Business Resources: Articles on Business Cards

Whilst browsing the results for one of my favourite searches on Google the other day, I happened across an interesting forum thread on Chronicle.com (The Chronicle of Higher Education). Of course, one should expect a certain level of insight and articulation on a forum for academics, but nevertheless this one piqued my interest. Titled 'Do You Carry a Business Card Case', it began with a short personal story:

"On campus the other day saying goodbyes, a now ex-colleague pulled a beautiful shiny business card case out of her bag and offered me a card. I was floored. When I go to conferences (the only time I really have a batch of cards with me), I usually stick them in the back of my nametag holder and pass them out from there if need be."

Clearly the incident made a big impact on this contributor, a distinguished senior member of the forum who uses the online moniker 'crazybatlady'. She continued:

"But I was really impressed by her classy card case. And then I thought it reflected a lifestyle I don't yet live".

Profound eh? But like I said, this is exactly the quality of observation that one might expect from a forum for professional academics. But it got me thinking too. What sort of lifestyle is symbolised by the use of a shiny business card case?

Credibility & Respect

The replies from her academic colleagues on the boards can be divided into those who are fellow nametag (or pocket, or purse, or bag) stuffers and those who use business card cases. One of the reasons given for being a 'stuffer' (this astute phrase was coined by contributor 'koda_kube') was a fear of appearing pretentious, which I suppose is fair enough if the context of the exchange or the event is noticeably casual and informal. At the other end of the scale, several commentators referred to Japan and the Asia region, where the business card is a major part of business etiquette. There it would be a sign of disrespect to take a card and simply stuff it into a bag or purse (or nametag holder). Similarly it would also create a poor impression if you were to present your own business card in a crumpled or dog-earred state. As one respondent - monkfish - noted:

"I often travel to places where business cards are to be treated with the utmost respect and care, and stuffing them into a pocket could be seen as an insult".

Another contributor, using the name 'aandsdean' and again referring to business culture in Asia, noted that:

"But the [business] cards are directly associated with credibility".

Pristine Condition

Another theme to emerge from this debate was the need to present one's business cards in pristine condition - regardless of whether the meeting takes place in Japan, Asia or the western world. One U.S.A. based respondent, icurhere2, commented:

"I do carry a business card case - as an administrator, pristine cards are crucial and I carry cards everyday".

Missemily added:

"I have a handsome metal case that [...] looks impressive and is well worth whatever I paid for it (not much), especially since it keeps the cards clean and unspoiled."

And a third contributor, conjugate, said:

"But keeping them [business cards] pristine is important if you want to impress somebody".

Where to obtain your business card case

One further theme that I found interesting was references to where people actually obtained their business card cases. A few referred to low cost stationery and accessories providers, including Staples. Others had received their business card cases as personal gifts, and treasured them all the more for that. There were recommendations to visit museum shops to purchase stylish card cases from there (well, they are academics!). And a couple of people referred to receiving business card cases as 'thank you' gifts when they were speakers on various conference panels. Nice branding opportunities for the organisers or sponsors there, methinks.

Stuffer or Professional Impact?

So, all in all a fascinating read for anyone interested in the business of business cards. And it leaves just one question: are you a card stuffer, or do you offer your contacts the impact of a pristine business card, the credibility boost of a shiny business card case, and the respect of treating their card with care as you store it in your protective card case?

Copyright © 2006 Uppermost Business Gifts Ltd. All rights reserved

Arthur Gibbs is Web Editor here at Business-Gifts-Supplier.co.uk

Buy Your Business Card Case Here

Here at Business Gifts Supplier we like to cater for the Professionals rather than the Stuffers. Our range of business card cases includes silver plated cases, nickel plated and leather cases. We have flip top card cases, sliding card cases, card cases with notebooks and even a nifty business card case with calculator. As well as an extensive range of metal card cases, we offer free engraving of text and logos on our full range of business card cases and holders. So don't be a stuffer, maximise the impact of your business card presentation with a fine quality, custom engraved business card case.