Are Business Cards Dead?

Cathy, I am just about out too, and rarely hand them out anymore.   

I handed out attractive bookmark-sized business cards. They NEVER got thrown out.

Of course, I've been retired for 12 years so I am totally clueless on what is done now.

Hi Cathy... I have an electronic card, but am not giving up paper cards as yet. I use them all the time in different ways.

It is inconvenient in a quick meeting to scan a new acquaintance info into a smart phone. Leaving the card may or may not work, but it is something for someone that you may never meet again unless they or someone they know needs to buy or sell a home. Jeff

Hello Cathy - your post makes me think of the quote attributed to Mark Twain (and likely a few others too):  News of my death have been greatly exaggerated.   

It seems there are/have been many things that have been predicted to disappear over the years.  Business cards are one.  Formal dining rooms are another.  Common sense - well, that's a sure one, right?  

Hello Cathy Criado they are not dead for me.  The information on my cards has not changed in 20+ years. 

Indeed there are alternative ways to provide contract information which can be used in conjunction with a business card. 

Hi Cathy- I try to eliminate as much paper as I can and love being able to AirDrop or "beam" information to someone. That said, I still like the idea of them and if I were at that stage in my life, I would have some around. 

Cathy as far as I am concerned depending on who your target market is now with that said may I say 40 % of buyers and seller are Baby Boomers may I say Gen Z 4% so my target market is the real buyers and they like business card:)Endre

Good morning Cathy. Been retired of a time now and used business cards in my day. Might use an electronic card as an alternative if I were still active.

I have never been one to hand out a bunch of my cards, I mainly use them each year for the annual calendars that I send out, haha.  I still carry a few with me, but when I hand them out I see they have faded a bit from being in my pocket all of the time, haha.  Happy Birthday, btw!

My whole firm switched over to digital business cards last year which works with either a tap to both phones or QR Code. I still have paper cards which I keep on me just in case, but I would say most prefer the digital cards. I upgraded my phone a few years ago specifically because tap to pay was coming to the subway- and it's way better than swiping a metrocard which wasn't as reliable. Now I use the same technology for my business cards. 

I now use a Popl card.  I can just hold it next to someone's phone and it pops up on their screen, for some phones I dont even need to take it out of my wallet, and for ones with crazy cases there is a QR code to scan.  But I still like the old fashioned ones to use in the mail, and for people to share.. I think both have their place

I do believe they are becoming a thing of the past. That is until technology fails.

Hi Cathy Criado -

This is the future and everyone should consider it, for their particular needs. 

My husband does all the tech in my business.  We went to Taptok about three years ago.  My husband assigned slsperry.com to it, which can be added to any smart phonebook. It links all my social media, email, phone, and website.

I also have regular business cards if I need them. 

I remember about 10 years ago trying to use QR codes but the person had to have installed a QR code reader. 

NOW the phone camera picks it up and brings it to a link. Progress is wonderful!

I hear you, Cathy! Many of my baby boomers love the cards but, every other generation, by far, prefers the digital card. You've spawned a post here - I'll tag you when I finally write it!

     In farming for listings, that little business card gets responded to immediately or two, ten years down the road. When the kids are settling the estate and spy them in the kept important papers.

     Hear over and over "Mom, Dad, my brother or sister kept your card". If less and less people use them, your card because you do stands out even more if designed professionally. They work better circulated, set free instead of 498 sitting on a shelf in a long dark rectangular box.

     The same cards kept in the top drawer of a town office, chamber of commerce, motel get handed out and responded to all the time. Pin three or four to a local diner or community bulletin board. Tourists take one, put in their wallet or purse. I see them in houses under refrigerator magnets and they get exposed, used.

     Ask your customers why they called, stopped in, how you found us. Do what works for them in your local marketing. In mine, business cards are not dead. Worried about losing them in the wash Cathy Criado? Upgrade. Thickness, rounded corners and waterproof, tear-resistant material make them stand out from traditional paper cards.

Your older marketing segment is not going to scan a QR code or go to one of your 83 online digital marketing channels. Smart phone? The harvest gold rotary dial kitchen phone tethered by the long cord still works fine Chummy. It's user owns 4 properties, free and clear and wonders who am I gonna call when I list them? Hope you, someone  gave them a business card.

I still like business cards, but find it very useful to quickly add a new contact to my contacts on the phone.