You pull your business card out of your wallet each time you meet a new contact, but have you ever thought about how the card got there? As with most modern business practices, the card has a rich history. This guide will walk you through the card’s journey. You can consider its roots the next time you print business cards. 

How Did the Modern Business Card Come to Be?

17th Century

The royals of 17th century Europe took introductions quite seriously, so they created cards to announce an honored guest. Aristocrats and nobles created ornate cards with the name of the guest and some notes with key information. They would then pass these out to servants and other members of the town. 

18th & 19th Century

The introduction cards of the 17th century stuck around for several hundred years. Eventually, all members of the nobility would carry their own card on them. When they would visit a home for the first time, they would place their cards on a tray. These visiting tokens became a way for the women of these houses to learn about their guests and form a first impression.

Industrialization

With the rise of industrialization, entrepreneurs began putting their contact and business information on cards. This indicates the development of how professionals print business cards today. When inventors and business owners would give presentations, they handed them to those in attendance. Since the upper class still used visiting cards for much of industrialization, they drew a clear class distinction between business and visiting cards. 

Modern Day

As the use of business cards spread around the world, each culture developed their own etiquette. For example, it’s become expected to print business cards professionally rather than writing them. They are often in black and white, but modern professionals also create colorful designs. While it has been hundreds of years since 17th century introduction cards, business cards can still set a powerful first impression. 

Ready to make an introduction with your own business cards? Miller Quik Print has been providing a variety of professional printing services for over 25 years. Located in Onalaska, WI, they help business owners and professionals all over the area leave the best possible impression. Whether you need to print business cards or prepare for a presentation, they can make your design a reality. To view a full list of their printing services, visit them online. You can also call (608) 781-9465 with any questions.