Psychology Report on Pens: Why Banks Are Trending Towards Many Rather than One Tethered

Earlham, Indiana.

Psychologists have concluded a study in large part focused on banks in the midwest who have, in recent years, trended away from one tethered pen to many, more affordable pens. Furthermore, these new pens are encouraged to be taken and more often than not are marketing devices, including the name, branch, and phone number of the bank.

Researchers conducted a survey, which showed that people are more likely to sign checks and slips if a pen is free rather than tethered. Clients are more likely to return to conduct their business at a particular branch if they have taken a pen the previous visit. And lastly, they are less likely to check their assets on a daily basis, and less likely to complain about fees they have agreed to.

One bank teller who wishes to remain anonymous told us, "Upper management has enacted this change for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that we tellers spend less time dealing with unhappy costumers who have less money due to fees and leave with nothing because now they leave with, well, sometimes a handful of pens and lollipops. Multiple $15 fees accrue over time, so a few 10 cent pens and 5 cent lollipops to keep the peace is more than fine with me...You know we aren't allowed to drink coffee at the computers?"