I read everyone's response for the business cards & there are some good ideas. Myself I wanted something a bit more personal, as some of my pens I make are designed according to what the customers wishes are.
First: I created a logo & shopped around for who had reasonably priced business cards after several attempts of "botching" up the process myself, & was able to take advantage of a 50 % off deal at "Vistaprint." I did a bit of homework about card weight, finishes, colours & was able to wrangle a deal of $28.00 for 500 cards.
Second: As far as the pen information goes I write the customer a elegantly worded personal letter about the pen they just purchased. I describe what it is made from, what special features that model of pen has, the type, & how to purchase & change the refill. How to care for your new pen...I think you get the idea...Sure this is very time consuming to set up, I created a programme on my computer using "Word" & now have several of the different styles in place, so it's just a matter of filling in the blanks.
Each of my custom made pens come in a gift box depending on the style of pen. This is all printed on parchment paper with appropriate styled script on my letterhead then is folded inside an addressed envelope & presented to the customer.
Lastly I include several business cards, which I encourage the owner to give to his friends, because on the back of the card is an offer on it of a 20% discount to the person that redeems this card.
So far this process has worked pretty good for me when it comes to the custom stuff.
Now the regular off the rack pens that I place in several stores to sell is not quite so elaborate. These pens come in a clear 6" plastic tube with my company name & logo on it & a little saying inside about what that pen is made from & my contact information. Needless to say these pens have a somewhat lower price point then a one of a kind custom made to your specification designer pen. Thanx for reading my blurb....Ric.
IF LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS...MAKE MOJITOS !