FAQs
FAQs
Q. Where can I find Pilot products?
Among other locations, Pilot products can be found nationwide at the outlets listed below. Stationery stores, College bookstores and Arts and Crafts stores also carry many Pilot products. A full assortment of Pilot writing instruments and refills can also be found on our website.
Office Super Stores such as:
Mass Market Retailers such as:
Drug, Grocery, Warehouse Club and Discount Stores such as:
Office Product Dealers such as:
Q. What is the Return Policy for Items Purchased on Your E-Commerce Site?
Since your satisfaction is a priority we know that it is sometimes necessary to exchange or return an item. All items must be returned within 30 days of purchase for a refund or replacement. Product must be in “as new” condition and be returned in original packaging.
Please return to:
Pilot Corporation of America
Attn: E-Commerce Returns Department
3855 Regent Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Along with the product, please include the original packing list, the reason for the return and if you prefer a replacement or refund. Please note this return policy applies only to merchandise purchased directly from the Pilot Pen web site.
You will receive credit within 7 to 10 business days. Shipping charges are not refundable.
Q. Does Pilot have any eco-friendly / recycled products?
Yes! Pilot is proud to have introduced BeGreen - the first full line of earth-friendly writing instruments! BeGreen products are made from at least 70% recycled material, are packaged with recycled materials, and are made in ISO 14001 and 14021 certified facilities, yet cost the same as comparable Pilot products. Available in most major writing instrument categories - gel ink rolling ball, liquid ink rolling ball and ball point pens, as well as mechanical pencils, permanent markers and whiteboard markers - BeGreen offers a wide selection of responsible choices that can be part of an everyday commitment to make our planet cleaner and healthier. In 2010 Pilot introduced the revolutionary B2P [Bottle-2-Pen] Gel Pen, the world’s first pen made from recycled plastic bottles! For more information on Pilot's BeGreen writing instruments, visit www.pilotbegreen.us.
In addition, many of our popular pens are also refillable for continued use. These include our Better Ball Point pen, Better Retractable pen, BetterGrip ball point pen, EasyTouch and EasyTouch Retractable ballpoint pens, the Dr. Grip retractable ball point pen, Precise V5/V7 RT rolling ball pens, VBall RT rolling ball pens, and G2 gel ink rolling ball pens, as well as our SC-B, SC-F, SC-6600, V Super Color Permanent Markers, and V Board Master Whiteboard Markers, along with all of our mechanical pencils. Refilling these products extends their useful life and reduces material waste, along with providing a great value! It is considerably less expensive to refill a writing instrument than it is to buy a new one.
Q. Which Pilot products are Acid-Free / Archival safe?
All Pilot Gel Ink Pens, Ball Point Pens and Markers are Acid-free and Archival safe, meaning their inks do not contain any acidic chemicals that may speed the deterioration process of photos and documents. Acid-free / Archival safe inks contain pH levels of 7.0 or greater meaning they’re non-acidic.
Q. Which Pilot pens are safe to use for writing checks (won’t enable check-washing)?
Our top recommendation is G2 in Black ink, along with any of our Black ink pens in Ball Point or Gel.
Q. How do I process a tax exempt order?
Create an account as usual, but do not enter your order at that time. Fax your tax exempt certificate to Consumer Service at 904-996-2974. Or, you may email the certificate to ConsumerService@PilotPen.com. Once your certificate has been processed, usually within 2 days, you will receive a notification that you may enter your order.
Q. Is there latex in the grip of the pens? Is there latex in your erasers?
No. All Pilot pens have latex-free grips, and all mechanical pencils contain latex-free erasers.
Q. Which Pilot pens are water resistant and/or water-proof?
While many of our inks are highly water-resistant and won’t easily smear, none of our pens are 100% water-proof on every surface. Permanent markers are the most water-resistant, followed by Ball Point Pens, the ink of which is oil-based. Gel ink, like found in our G2 pens, contains water in its base but is water-resistant, while Rolling Ball ink is the least water-resistant.
Q. Is G2 Gel ink also found in other Pilot products?
Yes! The ink of G2, America’s #1 selling Gel pen, is actually contained in a variety of pen styles, all of which are refillable with G2 ink refills. Besides G2 these include: G2 Limited, G-knock BeGreen, Precise Gel BeGreen, G2 Mini, G2 Pro, G6, Dr.Grip Gel, Dr.Grip Limited, Q7 and B2P Gel Roller.
Q. How are Pilot’s pen point sizes defined?
For Gel Ink and Rolling Ball Pens:
- 0.25mm = Hyper Fine
- 0.3mm = Micro Fine
- 0.38mm and 0.4mm = Ultra Fine
- 0.5mm = Extra Fine
- 0.7mm = Fine
- 1.0mm = Bold
For Ball Point Pens:
- 0.7mm = Fine
- 1.0mm = Medium
- 1.2mm = Broad or Bold
Q. How do I refill lead in my Pilot pencil?
The lead is replaced by removing the cap on the top of the pencil and then removing the eraser. Insert 2 to 3 pieces of lead at one time. Replace the eraser and cap. Push the cap several times until the lead exits from the tip. Take care to use 0.5mm and 0.7mm lead refills for the appropriate mechanical pencils.
Q. How do I refill my Permanent or Jumbo Permanent marker?
(Instructions provided on attached PDF)
Q. What do I do if I have a product or design suggestion?
Click the link below and complete the Product Disclosure and Release form. You may mail, fax or email this form to us, along with your idea, to:
Pilot Consumer Services
Customer Service Manager
3855 Regent Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32224
ConsumerService@PilotPen.com
Fax: 904-996-2974
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Product Disclosure and Release form
Q. How do I refill my V Super Color and V Board Master markers?
BeGreen markers can easily be refilled by following the instructions. To start, hold pen in the upright position (with tip facing up). Unscrew tail cap and remove. Carefully remove empty cartridge. Insert new cartridge and push firmly into place, then screw on the tail cap tightly. Note: Do not replace a cartridge if there is still ink in it. BeGreen markers provide excellent value in the way they can be refilled up 4 times before a full replacement is needed!
Q. What is the Twin Pipe Feed System mentioned on V Super Color and V Board Master Products?
The Twin Pipe Feed System is patented technology by Pilot that enables delivery of consistent color intensity from first word to last! The newly developed system utilizes two pipes and a pad to ensure a stable supply of ink to the pen tip. One of these two pipes feeds the ink to the pad section and the other pipe feeds air to the ink tank. The pad functions the same as a pen tip and regulates the supply of ink to the tip.
Q. Which Pilot products are considered to have indelible ink?
All Pilot Permanent Markers, Creative Markers and Ball Point Pens are considered to have indelible ink among writing and marking instruments.
Q. Which Pilot products are recommended for writing on photos?
Our top recommendation is the Pilot Extra Fine Permanent Marker or Pilot Super Color Fine Bullet point marker. Take care to also use proper photo protectors (polypropylene-based; not PVC- or acetone-based) to best preserve your photos and writing.
Q. Are Pilot pens recyclable?
Pilot’s new B2P Bottle-2-Pen Gel Roller is made from recycled plastic bottles (R-PET). Since it’s made of recycled plastic already, the body of this pen can be placed directly into regular recycling bins. Additionally, most pen bodies are considered Type 5 recyclable plastic. However, all metal components and ink refills must be removed prior to recycling. For more information contact your local recycling center.
Q. How do I operate my Vanishing Point pen?
- For Writing
- To expose pen nib, press retracting knob until it clicks. This opens the shutter and extends and locks the nib into writing position.
- After Writing
- To retract nib, press retracting knob as instructed above. The nib will draw in and the shutter will close tightly over it.
- Filling with Ink Bottle
- With pen nib retracted, unscrew body.
- Pull out nib/neck assembly from pen cap.
- Using Ink Cartridge
- Remove nib/neck assembly from barrel
- Replace cartridge cover from nib/neck assembly. This may require a twisting/pulling action.
- Insert cartridge into place.
- Replace cartridge cover and insert nib/neck assembly into pen cap.
- Screw both ends of pen body back together.
-
Using Converter
- Insert converter into nib/neck assembly.
- Dip nib into ink and twist converter to draw ink into nib until the pen is filled.
IMPORTANT: Always remove pen holder from the body before refilling. Never dip the pen head directly into the ink bottle - ink will get inside the pen head, interfering with the delivery mechanism.
Q. Why could my pen sometimes leak on an airplane?
Airplane Travel
When using many brands of liquid ink pens (which include fountain pens and rolling ball pens) on an airplane, be sure to remove the cap with the point of the pen upward. This will alleviate most problems (leaks) that could occur due to cabin pressure.
Q. How can I clean & care for my Fountain pen?
Fountain Pen Care & Cleaning
- Your fountain pen will function better if cleaned every two months. Never clean a pen in hot water or alcohol. Use cool water only. If the pen is really dirty, use a solution of two-thirds cold water and one-third dishwashing soap. Shake out any excess water and dry nib with a soft cloth.
- If you will not be using your pen for a while, clean it by flushing with cold water.
- Cap the pen properly. Hold the pen upright and place the cap on top of it. DO NOT drop the pen into the cap, or you may end up with ink in the cap.
- If you are traveling by plane, either fill your pen all the way, or leave it empty. Remember to always uncap the pen with the tip pointed upward. A sudden change in cabin pressure may cause any pen to leak if you don't follow this rule.
- Always try to use a pen case for carrying your pen(s). This will protect the finish from scratches or nicks.
Q. How can I repair my Fountain Pen?
Fountain Pen Repair
Before sending in a fountain pen for repair for skipping, try the following corrective steps, which may save you time and expense:
- If you normally use cartridges, put in your converter (make sure it is inserted tightly) and clean the pen with a solution of two-thirds cold water and one-third non-sudsing household ammonia. For really "dirty" pens, fill the pen with the solution and let the nib section soak overnight in the solution. To clean, just fill the pen and empty several times with the cleaning solution, then follow the same procedure with cold water only.
- Consult your filling instructions; you may not be filling your pen properly. For example, not "bleeding out" three drops of ink when filling a piston pen.
- If you are writing on chemically coated paper that has a slick feel, wipe the pen point with a soft cloth (not facial tissue) and try writing again. If your pen still skips, try a different paper.
- Note: Many writing pads of recycled or coated paper are not suitable for fountain pens.
- If your pen skips on the down stroke and the point spreads at the tip and/or has separated from the black feed underneath, the nib is sprung. Try to lighten your touch on the pen. If the pen still skips, you will need to have the nib reworked or replaced.
Q. Can using oil-based and/or permanent inks clog the nib on fountain pens?
Yes. We recommend using only Pilot-branded fountain pen ink, which are water-based. Oil-based and permanent inks may permanently clog and damage fountain pen nibs.
Q. How can I remove ink stains?
Most ink stains can be removed by using the following products:
-
Motsenbocker's Lift Off #3 - Pen, Ink and Marker Graffiti Remover
- Amodex Stain Remover -
- Lifter-1
Q. What do I do if ink from a Pilot product is accidentally ingested?
While the majority of Pilot inks are considered safe and non-toxic, contact your local poison control and/or family physician immediately for further guidance.
Q. How can I obtain an MSDS sheet for one of your products?
Please email Pilot Customer Service by clicking on the “contact us” link.
Q. What is the Pilot Perfection Guarantee?
Pilot guarantees all of its products. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the performance of any Pilot product, return the product, postage paid, and we will replace it free with a comparable product.
In the U.S., please return product to:
Pilot Corporation of America
Customer Service Manager
3855 Regent Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Q. What do I do if I'm having a problem with my Pilot Rebate?
To assist with tracking and status of your rebate by mail or to report issues, visit: www.rewardsbymail.com
For additional information,
Contact Pilot Pen Customer Service
Contact information:
Email: consumerservice@pilotpen.com
Phone Number: (904)-565-7600
Q. What are the hours of Pilot Customer Service?
Monday – Friday, 7:30am - 3:30pm Eastern Standard Time
Q. What are your Online Order Security & Privacy policies?
Your privacy and security are important to us. All orders are processed through a secure online checkout system, which employs 128 bit strong encryption on your credit card information and other personal data.
We will never sell your customer information to any third party. We understand the importance of customer privacy and stand against cross-selling of mailing lists between companies. We find this practice highly unethical.
Q. How Does my order ship?
All orders over $5.00 will be processed with free ground shipping. We will ship your order via UPS and the US Postal Service, depending on the package size and weight, insured value, etc.
Q. When will my order ship?
Most orders will be processed and shipped within two business days. If your shipping address is different than your billing address, your information will need to be verified with your credit card company, which can delay shipment. You will automatically be e-mailed an order confirmation, typically within a few minutes of purchase. The e-mail will include a link where you can check your order status. You will also be e-mailed when your order ships and this e-mail will include your tracking information.