It's been said the history of the business cards could date back as far as 17th century Europe when prominent figures would present their calling card when visiting royalty and other upper-class members of society. The visitor would lay their calling card in a special dish, which would be brought to the host to examine in another room. If the host was impressed with the card, they would grant an audience.

Fast forward 400 years to the 21st century, we hand out business cards in hopes of convincing potential clients to arrange a meeting. A business card is just as effective and necessary today as it was back then—and you probably feel just as much pressure to make your business card stand out.

How Can Waterproof Business Cards Help Your Business?

Last year we printed 31,544,711 waterproof business cards for companies of all sizes around the world. Companies want their cards to be waterproof for a couple of reasons. They want business cards that can survive pockets, the bottoms of laptop bags, and spilled coffee—they're tired of throwing out expensive cards. More importantly, though, whether they're running through the rain to a networking event or swimming through a coral reef, they want to know their business card will look great when they hand it to a potential new client.

What impresses us, however, is when companies view the waterproof feature of our business cards as an opportunity. We love hearing how our clients have figured out how to use waterproof business cards to reach people in unique ways and to strengthen their brand.

If you're looking for ideas, here are some of our favorite examples of companies using waterproof cards to market their business effectively.

11 Companies Brilliantly Using Waterproof Business Cards to Enhance Their Marketing:

1. Investing 4 Athletes

A dedicated endurance athlete himself, financial adviser Richard Hendry specializes in helping aspiring athletes manage their finances so they can pursue their dreams. He often found himself advising fellow athletes on Century Rides and after triathlons. Yet a traditional card stock business card rarely survived the sweaty post-race handoff or gym bag (and never survived the wash.) Making his business card waterproof was a smart decision that made it easy for him to connect with athletes who want to use his financial services. 

2. Blue Collar Black Book  

Blue Collar Black Book is a membership site that gives contractors and other blue-collar professionals a reliable source for trade information and a forum to discuss industry issues, appropriate pricing, and how to handle problem customers. By using waterproof cards, they ensure that their target audience won't have to worry about destroying their business card—and that they can pass the cards onto others when they've signed up. Their ability to refer others can be passed on with ease and will endure numerous exchanges of hand. We admire the thought that Blue Collar Black Book put into the "why" and "when" an interaction with their business card would likely happen. It was a smart marketing decision, and it is clear that they are dedicated to their customer experience.

3.  Culligan Water 

Culligan Water is a known industry leader in research and innovation for water treatment. They make our list for having a brilliant business card with an impactful visual message. Culligan Water used a die-cut water droplet shape to make their card stand out and fit with their brand. On one side, they put a visual of the sediments and chemicals that are lurking in typical tap water. On the other, they put an offer for a free water analysis. We are pretty sure this card is effective all the way around card. Kudos to the team who executed a great concept into an even more effective business card. To see more die cut business cards, click here.

4. Captain Barto

A surfer and world traveler, Adam Bartoshesky specializes in lifestyle and water photography. With most of his photography taking place on the beach or beneath the waves, he needed a business card that was just as adventurous as he is. What impresses us about Captain Barto's waterproof business card is the creative way he used our custom die cut shapes to turn his business card into a wax comb—an essential tool that surfers use to add grip when they wax their surfboard. What a brilliant way to make sure that surfer's keep his business card on hand. We bet that it's a great word-of-mouth marketing tool as well! To see more photography business cards, click here.

5. Power Dry Emergency Water Removal

Power Dry is a family-owned business that specializes in cleaning up water in emergencies. They've cleverly anticipated that potential customers needing a water removal company will be facing very messy, wet conditions—and that's no time to be trying to decipher a soggy paper cardstock business card! We love how they have created a plastic waterproof business card that will withstand wet conditions—a smart move in their line of work. Their business card also doubles as a special offer for repeat customers, giving their clients incentive to hang on to it for future use. Since it's waterproof, they can also encourage customers to place it near areas at risk of flooding, making sure it's easy to find in emergencies. Their business card is an example of marketing that will stick with the client, even in sticky situations.

6. Heineken Light Beer 

The two-time World Beer Championship's best tasting light beer found a clever way to display its message on a waterproof business card. Heineken delivers its message of high quality and prestige by using a clear, transparent card that reflects the feeling of holding a nice cold glass of beer. And even if they spilled Heineken beer while sharing business cards, it would conveniently run off the card just as the sweat runs down and off the glass. Or conveniently in a pinch, the business card can be used as a coaster. We love this fantastic marketing visualization of their beer. To see more custom die cut cards, click here.

7. Cookson Bend Resort & Marina 

Cookson Bend Resort & Marina is located on Lake Tenkiller, the clearest lake in Oklahoma. With approximately 13,000 acres of clear blue water to enjoy, vacationers flock to Cookson Bend to boat, fish, scuba dive, swim, and relax. Since their customers will likely get wet, it makes perfect sense for them to have a waterproof business card. We also love how they used a full-color image of a family having fun on the background of their business card. This photo gives guests a memorable keepsake that will help them recall their experience at Cookson Bend—and make it easy for them to book another stay.

8. World Federation For Coral Reef Conservation 

Founded to help conserve coral reefs and decrease the impact of oil spills, the World Federation for Coral Reef Conservation is another organization smartly using waterproof business cards to increase their reach. By giving out waterproof business cards, WFCRC enables divers, conservationists, and marine scientists to keep their card on hand. Whether they're on the beach, on a boat, or even diving on a coral reef, they can report disasters right away or share the card with others who are concerned about coral reefs and want to know how they can help.

9. In Motion Realty

Imagine your customers keeping your business cards around, and even using them as a conversation piece. That's what we love so much about this referral-inspiring business card by In Motion Realty. Developed as part of a real estate marketing package, this card doubles as a coaster, and real estate agents give it to customers as part of the welcome package when they sell a home. We love how the ingenious coaster design encourages homeowners to keep the In Motion's business cards on their coffee table and to pull them out whenever they have a house party. To see more real estate business cards, click here.

10. Holly Omlor Photography 

As a professional photographer, Holly Omlor specializes in taking photographs that are in the moment, unscripted, just like in real life. This photography style means she often finds herself getting down on the ground to get the perfect shot, or walking into the water to capture the moment with her subject. Holly's cards are a bold orange color that reflects her brand, with a clear flash and camera lens. And of course, they are waterproof just in case! We love how Holly's card represents who she is—fun, vibrant, and willing to get the shot no matter what. 

Enhance Your Own Marketing with Waterproof Business Cards

A waterproof business card is a smart investment. It not only holds up to the elements, but it also maintains the integrity of your brand and delivers the information every time. You won't have to worry about accidental spills or water damage, and you'll save money because you won't have to throw out boxes of cards that are damaged - as you will have cards that last!

Want to learn about how waterproof business cards can help you reach your customers? Schedule a free consultation today with one of our design experts.