NHGR: email asking for business cards?

[bunnymendelbaum]

I get the "info" email for the company I work for PT. (We make products for the blind.) For the second time I can remember, we got an email requesting that we send the person a bunch of our business cards. It seems weird to me. The email is vague. I think last time this happened, we emailed back for more info and never heard from the person again.

Is this just awkward? or is there some scam angle here?

Here is the latest email:

My name is ******** and I am studying to become a Teacher of the Visually Impaired.  I have been researching organizations and businesses that I feel would be great resources for both me and my future students.  Touch Graphics looks like a wonderful resource.  I was wondering if you have any business cards that I could obtain for future reference?  If so, would it be possible to send you a self-addressed envelope for you to mail such business cards to me?  I would greatly appreciate it.

[emjacobs]

I don't know if there is a scam angle other than the possibility of selling your information to marketing lists, it does sound a little strange though. I'm not entirely sure how business cards are of any use, wouldn't be asking if they can use you as a contact for visually impaired students with similar career interests more useful? I have noticed while working with Visually Impaired companies that they usually do things that are slightly different / off to non visually impaired workers.

I hate business cards, both giving them and receiving them. I never do anything with them, save about three of them for people I can never seem to find contact information for. I have two trade shows this month and I'm so not looking forward to it because I'll end up with several hundred business cards with notes on the back of them that I will go through once and then throw away. Such a waste.

[bunnymendelbaum]

It's so weird. Why wouldn't she just write down our info somewhere? Why would a stack of business cards help?

I remember last time it was from a "student" too. I wonder if they need the card for some class? To show they made contact?

The worst thing is, I don't even have a card embosser (to Braille my cards). It's sort of embarrassing handing a VI person a printed card, but since the physical office is moving now, it doesn't make sense for me to get one.

[Deleted]

As someone with an education degree, I wonder if the student is making a portfolio of future contact information? We had to that in college and it was completely stupid but required. I had to round up business cards, stop by places and ask them to sign sheets proving I made contact and all sorts of other ridiculousness. I felt dumb, but I also wanted to graduate. It was such a waste of time, what good is a binder of cards and sheets that'll be outdated in 2 years and nowhere near an area I'll probably end up in anyways? Not to mention, it's all on Dr. Google anyways.

[emjacobs]

My business cards are usually out of date in 6 months as far as my certs, experience, or title goes. I've had 5 different cards in 3 years, and we are considering changing the design / logo on our current one.