by Melissa J Luther

Created on: July 30, 2010   Last Updated: August 20, 2010

The modern business card evolved from the visiting card, also called a calling card, which some believe originated in 15th century China. What is more certain is that the visiting card came into widespread use in 17th century France, during the reign of Louis XIV.

> Visiting Cards in Europe 

Many of the first cards were actually regular playing cards on which gentlemen would write their intent and include a signature.

When Louis XIV started accepting visiting cards from foreign visitors, the practice quickly became fashionable. It soon became a formal part of French court etiquette and the proper way to request an audience with the King. Elaborate cards left a more favorable impression than plain ones.

Once formalized by the French court, use of the cards quickly became not only fashionable but also obligatory for members of high society. Visitors were required to present their cards to the household’s butler who would present it to the person they were visiting. That person would then decide whether or not to meet with the caller. The practice quickly spread through Europe.

> Trade Cards in England<

Merchants in 17th century London were the first to take the visiting card and transform it into something of a business card. These cards, called trade cards, served as a combination of advertising and directions to a business. The cards were valuable to the merchants because newspapers were not yet a well-developed medium for advertising and street numbering did not exist.

These cards proved well suited as advertising mediums and became quite popular. Some merchants even used them as a means of extending credit. These earliest cards were printed in one color or used some basic tints. Eventually newspaper distribution became more affordable and so did newspaper advertising. As a result, trade cards faded in popularity.

> Visiting Cards in the United States<

Visiting cards became popular in the United States in the early 1800s. This was around the same time that lithography gained popularity as a printing method, providing additional options to make visiting cards and business cards more interesting and colorful.

Initially there was little difference between the visiting card and a business card. However, etiquette rules soon made it unacceptable to use a business card in social situations. Visiting cards were seen as a sort of letter of introduction and also served as a way for household members to see exactly who had visited. Using a

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>