Business cards evolved from a fusion of traditional trade cards and visiting cards. Visiting cards (also called as calling cards) were first introduced in China in the 15th century and in Europe in the 17th century. Business cards are one of the most powerful and inexpensive marketing tools. Business cards are essential business tools and a convenient means to leave contact information.

Business cards are used throughout the world to quickly introduce a person, establish their role in an organization, or make a creative statement. Handing out a business card is much easier than writing out all your contact information to the person who you meet.

A card that's ugly, untidy, printed on low quality paper or one having incorrect text will prove to be a deterrent , no matter how many wonderful services you offer. On the other hand, clean, creative, professionally printed and visually attractive card, conveys a positive first impression that makes an impact even after the first meeting.

The typical business card must include giver's name, company affiliation (usually with a logo), address, telephone number(s), fax and e-mail. Most people underutilize their business card. Earlier, many cards were simple black text on a white background. But, today a professional business card will sometimes include one or more aspects of striking visual design. A business card is an inexpensive way of advertising yourself to friends and colleagues. Horizontal layouts are the most typical, most widely used format for business cards.

Some of the required information on a Business card is as follows

Giver's Name and/or Company Name

Giver's Title, or some other descriptive text to indicate what the person does if it's not obvious from the business name

Ways to contact the person such as telephone number, fax, email, web page, mailing address, street address, etc.

Business cards are important for any profession. Business cards are frequently used during sales calls (visits) to provide potential customers with a means to contact the business or representative of the business. One of the most cost effective ways you can promote your business is through the use of a powerful business card. When you are out of the office meeting people, having business cards on you will help market what you do. Choosing the right business cards for your business should not be taken lightly. Getting a business card online is an easy process and keeps in mind your business card needs. They consist of different types of business cards such as the standard black and white cards, fancier cards, etc.

Business cards come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are the regular single-sided cards. A two-sided business card allows more space and more content.

The exchange of business cards has become common even for social introductions. Some people carry "personal" business cards which contain only personal contact information and has no details about the company, profession etc.

Some of the types of business cards are as follows

High quality business cards - High quality business cards without full-color photographs are normally printed using spot colors on offset printing presses. More spot colors can be added depending on the needs of the card.

Plastic business cards Such cards have the same thickness and size as a credit card and are printed upon using high quality, scratch resistant inks. Solid plastic business cards have rounded corners and resemble credit cards. Transparent plastic business cards are prepared from lightweight plastic that can be clear or tinted one of a number of colors. Plastic business cards are remarkably affordable and can make a significant difference in the products/services promotion.

UV glossy coat Business cards can also be coated with a UV glossy coat on the front side and are generally uncoated at the rear side. The coat is applied just like another ink using an additional unit. Some areas can be coated, and other areas can be left uncoated. Such cards have high-resolution full color.

CD-ROM "business cards" - Recent technological advances have made possible which can hold about 35 to 100 MB of data. These cards may be square, round or oblong but are approximately the same size as a conventional business card.

Magnetic business cards Such cards are sturdy, full-back magnetic, have high-resolution full color and are glossy, plastic laminated.

Raised Ink business cards Such cards are bright white, heavyweight and the text could have one of these colors - black, red, or blue ink

Fold-over business cards These Business Cards open up to become mini-brochures. On the front is the standard information; inside is a listing of the company's benefits, products, services, mission, clients, and further information.

Business cards come in various forms, shapes and sizes. But one must keep in mind that they should exhibit professionalism. The informative types of business cards do a lot more than the standard ones, which are really mere reminders and not much else. Business cards can be powerful selling tools, marketing weapons that set you apart from your competition.