History Of Business Cards

By Author: Vikram Kumar
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Business cards have been present for around 400 years. They were a means of etiquette and manner in old time. In modern times, they have become an object of practicality and an item of demand for use. Business cards are actually a developed form of visiting cards. They are still known by this name in many countries. Visiting cards took shape in developed countries of Europe and were named as Visit Biletes. They had a size of playing cards. They sometimes contained written information by the presenter of the card which may include a small message or a signature. Men of grandeur used these cards to announce their presence in a grand way as these cards had important titles written for the card user. At the same time, similar cards were used in England for a different purpose. Cards were used here for trading information exchange. These cards contained maps to reach a shop or explained the address or work service of a trader or a shop.

These trade cards quickly gained importance as these were used as a means of direct marketing of a business which was very difficult in that time. They worked effectively as advertisements ...
... of today as media was not strong in those days and there was very little newspaper coverage which was the only available media at that time. These cards were printed in single tones as no technology was present at that time. As time went by and the technology of lithography was found, trade cards appeared that were printed in a host of colors. Trade cards lost their purpose as other media methods quickly became popular as communication speeds get quicker and newspaper became easily affordable. This led to the gradual adoption of the business card model from the trade cards.

The early visiting card trend followed from the rest of Europe into both United Kingdom as well as the United States. In the early times though, there was a marked distinction between both forms of cards in the United States. The visiting cards were considered a social etiquette and obligation. People would present their visiting card on arrival at a house. This trend was generally seen in people of upper class and was not popular in poor as well country people. Business cards were much more common in the United States on the other hand. People used them to promote their business or work by providing many people with their business card so that one may remember them in a time of need.

If we look at the business cards of today, we find that they contain the card holder’s name, company affiliation details as well as contact details. In the old days, it was traditional to print in black on a white card stock. This tradition is not followed with vigor these days. These days, we see many thick business cards that have elaborate coatings or engravings on them. We also see that most people like to use colorful business cards that at least contain two color tones. Visual designing and aspects have now gained much importance in the structure of business cards physically.
We at blockbusterprint have great options for you if want to use Thick Business Cards for presenting yourself and your affiliations. We also have many modern designs and Color Business Cards for you to choose from.