Business cards were known to exist since the 17th century. These cards were known during that time as visiting cards and were reported to be first used in France. Business cards were originally meant to provide glorious introduction to owners. Eventually, these cards with the size of a playing card evolved into other types of cards that we now today, ranging from greeting cards and trading cards.
Trade cards were also used in other European regions particularly London and France. It became a good means of advertising and a directional map to assist the public to the business location, particularly during that time when street/house numbering system was not yet invented. In addition, trade cards were made with letterpress or were woodcut.
These visiting cards were then adopted by nations within Europe and America during the 19th century. Details were printed elaborately with engraved coat of arms and ornaments. The middle class folks used this as accessory. Also during this period, visiting cards were used to record those who came for a visit and those who may need to make a return call. These cards were left at the front door as guests are welcomed into the house. If welcomed, a visitor will have a visiting card sent back as means of communication acceptance. If no visitor card was ever returned, this means that the host doesn’t have any interest with the said visitor. Again, this system was used by the upper class.
The 20th century saw a shift to paper-based business cards. During the earlier years, the sizes of the business cards were larger as compared today. Nowadays, the standard size applies to most calling cards.
Over the years, the cards evolved to how it’s used today. Business cards are now used to promote businesses or as means to establish relationship. Several improvements were implemented and a number of innovations were applied as well. We now have concepts of embossed business cards, beauty business cards and others.
