The Origin of Business Cards

A business card is a kind of tiny document with printings of information on a certain company or individual. They are normally shared during formal introductions on meeting a friend, relative or partner. It is a card that typically includes the name of the giver, the company’s affiliation, the logo and the number of the company and the person. Traditionally, most cards are normally made of the ordinary black font. Today, modern business cards for professional purposes also include the email address of the card holder and the company together with the bank account and tax code.

The History of Business Cards

Business cards have an amazing history. They have a wide history that actually dates back in the 15th Century. Having originated in China, it began being used as a visiting card. The visiting card was mainly used for calling purposes. It was used under very strict rules and regulations. In fact, it was termed as a social convention card, hence for societal use ONLY.

It was later on introduced in Europe at the 17th Century when King Louis XIV WAS the head governor. Within that very century, the English men got a glimpse of it and decided to try using it for the purpose of business. At that time, there were no news papers and media services were non existent. The people at that time referred to it as a trade card and not a business card.

It mainly contained the map of the trade place of the merchant. The ancient cards were printed by the aid of the letter press methods and wood cut. With time, the whole visiting and trading card issue passed away. The introduction of plastic material together with special paper made things easier in such a way that the massive production of the cards became less expensive. The cards have developed up to date and are still effective for use in the marketing strategy.