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How to spot a real fountain pen deal

Four checks before you buy.

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A "sale" badge is not a deal. Here's how we decide, and how you can too.

1Don't trust the "was" price alone

Shops set their own "compare at" prices. Check the item at a few shops before you decide.

2Buy for value, not for the badge

A good deal is a pen you'll actually use at a price you're happy with. Don't buy just because something says "sale".

3Check the nib, filler and shipping

The same pen can come with different nib sizes. Confirm the variant, and count shipping in the total.

4Ink and paper add up

Bottle size and sheet count matter. Compare the price per milliliter and per sheet.