The concept of a business card has been a powerful tool for companies and individuals for a long time. But did you know that during the reign of King Louis XIV they were being used? Or that early business cards were made out of copperplate? Here we look at business cards and how they have been developed throughout history to how they are used today.
Before business cards came around in business, trade cards were used in all parts of England during the 17th Century in London. They were used to advertise businesses and provide a map to the potential customer. As street numbering did not exist at this time, so the map on the trade card would be the only way people would fine a merchants store past chance.
This method of advertising soon became extremely popular as newspapers at this time were not particularly developed and some people could not read. The first types of these trade cards were printed on woodcut but by the 18th century they were engraved on copper plating. Up until the 19th century all trade cards were only done in monotones and with very simple tints. It wasn't until the growth of companies in 1830 that some coloured trade cards were available in Europe.
In the 19th century the distribution of newspapers was far better and made communication this way much more practical, so advertising within this media became far more popular. More businesses started using periodicals and papers than the trade cards as it was far cheaper so eventually the trade card industry began to be used less and less.
Visiting cards were also present during Louis XIV's reign and were known as 'Visite Biletes'. These cards were about the size of a playi women's coats ng card and users signed them with promissory notes and other little messages. Eventually these little cards ended up developing into greeting cards if they were not introducing individuals in all of their glory.
By the 19th century within Europe these 'visiting cards' had travelled further than the French courts and made their way to both America and Europe. Any middle class lady or gentleman was expected to have their own visiting card or calling card, in which usually they were decorated with coat of arms and advertised the individual.
America was slightly different from Europe in that there were two different forms of cards, either the visiting card which were used more in social situations for the upper classes. This gave proof that associates had met with introductions whereas the business card was used solely in all classes to promote business. Both men and woman had these cards yet if somebody used a business card in place of a visiting card it was considered very poor taste as a social visit was not meant to be a business opportunity. Often business cards left with servants indicated that you had called to a collect a bill.
Today business cards are used readily in order for people to be able to contact certain individuals within companies and the actual company itself. They allow for people to communicate with an associate and then give them a clear and concise way of contacting them again if they are interested in business. Today cards are often colourful and quirky to catch the eye of potential customers and leaving a business card on a social visit is no longer seen as inappropriate.
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