Business cards have been around for years. At trade fairs and meetings, they are passionately handed out to potential partners or customers everywhere. But where does the business card come from? And was it always used the way we do? We dived into the history and found out for you!
There are different stories about the origin of the business card. Some people claim that the business card was already being used in China in the 15th century. At that time, business cards were called Meishi. The Europeans who came there for trade found it interesting that they brought the custom to mainland Europe. According to another story, the origin is France. Here, the card was used to announce visitors. And which of the stories is the correct one?
The first form of business cards was used to announce visitors. The well-to-do sent a servant out with a card announcing his arrival. Did the recipient accept the little card? Did the servant return with the same card? Then you knew you were just welcome.
This is also how the cards were used in the time of Louis XIV – also called Louis the Great or Sun King. Without an announcement through such a card, you did not have to count on a visit from the king. A business card was also ideal for writing down short appointments or messages.
In the 17th century, business cards were first used for business purposes. Already somewhat as we can now. Back then, they were mainly cards to promote a business. Information, discounts, and directions to local businesses began to find their way into designs. The cards were still not very personal. Later, this use was replaced by advertisements in newspapers.
In the mid-19th century, in 1854, the first personal business cards were used in France. This was a photograph of André Adolphe Eugene Disdéri confirmed on a card, with his contact details underneath. These cards quickly became popular and were frequently handed out to family, friends, and customers. The first actual business card as we know it was born.
Soon the business card became a must item in the business market. Since printing became more common and affordable, the business card has become indispensable. Business cards are eagerly handed out at all levels of the business world and beyond. Despite the digital age we now live in, their popularity is hardly declining. Not surprisingly, so. Nowadays, you can choose from various paper types and finishes, which can also be an extension of you or your company.
You cannot attend a trade fair or event without handing out business cards. So we can speak of the successful development of this simple but effective product. And nowadays, it creates many more opportunities. Storytelling through a business card or other printed matter can put your company on the map. Still, looking for tips on the perfect business card? We will gladly give you examples of different business cards. That way, you can be full of ideas!
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Get an instant quoteThe business card is often something placed at the back end of your wallet or in your pocket. Deemed as a small inconsequential piece of paper that is part of day to day meetings with people, the card is seldom considered more than its face value. However, these cards have a long history and an evolution many of us don’t appreciate.
Business cards began in the 17th century in Europe, where they were used to announce the impending arrival of prosperous or aristocratic people to their local town or even their home. They were shaped and sized in a similar way to a playing card and became a staple of the elite by the middle of the century. In time the cards became engrave with gold and exciting typefaces and by the 19th century the cards were a must have by anyone, who was anyone in the middle class circles of the day. Houses even had card trays, ornate in construction, made so those visiting your house could leave their card in.
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By the 18th and the 19th centuries these ‘social cards’ were taken from each lady upon her first visit to a house. People were offered the card tray upon the opening of the door to the door and had to place their card in it as a matter of etiquette. This card was then delivered to the lady of the household, who would examine it – in many ways it created the first impression of the person.
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When the other person waited for those they came to see in the hall, it would have been unheard of for them to look at the other cards. Cards with folded corners had been presented in person, cards folded in the middle indicated the call was meant for all family members. There was also often lettering on the card P/F for a congratulatory visit, P/C for a condolence call.
Unlike in polite society – these cards were also used in the UK for trade purposes. These cards were handed out before or after work was done and included maps to get in contact with the person. Originally produced with wood presses, they would have been created with lithography after its creation in 1830.
The effects of the industrial revolution created a lessening of formality in the world. Exchanging of contact information became essential and the visiting card and trade card were merged and handed out on less formal occasions. The upper class still suffered an aversion towards their use on informal occasions, however they became widespread in the USA. There widespread use often created up turned noses when a US business man presented one at a upper class home in the UK.
Time has eroded much of the etiquette regarding business cards, however rules do persist. Cards should not be handed out by the left hand, should never be written on and should always be translated to the language of the specific country they are being handed out in on the rear of the card. They should never be carried loose and presented in the best condition.
These days cards should have the name of the card holder, their title, the company, their location, and relevant contact information such as address, email, telephone and anything else you feel the need to add. Cards are usually printed in black ink on white paper, though this varies by country.
Today, as every transaction is going digital and cryptocurrencies are believed as a potential investment, the businessmen who are into trading bitcoins rush to design innovative business cards made of metal to create a lasting impact.
Following this logical etiquette means you and your cards won’t have any issues and just think how much more hassle you’d have had handing them out 300 years ago.
Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.