What are the rules for handing out cards in public?

Distributing cards in public comes with rules, and staying on the right side of them keeps a campaign running without fines, complaints, or a mid-campaign shutdown. The safest approach is permission first, public spaces second.

• Ask before you leave cards: get permission before placing cards on private property.
• Use designated spaces: community bulletin boards, trade show tables, and partner counters are built for this.
• Know local rules: check your city's handbilling and anti-littering ordinances before distributing.
• Favor face-to-face: networking events, direct mail, and partnerships beat anonymous drops, and cards handed directly to prospects convert far better than cards left on windshields.

Legal, permission-based distribution also focuses your spend on channels that actually convert, so fewer cards go to waste. When in doubt, review local solicitation laws for your area before running a placement campaign.