Business Card Print and the History of Business Cards

Business Card Print and the History of Business Cards

High quality business cards are the most common form of exchanging contact information between businesses and with the public. Originating in China in the 15th century,business cards began life asvisiting cards, otherwise known as a calling card. Visiting cards were quite a bit larger than the standard size of business card print today and were often the size of a playing card, which provided space for visitors to write their signatories, notes and other messages. Bound by strict social etiquette rules, their use spread to Europe from France, where they first appeared during the reign of Louis XIV in the 17th century.

During the 17th century a new type of visiting card began to develop in England with a clearer business purpose. Newspapers remained an underdeveloped resource leaving merchants to find their own methods of advertising their stores to the general public. This niche demand led to the creation of the "Trade Card".

Soon after their formation, trade cards quickly established themselves as the most popular form of business advertising. With no formal numbering system at this time the cards regularly included a map, directing the public to merchant's stores.

The earliest forms of trade cards were printed using the woodcut or letterpress method, and up until the 19th century the cards were still printed in monotone or with simple tints, with many people opting simply for their name in black text on a plain white card.

Developments in technology ensured that by 1830, lithographic printing was the established method in Europe and these improvements, including the option to print in colour, led businesses to create increasingly sophisticated designs for their business card print.

Although they continued to be popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, visiting cards gradually disappeared from use and its cousin, the trade card, transformed and developed into the high quality business cards we know and use today.

Now in the 21st century there is an almost limitless range of options available for qualitycard print, with the highest quality lithographic printers producing an outstanding and consistent print finish for all business card printing requirements. Furthermore, the introduction of new materials and manufacturing processes has widened the creative options available forcard printing such as thermo-graphic business card print.

As an important sales tool in today's society a poor quality card print can reflect badly on a company. This has led to an increase in the use of thicker stocks for business card printing which are thought to create a superior impression. Traditionally a low weight unlaminated card stock was used, such as a 250gsm laid board, but in keeping with the need for a professional finish that is durable, 400gsm business cards are now the preferred stock. Further enhancements such as matt or gloss lamination or spot UV can be added for a luxurycard look and feel that really stands out from the crowd.

POST COMMENT

Cash Before Payday - Money For Your Hard Time How to Master the Art of Cash Gifting How to promote your business with trade show displays? Rajeev Reddy Country Club Introduces Business Leadership Selecting Bronze or Brass Push Bars for Commercial Businesses How do you Cruise for Cash Practical Article Marketing Tips - Top 5 Benefits Of Building Your Business With Article Marketing Bad Credit Cash Loans: easy and hassle free monetary assistance Rajgovt - Rajasthan Business Directory, B2B Trade Portals Reach Financial Independence In 2011 With Cashbusiness2x2.com: Make Easy And Fast Money Online. We Create, Promote and Maintain Websites that help your Business grow 3 Different Types of Cash Gifting Programs Extraordinary Cash on Demand