Where Did Business Cards Originate From?

Business cards are one of the everyday things that have actually been around for centuries and have a rather interesting origin. Over the years, the business card has transformed its physical form and its original purpose in accordance to the technology of the times and the trends that take place around it.

The business card started its life journey as early as the 15th century in China where the paper is thought to have originated. But the earliest known use of it was during the 17th century, where they were used by the French aristocracy as 'visite biletes' or visiting cards. These 'visite biletes' were roughly just the size of playing cards. These cards were handed to the servants which they visit and were used to announce the arrival of the distinguished guest. By the 1650's visiting cards grew popular and there began the widespread use of them throughout the European aristocracy.

As its use became popular, the adornments of the cards became more distinct which also formed a system of etiquette that came with its use. The visiting cards among the upper class were made meticulously, where some were embellished with the family crest or coat of arms. Traditionally, the upper echelon's homes would have silver card trays for visiting cards in the hall table along with a pen, so that if needed, they could write something on the visiting card. These card trays were also used as a library of the people whom the family should pay a return visit to.

Around the same time, these visiting cards were also used in England but has undergone a slight modification in its use. English Merchants often used them as a form of advertisement and maps pointing to their business and hence they were called 'trade cards' instead of visiting cards.

Street numbers also did not exist at that time so these trade cards were as effective as the use of the news paper. Calling cards were also gaining popularity at that time. Trading cards were different from 'calling cards' at that time as trading cards were used for business purposes and calling cards were for personal purposes. The two kinds of cards also differed in size, where trade cards were larger, about 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches while the calling cards were smaller.

Technological progress in printing advanced the production and proliferation of business cards during the 18th century. By then trade cards were produced in monotone using the woodcut process where copperplate engraving was most popular. But around 1830, lithography using several colors became a widespread method of printing used in Europe.

During this time they were still used very formally by the upper class which included protocols of handling a business card that were expected to be understood by members of high society. Business cards still had to be delivered before the visitation and examined before hand by the lady of the house before the actual visit can occur.

If the upper right hand corner of the card was folded, it meant that the card's owner had presented the card in person while a card folded in the middle indicates that the call was meant for several or all members of the family. The lettering of the business card also had meanings. a "p.f." would mean a congratulatory visit, or "p.c." for a condolence call and so on.

During the Industrial Revolution, the business cards started to lose all the formality of its use and became increasingly practical in its purpose, though a large part of High society still maintained their use of formality. The insistence led to trade cards and business cards being treated separately such that when a trade card is sent to your home, it usually meant bill collection.

In the United States, widespread use of the business card came during the late 1800's and were used as how they are being used now in the 20th century. Today, business cards have little to no distinction whether it's for personal use or business use, and is used mostly as a calling card. We often take the business card for granted, but it is interesting to know how it evolved over time.

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