The Dreaded Ink Smear: Survey Finds It’s A Common Left-Handed Struggle

SHELTON, Conn., Aug. 08, 2017 -- Left-handed people are living in a predominantly right-handed world – and while they know that makes them unique, it doesn’t mean they don’t wish the items they use, like pens, were a bit more lefty-friendly. For many lefties, this means that written documents – from contracts to homework – often end up smeared and sometimes illegible.

In fact, a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research for the makers of BIC^® pens discovered that more than two-thirds (67%) of left-handed American adults have ruined an important document or project specifically because their left hand smeared what they were writing with a pen or pencil. What’s more, 66 percent of left-handers frequently find themselves frustrated by everyday objects that feel as though they were made for right-handed people.

This Left Handers Day (August 13, 2017), BIC is reminding Americans that it doesn’t matter whether a pen sits in your left hand or your right – just be creative! With the new BIC^® Gel-ocity^® Quick Dry gel pens, ink dries up to 3x faster* for a super-smooth writing experience with less smearing.

“Whether you’re left-handed or right, BIC encourages all Americans to get creative and stay creative – and we’re committed to making innovative products that aid in the creative process,” said Susan Lanzarotto, Director, Stationery Marketing for BIC USA Inc. “We are excited to launch new Gel-ocity^® Quick Dry gel pens and we’re confident that this new line can make note-taking, list-making and calendar-marking both easier and brighter for everyone this back to school season.”

Available in a variety of bright and vivid colors, new BIC^® Gel-ocity^® Quick Dry gel pens provide a smooth experience that inspires creativity – especially helpful to the 58 percent of left-handed Americans who believe they’re more creative than their right-handed counterparts. Best of all, with fast-drying ink, what you’ve created, stays created.

For more information on BIC^® Gel-ocity^® Quick Dry gel pens or the full line of BIC^® pens and pencils, please visit https://www.shopbic.com/Gel-ocityQuick-Dry.

*vs. BIC^® Gel-ocity^® Original, based on average dry times of blue, black and red. Individual dry times may vary by color.         

Survey Methodology
BIC Handwriting Survey conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 500 left-handed U.S. adults, ages 18 and older, between July 19 and July 25, 2017, using an email invitation and an online survey.

About BIC Consumer Products USA
BIC Consumer Products USA (us.bicworld.com) is a leading manufacturer of stationery products, lighters and shavers. Since its founding more than 60 years ago, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products that are accessible to all. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands in the world today, delivering “More for your money…Always!”

Contact: Kayla Gaines
Hunter Public Relations
(212) 679-6600 
[email protected]