How to Collect Business Cards

Many people enjoy building collections. If you'd like to start a collection, consider collecting business cards, which are generally inexpensive and easy to find. You can collect all kinds of business cards or specialize in celebrity, political, antique, regional, restaurant or many other categories. Decide what kind of cards you're most interested in collecting and follow these steps to build your stock.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick up cards while you're out and about--one to keep and one to trade. Professionals, such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants and architects, leave cards on display within easy reach. Even small shops and restaurants may have cards on the counter.

2. Visit trade shows, art and craft shows, fairs, grand openings and malls. You can pick up many cards this way within a particular category.

3. Scout out antique stores and ask to see trade cards if you're interested in historical cards. Or search eBay for antique cards.

4. Write letters to celebrities, public officials and businesses to request cards, explaining your hobby. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope as a courtesy.

5. Ask friends to pick up cards for you, especially if they travel.

6. Join the American Business Card Club, the International Business Card Collectors and regional clubs to learn more about collecting cards and to begin trading cards.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep cards perfectly clean and whole if you want to trade them. Don't staple, paper-clip or write on the cards.
• Avoid black and white cards unless they have unusual information or names. These don't trade well.