A Badge lanyard is a simple necklace made of braided fabric which are used to display your id and/or credentials. They are widely used by companies and at conventions to provide at-a-glance information on the person standing in front of you. They can be purchased in a wide variety of colors as well as custom made with your company name and logo or event name, combining utility with some cheap advertising.
First, you should identify what kind of quality level you require. There are some very inexpensive choices out there which are a great option for one-day events but lack the durability for long-term use. If the lanyards are to be used for company id badges which must be worn on a regular basis you are going to want to spend a few more bucks and get the thicker material lanyards with high quality clips and badge holder components. Break-away badge clips are available which are ideally suited for use with security access cards.
Badge Holders and Clip Components:
Badge holders, like lanyards, vary in durability. You should look for those made of slightly thicker plastic with reinforced eyelets.
The clip component comes in several different styles. Key ring style clips are good for id badges which do not require frequent removal. Spring loaded clips, similar to clothespins, are useful for badges which are produced on-the-spot such as at conventions. These allow the badge to be quickly attached or changed out and do a relatively good job of keeping the badge and lanyard linked together. Breakaway clips are best suited for security credentials and passkey applications. These can be made of either metal or plastic and allow the badge to be quickly removed in order to swipe or scan it.
The clips will be made of either plastic or metal. The metal version is recommended for durability reasons. Try to look for stainless steel components as these will not rust like normal steel.
