Business Card Size

Trade cards, as they were called in the seventeenth century London, England, were for the business men to keep in touch with their clients. They were given out to prospective clients, some had maps on them, or directing the public to their stores. At that time there were no street names or numbers for one to find. 

The earliest form of trade cards were printed by the wood cut or letterpress method. There was nothing fancy about them in the least. Then in the late eighteenth century there was what was called copperplate engraving, enabling the maker to print his cards with simple tints. These trade cards would fit in the palm of your hand and could be slipped into a pocket.

In France during the early nineteenth century business card size or also called visiting cards, came to America. They had detailed engraved ornaments and some carried a coat of arms, telling that person who the family was. One did not go about town or anywhere else without a calling card.

When they came to America business card size was about the same size but ended up being for the business man. Although they still had the calling card for ladies and gentlemen, businesses were picking up on the idea. Newspaper advertising took too long or was just not around.

The business card was used from all classes and all walks of life in America. People had a business to promote and wanted people to come to their stores and buy the merchandise. Never one was to leave a business card when making a social call that was considered very poor taste. When leaving a business card at a private home usually meant a bill was to be collected.

Now in modern times, business card size varies; you can make and design your own, have them printed up or print them yourself. If making your own with your computer there are different templates that can be used. Most business size cards are two inches by three point five inches. If wanting a fold over business card size they are four inches by three point five inches.

You can put on a multitude of designs on your business card size from flowers to whatever strikes you’re fancy. Many put on their business logos, with the name of the company, address, email, website if there is one, land line telephone number, cell phone number and fax number. There is special paper to make your own business card size, and comes in different thickness and colors.

If ordering the business card from a printer, all you have to do is go in and they will help you design the business card size to fit what you need. They will also give suggestions and maybe a design you did not think of. Most of them are extremely helpful and have your best interests at heart.

There are some companies that are online that will make up business card sizes for free, all you have to pay for is shipping and handling. These cards come on good high quality paper if you choose; they will print what you want on them and ship them to you in about one week. If having a small business or just starting out money will be tight. These are actually cheaper to have done than doing them yourself.