Without the development of the printing press in 1445 the
Renaissance may never have happened, and Johann Gutenberg the
inventor certainly did not know he was sowing the seeds of the
business card entrepreneur’s bonanza we have today. What
civilisation gained from Gutenberg’s invention is incalculable.
Visting Cards
Visiting cards (also known as calling cards) first appeared in
China in the 15th century, and the earliest European form of
visiting cards appeared in France in the 17th century during the
reign of Louis XIV – “Le Roi Soleil”. They were normal playing
cards on which visitors wrote their signatures, promissory notes
and other messages. The cards were just a little smaller than
the size of a man’s hand. As time went by, these visiting cards
further developed into greeting and other cards.
The business card evolved from the Visiting card over time, but
through it’s evolution it’s purpose remains the same.
Trade Cards
Trade cards, another early form of the Business card, existed in
England around the same time. Trade cards were used as a form of
advertising and sometimes contained a map directing potential
customers to merchant stores, as there was no form of street
numbering system at the time.
Other printing materials, such as newspapers, has not yet caught
on as a vehicle for business marketing, so the earliest Trade
cards were printed and issued using a letterpress method.
However, copperplate engraving became the most popular method of
producing the cards by the 18th century, and up to the 19th
century, Trade cards were printed using a single colour
(monotone). But as businesses thrived throughout the Industrial
Revolution, so did the production and distribution of Trade
cards.
Lithography
Around 1830, lithography using several colours became an
established method in Europe and was the primary method for
printing cards. As printing techniques became increasingly
advanced, Trade cards became more elaborate, with pictures and
full colour designs. Since colour images were not widely
available, these cards became collector’s items, and as the
hobby elevated, many tobacco companies put the sporting
celebrities on one side and photos with text about their
products on the reverse. This was the start of the modern day
trading cards. Meanwhile, Visiting Cards arrived in Europe
around the middle of the 1800’s.
Calling Cards arrived
Visiting Cards, or “Calling Cards” as they became known, were
essential to the 19th century middle classes. The initial
letters on personal Visiting “Calling Cards” denote French words:
p. f. – congratulations (pour feliciter) p. r. – expressing
one’s thanks (pour remercier) – even if one is presented with
flowers
p. c. – mourning expression (pour condolence) p. f. N. A – Happy
New Year (pour feliciter Nouvel An) p. p. c. – meaning to take
leave (pour prendre conge) p. p. – if you want to be introduced
to anybody, send your visiting card (pour presenter)
Soon, the Business card evolved from a fusion of traditional
trade cards and visiting cards. A distinction between “business”
and “visiting” cards quickly developed with the ornate Visiting
card serving social obligations only, whilst Business cards on
the other hand, were used solely for promoting business. It was
considered to be in very poor taste to use a Business card when
making a social call.
These days, the modern business card is used primarily for the
purpose of promoting a business, but it also serves as a calling
card.
First Salesman’s Business card
Whilst Visiting Cards were at first the domain of the upper
classes, and trade cards were made to advertise and promote
particular firms, the salesman who did the footwork calling on
prospective clients needed a means to exchange information in a
simple, concise manner. To fill this void the Business card was
introduced with address or telephone contact information in
fancy printing and graphics.
Today, the salesman’s Business card takes on many forms,
including custom die cut shapes and sizes, with glossy coatings
and top quality photo graphics.
Business Card Printers Turn to Plastic
Known for their durability, plastic business cards were
manufactured using a variety of plastic substrates, including
but not limited to: Polystyrene, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, Polyester and
synthetic Papers.
20th century advances in printing technologies and synthetic
materials made it possible to print liquid inks onto plastics.
In addition to the wide range of commercial applications of this
technology.
Today in the 21st century the more adventurous entrepreneur
Business card printer has developed an array of sophisticated
products. These include Silk art board, single and double sided
Business cards, quality labels, complimentary slips, letterheads
for all industries in superior quality papers, and laminated
single and double sided Postcards for all occasions. All of
which can be designed on line and uploaded to your personal
computer. A boon to the busy firm requiring special needs.
For the rest of the world, the exchange of business cards has
become common even for social introductions. Even today, some
people still carry “personal” Business cards which contain only
personal contact information and have no relation to their
employer or business.
