About Business Cards

It is highly unusual when a business establishment does not have one. It is just something that is often taken for granted. Business cards are essential.

It is so easy when a director, manager, customer service rep., sales clerk or secretary gives a business card to either a potential customer or patient. The card has all the contact/detail information that is needed. It is not unusual to hear of people who have lost, misplaced or the cell phone is no longer working which means those people have lost all of their vital contact information. Keeping those business cards in a safe place in your home, side pocket of your purse or a business card holder will make the cell phone dilemma less stressful.

I know people who collect business cards. The American Business Card Club was established in 1980. They have members all over the United States and even the world. In today’s business world, creativity is the key to get people’s attention so some real treasures may be found in some of the most unexpected places.

For example, I recently walked into Richard Schmidt Jewelry in La Grange and on their counter was one of the most beautiful business cards I have ever seen. It is larger than most business cards but when I folded it, it fit perfectly in my wallet. Depicted on the front of the card is a woman wearing several beautiful silver bracelets with jade embellishments. On the back of the card is the contact information. What creativity and what style.

Where did business cards come from and how did they get started? The earliest example first appeared in the 15th century in China. The were called “Visiting Cards.” People would carry them around and on the card was a description of how amazing, interesting and important they were. If a person wanted to meet with another person, they would send a “visiting card” as a request to meet. By the 17th century the elite of Europe were using them. They were the size of today’s business cards, engraved, embossed and sometimes included gold elements. These cards were used for all means of social interactions – from business to dating. Then, trade cards were invented in the 17th century. Printing was on both sides with the promotional info on one side and a map on the other side.

Now-a-days, it is so easy to print your own business cards or go to the internet and have a company print them for you. But the most expensive business card in the world is printed in London. The Black Astrum Signature Card is rumored to cost around $1,500 per card depending on how many diamonds are on the card. A full set of cards, usually around 25, can contain in excess of 30 carats of diamonds. These business cards are definitely a symbol of status and wealth.

Business cards are commonplace items in the business world but they can also make a statement. With creativity and ingenuity your business card can be a representation of your company or establishment. The card can not only be informative but inviting. This is a great marketing tool that can help your business grow and to reach more people. Business cards are just a great concept.