussie companies select the right products that stay within their budget. He also specialises in sourcing and assisting brands and government agencies in selecting corporate gifts for VIPs and high-profile clients. A regular contributor to industry blogs, Charles shares his expert insights on using promotional products to achieve business goals. Charles’s deep understanding of industry trends and strong supplier relationships make him a trusted figure in the sector, continually influencing the development of promotional product strategies that deliver tangible, measurable results.