Think About Ink

Do you put out pens for your customers to use? Do those pens tend to vanish over time? Whether intentionally or not, it's easy for people to use them and then leave with them.

If the pen is branded then you don't mind seeing it walk out the door as it's an advertisement. You could use those pens that are anchored to a desk with a cord. Yes, the pen doesn't go anywhere but the plastic chain seems to suggest that pen stealing is premeditated. If the loss of office supplies gives you angst, then try taking the cap off the pens. Suddenly it's less desirable to take because there's a chance you might get ink on yourself or your clothes if you put in in your pocket.

You're not changing the basic function of the pen but rather one detail that changes its perception. Think about how you can flip this to your advantage. What little thing can you change about your products and services that suddenly makes them more desirable. Keep in mind that from cars to iPods, people will buy a particular model because of its color, rather than what it does. A small change can have a big impact.