Business Card Alaska

What is the history of business cards? Who makes business cards? What types of cards are there? Who gives them? What is put on business cards? Why are business cards used? How to manage a collection of business cards? Is there a better way than business cards? How are electronic business cards used?

All of these questions make for an interesting discussion of this widely used business necessity. The history started in France and continues through today. Each piece of the business card story will show how its use has changed over time. Cards have gotten better looking and printed on better paper stock. Die cut cards were the fashion for a while, but they seem to have lost their appeal.

This area of business is difficult to change permanently although businesses are always looking for new ways to impress their potential clients.

Business cards are used every day to announce one person who is seeking to speak with another. They are presented in person or through the secretary. The cards are then left behind on purpose so the person called upon has the caller’s personal information. The subtle convenience of a business card belies how useful this one business idea is and why it is so hard to find a better way to handle introductions.

The quality of the business card and its appearance speak volumes about the person or business presenting the card. A smudged or ragged looking card can ruin an initial impression of the presenter. As a result, it is always a good idea to carry a fresh supply at all times.

The forerunner of business cards started in France at the time of King Louis XIV. These cards were then the size of playing cards and were called visiting cards. They were used by ladies and gentlemen with specific etiquette standards as to how or when they would be handed out. Later, the size was decreased, but the use remained the same. It was considered rude or impertinent to not follow the etiquette of card use when visiting another person.

In England, the use of Trade Cards became standard and developed from the visiting card idea. The card size decrease and the information on the card became more like what we now see on our business cards. At this time cards were used as a formal way of introducing yourself and there was a certain ritual to the way they were handed out and received. Ladies and gentlemen followed very prescribed rules with regard to the use of these cards.

They were also used to note a deal or a debt. They were used as a reminder of an invitation that had been extended by the card giver. Money pledged via your card was a matter of honor and the card proved your intent at the time. These visiting cards were also used in courtship and for all manner of social occasions. This practice has been lost to history now, but the elegance of a personal card still speaks well of the presenter.

Most people think of a business card as a small paper card with printing on one or both sides. This printing is done by local Alaska printers and by many companies listed on the Internet. Cards can be printed in one color or in a four-color process. Printers can turn them out quickly once the artwork is approved. Printers charge over a wide range of prices for this finished product. It is worthwhile to get bids for business cards from at least three sources. This effort will save money and still assure a quality card. Quality cards imply quality in other areas of the card giver’s business.

The newest idea in cards is the business card CD. These providers can be found on the Internet and in larger cities. Not everyone can make this type of card. This is a specialized product area.

Another card that is sometimes hard to find is one that Is UV coated. Not all printers have this capability. UV coated cards have a three dimensional effect when looked at. Again the Internet is a good source. A card with a photo that is UV coated will make the image stand out. As a final point, the additional cost is negligible but worth it for the way it makes the business card more presentable.

American Business Technology

703-503-7200
5570 Port Royal Road
Springfield, AK
www.abtcap.com