That Eric Alper

By Mitch Rice

When it comes to writing, two main options stand out: gel pens and ballpoint pens. There’s nothing wrong with pencils, of course; they’re a tried and tested choice for drafts and sketches. But when you need something more permanent and smooth on paper, pens are the professional go-to.

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to pens. Maybe you want something simple for everyday use. Or perhaps you’d prefer a more precise and polished option for specific projects. In either case, both ballpoint pens and gel pens are solid choices, they just bring different things to the table.

If you can’t decide between the two, this guide will break down the key differences in features, feel, and where each one works best.

What’s the Difference?

Not all pens are created equal. Ballpoint pens use oil-based ink, thicker, slower-drying, and longer-lasting. You’ll usually need to apply a bit more pressure as you write, but the result is controlled, clean lines that smudge less. This makes them a go-to for general note-taking, carbon copies, or official paperwork.

Gel pens, on the other hand, use water-based gel ink. It flows more freely and smoothly but takes longer to dry. What you get is a much more fluid writing experience with rich, vibrant colours that really stand out.

Think of ballpoint pens as the reliable workhorse, not flashy, but gets the job done. Gel pens? They’re the smooth operator, full of colour and expression, with a flair for the creative.

Fun fact: Ballpoint pens were invented in the late 1930s by Hungarian journalist László Bíró, who was frustrated by how often fountain pens smudged. Gel pens came along decades later in the 1980s, offering smoother flow and punchy colours. Both changed the way we write, just in different ways.

Writing Experience & Feel

No matter what type of pen you use, there are two things you should consider:

• How does it feel in your hand? Is it comfortable, and would you want to use it for long periods?
• How easy is it to write with? Does it glide across the page or need extra pressure?

Both comfort and performance matter, and each pen type performs differently depending on the task.

Gel pens tend to offer a smoother writing experience, gliding across the page with minimal effort. They’re great for fast note-taking or long writing sessions, especially if your handwriting is small and neat. However, the ink can smudge easily, particularly if you’re left-handed or using cheaper paper.

Ballpoint pens, on the other hand, require more hand pressure, which can get tiring over time. But they make up for it in reliability. They’re less likely to smear, can handle a wider variety of surfaces (including glossy or slick paper), and offer better resistance and control if you tend to write quickly or with more pressure.

If smudging is more important to you than colour or fluidity, ballpoints might be the safer bet.

Ink Quality & Appearance

If you’re just jotting down quick notes or working on something personal, the quality of the ink may not be a dealbreaker. In those cases, something practical and functional does the job.

But when it comes to professional settings, ink quality matters. Your handwriting reflects your attention to detail, and smudged signatures or faded ink won’t do you any favours.

For official documents, contracts, and signing papers, ballpoints are a better option. The colours are usually more muted, typically black or blue, and while they may fade as the ink runs low, they’re generally consistent and dependable.

Gel pens, on the other hand, are more expressive. Their bold, vibrant colours are great for highlighting, colour-coding, or creative work like journaling. But they can bleed through paper and are more prone to smudging, especially on glossy or thin paper.

Pros & Cons by Scenario

Your ideal pen depends on where and how you plan to use it. What works well for studying may not be the best fit for signing documents.

Gel pens are also a favourite among scrapbookers, calligraphers, and anyone who enjoys bullet journaling. With fine tips and colour options like neons, glitters, and pastels, they add a stylish flair to headings, lists, and trims.

Meanwhile, illustrators might still use ballpoints for technical sketches or quick cross-hatching thanks to the pen’s precise control and lighter touch.

Here’s how they compare across a few common settings:

Office & Business

In most office or corporate settings, ballpoint pens are the standard. They’re reliable, clean, and unlikely to smear, ideal for forms, signatures, and paperwork. Gel pens might look stylish, but they can bleed through paper or smudge easily, which isn’t ideal for contracts or important reports.

School & Study

For students and note-takers, gel pens offer smoother writing and come in loads of colours, which makes revising more visual and engaging. They reduce hand strain during long sessions, but can smudge on planner pages or glossy textbook paper.

Ballpoints last longer and are more forgiving when you’re flipping through books and taking quick notes, just expect lighter ink and less vibrancy.

Creative Uses

If you’re journaling, doodling, or sketching, gel pens usually take the crown. With crisp lines, bright pigments, and effects like metallics and pastels, they’re perfect for making your work pop.

Ballpoints are still useful, particularly for outlines, captions, or shading, but they’re not as expressive. If you’re using delicate journal paper, a fine ballpoint might help avoid ink bleeding through.

Longevity, Reliability & Cost

You want a pen that won’t quit halfway through your notes. That often means looking at how long it lasts and how much it costs to replace.

Ballpoint pens tend to have the upper hand here. The ink lasts longer, especially per refill, and they’re more resistant to drying out. If you forget to pop the cap back on, they’ll usually still work.

Gel pens, while great for comfort and style, run out quicker and can dry out if left uncapped. Most gel pens can be refilled, which is great for sustainability, though you’ll often need to source specific cartridges.

If you’re the type to lose pens before they ever run out, it might not matter. But if you stick with the same pen for months, it’s something to think about. For value and longevity, ballpoints often come out on top.

The Final Verdict

As with any type of stationery supplies, it depends on how you plan to use it. There’s no one-size-fits-all; just the one that suits your writing style best.

Choose gel pens if you want smoother writing, bold colours, and a more expressive touch. They’re great for journaling, note-taking, and anything creative.

Or if you need something dependable, long-lasting, and mess-free, you might prefer ballpoint pens. Perfect for work settings and daily writing tasks.

Still unsure? Try using both for a week and see which one you naturally reach for. The key is to find what makes writing feel right for you. If you’re ready to start shopping, head out to your local stationery store, or for the best deals, shop online.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

By Mitch Rice

In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, where prices shift constantly and competition is fierce, manual repricing is no longer viable, especially if you’re managing more than 1,000 SKUs. While automation is the clear solution, many sellers fear losing control over their pricing strategy, profit margins, and brand perception.

The good news? With the right tools, strategy, and monitoring processes in place, it’s possible to automate repricing without sacrificing control.

In this article, we’ll explore how to implement automated repricing at scale while maintaining full oversight of your business strategy.

Why Repricing Matters, Especially at Scale

For online sellers, pricing is one of the most important levers for winning the Buy Box, increasing sales velocity, and staying competitive. According to Feedvisor, more than 80% of Amazon sales go through the Buy Box, and one of the major Buy Box determinants is price competitiveness.

With over 1,000 SKUs, price updates become a daily (if not hourly) necessity. But doing this manually leads to errors, inconsistencies, and missed opportunities.

Benefits of automated repricing:

• Saves time and manual effort
  
  
• Ensures prices are always competitive
  
  
• Adapts instantly to market conditions
  
  
• Protects profit margins with floor and ceiling rules
  
  

Step 1: Choose the Right Repricing Tool

There are many repricing tools on the market, some built for speed, others for intelligence. Choosing the right one depends on your platform (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Shopify), your catalog complexity, and your strategic goals.

Key features to look for:

• Rule-based or AI-powered automation
  
  
• Real-time repricing to react to competition
  
  
• Customizable minimum/maximum price settings
  
  
• Buy Box tracking and competitor monitoring
  
  
• Performance reporting and alerts
  
  

Recommended tools:

• RepricerExpress—Ideal for Amazon and Walmart sellers with aggressive pricing needs
• Aura—AI-powered with a focus on Buy Box win-rate optimization
• Seller Snap—Uses Game Theory repricing to adapt to competitors’ behaviour.
• BQool offers dynamic repricing with a user-friendly dashboard
• AlphaRepricer—A fastand affordable repricing tool offering 24/7 real-time price updates and Buy Box targeting
  
  

Step 2: Set Clear Pricing Boundaries

One of the biggest fears with automation is that a tool might lower prices too much or too quickly. That’s why setting boundaries is essential.

Define:

• Minimum price (floor): The lowest price you’re willing to sell at while maintaining profit margins.
  
  
• Maximum price (ceiling): Helps you avoid price gouging or going out of market range.
  
  
• MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) compliance: For brands that must maintain pricing standards.
  
  

Make sure your repricer respects these limits for every SKU, especially across multiple marketplaces or countries.

Step 3: Segment Your SKUs Strategically

Not all products should be repriced the same way. For instance, high-demand seasonal items may need dynamic pricing, while evergreen or niche items benefit from more stable strategies.

Create SKU segments such as:

• High-volume, competitive SKUs aggressive repricing to win the Buy Box
  
  
• Niche or premium products more conservative pricing to protect brand perception
  
  
• Discontinued or clearance items lowest possible price to move inventory fast
  
  

Segmentation allows you to apply custom repricing rules per product group, maintaining control over your broader pricing strategy.

Step 4: Use a Hybrid Repricing Strategy (Rules + AI)

Most tools offer two approaches:

• Rule-based repricing: You set the conditions (e.g., “Price 5 cents below the lowest seller”)
  
  
• Algorithmic or AI-powered repricing: The system learns from your competitors and adjusts intelligently
  
  

Why go hybrid?

A combined approach gives you control and adaptability. For example:

• Apply rules for low-margin products
  
  
• Use AI for competitive categories with more volatility
  
  

This allows automation with human oversight, reducing risk while maximising opportunity.

Step 5: Monitor Performance & Set Alerts

Even with automation, you must monitor repricing performance to ensure it aligns with your goals.

What to track:

• Buy Box win percentage
  
  
• Sales velocity per SKU
  
  
• Profit margin per repriced item
  
  
• Average selling price trend
  
  
• Competitor changes
  
  

Most tools offer real-time dashboards and reports. Set up email or SMS alerts for:

• Sudden price drops
  
  
• Loss of Buy Box
  
  
• Unusual volume changes
  
  

Proactive monitoring helps you stay in control and intervene when needed.

Step 6: Sync With Inventory and Order Management

Automated repricing should integrate seamlessly with your inventory and order systems.

Why this matters:

• Prevent repricing on out-of-stock items
  
  
• Adjust pricing based on inventory velocity (e.g., raise prices if stock is low)
  
  
• Automatically pause repricing on SKUs in higher return or damage zones
  
  

Pro Tip:

If your tool allows it, trigger repricing based on inventory levels, such as:

• If stock is less than 10 units, raise price by 10%
• If product hasn’t sold in 30 days, drop price by 15%
  
  

Step 7: Test, Refine, Repeat

Start small: run A/B tests across select SKUs or categories.

Measure:

• Revenue change
  
  
• Profit margins
  
  
• Buy Box retention
  
  
• Sales velocity
  
  

Refine rules and strategies based on data. Automation doesn’t mean set-it-and-forget-it. It means set-it, watch-it, tweak-it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. No minimum price set can lead to losses
   
   
2. Same rules for all SKUs ignores product diversity
   
   
3. Ignoring competitor behaviourputs you at a disadvantage
   
   
4. Not checking reports regularly leads to blind spots
   
   
5. Over-optimizing for sales sacrifices long-term brand value
   
   

Avoid these pitfalls by combining automation with strong data discipline.

Final Thoughts

Automating repricing for 1,000+ SKUs doesn’t mean giving up control. It means amplifying your control by using smart tools and clear rules. When done right, automated repricing can boost efficiency, protect margins, and position your store for long-term growth.

The key is to:

• Choose the right tool
  
  
• Set strategic boundaries
  
  
• Monitor performance consistently
  
  
• Customise based on product behaviour.
  
  

With the right strategy, repricing becomes a powerful weapon and not a risk.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.