Custom business cards can be defined as "an imprinted advertising message of one's name, logo and type of business they are engaged in, on small pieces of stiff papers or thin pasteboards, usually rectangular in shape and measuring 3-4 inches long by 2 inches wide." Centuries ago, business cards were known as calling cards. In 17th Century Europe, these formal cards were left at personal residences and places of business to establish credibility from one person to another. These rectangular-shaped bits of advertising were introduced long before as are documented as having first appeared in China in the 15th Century.

A once simple statement of a name and a few obligatory pieces of information has now turned into cross-industry phenomena to have the business card that commands the most attention. Custom business cards have become the status quo of doing business in the modern marketplace. If people can imagine a business with the beneficial marketing of business cards, they can achieve it. It is customary when meeting someone to exchange business cards with them.

However, consider international protocol when asking for someone's business card. In countries where business cards are not de rigueur (a French expression that literally means "required by etiquette or usage or fashion"), people may not have one and may be embarrassed by the request. In many countries there are precise protocols that determine when to present the card, how, and to whom. In Japan, for example, the exchange of cards, or meishi, is an important formality and people may exchange cards more than once since the previous exchanges may not have made a sufficient impression.

Advancements in printer technology have made printing your own business cards from home affordable. Most households and businesses own at least one laser or inkjet printer making personal printing an option no longer out of our reach. If your business services several different industries, you could create a customized card for each industry, emphasizing specific services or benefits for each type of customer.

Free business cards are co-branded, effectively clouding this awareness you want your clients to develop. As more and more businesses like ours close their doors, Business Card Source rises above the rest of the internet offerings and the store front offerings in custom design, because we always have someone somewhere to address your personal needs and desires.

Invest in custom business cards that grab attention and appear more valuable. Or, maybe you have an important client meeting or business conference scheduled and you need a stack of custom business cards as soon as possible.

You could also create different custom business cards emphasizing specific services or products for your business. For example, if you are an image consultant, you could have a card that highlights your general corporate design services and one that accentuates your designing skills. Please see below for more information on Custom Business Cards.