- Vendor Name: Frank Limper, Jr
- Business Name: Federalist Pens and Paper
- State/Country: Cherry Hill, NJ, United States
- Phone, Email and Website. (866)746-4900 sales@federalistpensonline.com www.federalistpens.com
- Brands/Description of your products/Services: Authorized dealer for more than 60 brands of Pens, Paper, Inks, Refills, Leather and Accessories. Many items are unique to my store. This is an online store that occasionally runs a Seasonal Store in a nearby shopping mall (Eastgate Square).
- How long have you been active in the fine writing industry and accessories? I have been in “The Hobby” for many years. I have been collecting pens most of my life (Father always liked/still likes BP/RB Pens), and I got into FP’s about 20 years ago when I was teaching Full-time. I went to many pen shows in the US- met dealers and vendors, and amassed my own collection. I began selling vintage pens on Pen Forums, Ebay, and using a table at my home show (Philly Pen Show). Around 2014, I came up with the idea of becoming a retailer. I had already sold vintage pens for a while, and I had other trade show experience (I also collect other items, and have sold items as a hobbyist since my teenage years).
- About your business/ What was your inspiration, and how did it get started? As a High School History Teacher based in the Philadelphia Region- I wanted an historical name. After a couple of attempts of guessing a name (possible conflicts with other dealers/products), and considering my appreciation for Alexander Hamilton (The Federalist Papers), I decided to call my venture “Federalist Pens and Paper”. My Blog is also called “The Federalist Pens Papers”! 😉
- What do you think sets your products/services apart from other vendors/exhibitors? I am always taking on new products and brands. I have always been open to new products, and the ability to work with independent makers.I have many exclusive products with known makers/brands because of this willingness to work with them. I was also Robert Oster Signature Inks first US Dealer (“Frankly” Ink Colours celebrate this Anniversary!). This would probably be my most famous collaboration- a new ink maker, taking a chance on a relatively new retailer at that time.
- What’s an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know? It started out as an experiment. It was a PT venture that eventually turned into a FT business venture that supports me and the business. Most people also do not realize that I do not have a physical store presence- though the multitude of brands that I carry, and the support my vendors provide rival larger, physical shops. We attend 12+ Pen Shows annually. It is a big part of my business, and a big reason customers and vendors support me/us!
- What’s a project you’re working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you? I am ALWAYS working on finding new products and brands. It is a big reason I remain competitive, and well respected in the pen community.
- Do you have any new product releases or exciting updates? I am very proud of my presence in the world of Indian Pens. Stex Pens is my latest Indian brand. I was also the first US Dealer for Magna Carta, Click Pens (Production Models), Ayush Paper and Endless Paper. Endless Paper takes both their famous “Brooch” Bookmarks, and their A6-size Storybook Journal, and makes exclusive versions just for my shop! Endless engraves my store info on both products- I give these away as “Bonus” items with an Endless Journal Purchase! Ayush Paper has also been well received, and sales have been very successful!
- Please share any other information you’d like to be included in your spotlight. I am very active with my local pen groups (Philadelphia Pen Collectors Group/Philly Pen Circle), I am also the host (Hub master) of the Annual Pelikan Pen Hub for my area (as the official Philly Metro Area Pelikan Pens Dealer). You can also join my Facebook Community Page- @fountainpencommunity. The Fountain Pen Community was an old pen forum that I used to run/Administrator. The site is accessible (but inactive to keep operating costs low), but this Facebook Forum keeps the spirit and membership alive for the pen community! You can also reach me – Federalist Pens and Paper www.federalistpens.com 866-746-4900.
- Why you are excited to be at the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2024 (BWIPS). Baltimore Show was exciting for me even before I became a retailer. It was one of the 3-4 shows I have attended annually for the past 15+years! (Philly/Baltimore/DC-sometimes NY)
- What unique and distinctive products/services are you offering specifically to the BWIPS attendees that they might not find elsewhere? As I mentioned before- I bring many unique brands and products to shows! 2024 Baltimore will be no different! 😉
- What do you think sets the BWIPS apart from other pen shows? The Baltimore Show is like a “Mini-DC Show” A preview to The “Supershow” in that you see many of the same visitors, as well as vendors!
- Are you offering exclusive BWIPS discounts for a particular product or service at our show? If yes, how can our attendees contact you to obtain these offers? Customers can visit my site anytime to see/reveal additional discount codes and deals! I offer many codes to save an additional 5-10% off at Checkout everyday!
- Is there anything special or new you are particularly excited to introduce at the 2024 BWIPS? Bringing both the Hinze exclusive “Stars and Stripes Final Run” Pens and my new FC1901 Model02 based “Liberty’s Flame” Fountain Pens to the show! – Also Excited to be bringing both Waterman and Parker products for the first time to this show! I just signed the agreement with the US Distributor. Expect to see more new brands in 2024!!
- What advice would you offer to first-time attendees of the 2024 BWIPS? First time visitors can easily be overwhelmed. Visit the tables- hold the product yourself! Looking at it online is not enough to appreciate the product(s). My advice is to collect what you love. Go to pen shows, learn the product, and buy from the dealers who attend these shows. They really are the “Local Dealer” when coming to these events!
- Do you have any hobbies? I use fountain pens daily. I still tutor students from time to time, and I do a lot of writing. Most of my own collection (+/-250 Pens) consists of vintage pens. I like all kinds of pens for a variety of reasons. I like many different brands- modern would include Pelikan, Visconti, Pilot, Lamy, among others. My favourite vintage brands include Wahl-Eversharp, Esterbrook, and Sheaffer- the majority of my vintage items (that I have decided to keep) are from these brands.
- Favorite place you traveled? Florida.
- Where are you from? Philadelphia, PA, USA
- What’s your go-to comfort food? Pizza.
- What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done? Many people are aware that I rode the Amtrak Train to attend the 2018 San Francisco Pen Show. My brother and I rode the rails cross-country with 2 tables worth of merchandise along with us at that time! It was a lot of fun (though very time consuming!)!
- Are you a morning person or a night owl? A Night Owl!
You can view a vast selection of Federalist Pens and Paper products in person during the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2024.
Buying your admission tickets in advance for the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2024 will save valuable time—no more standing in long lines or wasting precious moments of your day.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
