Questions to Ask Before Buying Badge Accessories

Now that you've picked your ID card printer and figured out a design for the perfect badge, it's time to turn your attention to the perfect badge accessories. But how do you determine what's best for your employees/students/others, what meets their and your company's security needs, and works within your company's budget?

Here are a few questions you should ask (and answer) before deciding on the perfect badge accessories for your ID card program.

Do badges need displayed?

Sometimes, the whole point of an ID card or badge is visual identity, meaning you need cardholders to display their badges at all times. If this is your case, badge clips and lanyards keep ID cards on a person and easily visible.

But if your employees/students/guests/others need to use their ID cards often for access, payment, attendance, or some other function, a badge reel might make more sense. Bear in mind that badge reels aren't typically as visible as other badge accessories.

Do cardholders need easy access to their ID cards?

Some badge accessories are easier than others for cardholders to access their cards. If your employees/students/others need to use their cards to gain access to your building every morning, you can get away with a badge accessory like a vinyl holder with a notch that lets them slip their cards out quickly.

But if cardholders need badges to swipe into various areas in your facilities, pay for food at the cafeteria, or track attendance, you may need something more accessible like a retractable badge reel. Cardholders can attach them onto their clothing and pull the ID card out to scan easily at any reader.

Part of what makes some badge accessories easy for cardholders to access can also pose a safety issue, however.

What are your safety needs?

Some work environments aren't as safe as others. For example, do your employees work around a lot of large or dangerous machinery? This is a safety issue because certain badge accessories like lanyards are easily caught up in machinery and cause serious injury to employees.

Another concern is IDs for young children can pose a choking hazard if they hang around young one's necks and are too long. These IDs can easily get caught on playground or other equipment for example, potentially choking children.

Finally, healthcare workers might work around equipment that could entangle an ID card hanging on a long accessory, but additionally some patients can get violent and grab onto their IDs, causing a choking hazard.

If safety is a concern, consider a break-away lanyard that automatically releases when tugged on. Or choose a badge accessory like an armband that holds IDs close to one's body so it can't get caught.

Will your cards be exposed to harsh environments?

Many cardholders only use their badge or ID inside a building like an office building, retail store, or gym. Exposure to harsh elements really isn't an issue.

For others who work outside like construction workers, security guards, and others, sun, dirt, dust, water, and other debris can reduce your card's lifespan. You need a strong badge holder that protects against the elements. Spending a little more on a weatherproof badge accessory can save you money by reducing the numbers of ID cards you must reissue.

Final thoughts

If budget is no concern, you can go as far as having custom branding on your badge accessories that promotes your company and brand. You can easily customize lanyards, badge reels, and other accessories with your company's logo, slogan, and more.

On the other hand, you can keep it simple and within budget with a basic strap clip or a beaded neck chain. These are reliable, no-frills badge accessories that let cardholders easily display ID cards.

Do you still feel like there are too many options from which to choose? Call an Idesco ID Expert at 212-889-2530. We're happy to help you consider all the options and decide on the perfect badge accessory that meets your various needs and your budget constraints. And remember, Idesco guarantees the lowest prices, so you'll never regret your purchase.