Business cards undoubtedly are the most important form of introduction for any businessman. Though small in size, they are of great significance. They reveal information about the individual, as well as his organization. Such information about the individual like his name, post, contact numbers of residence as well as office and e-mail ID is displayed on the business cards. As also displayed is the location of his office and the product it churns out. It is the business card that plays a significant role in people getting in touch with each other, at least for the first time. It, thus becomes very clear that business cards are of significant importance and that they cannot be taken lightly.

What would be even more interesting would be the information about the birth of business cards and their early appearance. Also, interesting would be the information about the countries who were the earliest to adapt this mode of introduction. Well, it would be very interesting to know that it was in the 15th century that business cards were first used. China was the country where business cards were introduced for the first time.

The use of business cards then was confined to the upper class that used it as a signal of their arrival in a household. With the passage of time, business cards were also adopted by others. The seventeenth century saw it being used for the first time in England. It was then popular there as trade cards. These trade cards were mostly used by merchants. These trade cards were unique in the sense that they had maps printed on them, perhaps to guide customers to reach the shops. These cards also included such information as the names of the goods sold by them.

Today though, business cards have undergone a complete transformation and are available in different coolers, sizes and price range, giving people ample option to choose from. Although, it must be added that the simpler the business cards, the better they are.