Like anything in this world that has its alpha, business card printing has its own, too. A die cut business card did not just come from nowhere. It has a story that could interest anyone who’s curious for a little trivia.
Business card printing started in France in the 17th century. This card was then called as “visiting cards.” It was in the size of a playing card just a bit smaller than the size of a hand of a man. It was used as playing card where visitors wrote their promissory note, signatures and other messages on the card. As time went by, it evolved in to greeting and other forms of cards.
The first visiting cards were in France during the time of Louis XIV.
A “tradecard” was also used in England during the start of the 17th century. The primordial card was not just used as a form of advertising but also as a map. It gives direction to the merchant’s store since at that time street numbering was still unheard of.
The first tradecards were impressed by letterpress or woodcut method. They were done in single color with straightforward tints. Their production became dependent on the growing business at that time. And as the years progressed, the printing of tradecards further improved with the aid of rising technologies.
In the 19th century, the French court etiquette was adopted by America and Europe. Two cards were printed and used: business cards and the visiting cards.
However, the Americans had their own improvisations. They made a distinction between a business and visiting card. The later presented tangible proof of social meetings and formal introduction. In most halls, card trays with stack of visiting cards could be found indicating calls that needed to be returned and the actual calls that were done in a day. So it only served a select audience.
Business cards were very popular and widely used by men and women of all classes. They had the main goal of promoting business. They were not for social calls. And if someone left a business card with a servant, it meant an unpaid bill needs to be collected.
Like paying a social call, business cards require its own etiquette and format. In some parts of the world, it is offensive to present them with your left hand. It is also not recommended that the card be immediately put away right after receiving it. These cards should be handled with care – encased in a proper card holder. They must be maintained in great conditions. The rule of the thumb when presenting the card is the same way a business person would present his company to a high level of business meeting.
Modern business card printing is expected to have the card holder’s name, designation or title, company and the necessary contact information. Company logos with the company byline or tagline are often stamped or printed on the cards. Again, with the help of technology, different sizes and forms of the card are readily available. Example is a die cut business card. Any printing company can easily create them in stacks.