A promotional item is an article given away free of charge to the population in an effort to encourage  company business or increase interest in,  a service or product. Many times given out at tradeshows, or used in direct mail as a marketing campaign. They are also used in politics to promote candidates and different causes.  Promotional items can be used by organizations, and schools often as fund raisers and awareness programs. A great example was the livestrong wristband, used to promote cancer awareness and raise funds to support cancer survivorship programs. Examples of promotional items include custom tshirts, promotional mouse pads, bumper stickers, and advertising pens. Everyone uses promotional pens. Think of this someone is always asking for your “autograph” on some document. That makes  pens a great way to seal the deal. With every contract or loan document you have signed give the customer a nice  advertising pen with the company name on the barrel.