A Lanyard's Layers

Lanyards. They're great items for trade shows, convention centers, hospitals, or any of the other billion places that require ID. But, what happens when you actually have to buy some?

They're simplistic, fairly utilitarian, and sold by slew of top-tier suppliers. How are you supposed to make a buying decision when A) Lots of great companies sell them, and B) They are just things that hang from your neck? Thankfully for you (and this article), it turns our there are plenty of ways to make an informed purchasing decision with these crazy, simple-seeming neck-hangy things.

Beyond interesting decoration and material options, there are still plenty of logistical—and customer-service—distinctions between suppliers to make your buying decision a lot easier. Here are five ways you can figure out where to buy your lanyards from, and why.

1. Look for Variety in Product
A supplier who offers exactly one great lanyard ceases to be useful to you the minute a client wants "something a little different." If it seems like your lanyard business is going to be the kind that repeats, or you're getting the hang of selling them to similar buyers (say convention centers or hospitals), it's a good idea to work with suppliers with sufficient variety to sustain repeat sales. As an example (at the high end) of the kind of variety available, Marathon Mfg./Prestige Lines, a supplier based out of New Philadelphia, Ohio, that specializes in lanyards, offers over 10,000 lanyard combinations and variations. "[We] are the industry leader," said Frank Rocco, vice president of business relations for the company.

2. Fast Turnaround Time
Being able to get any product quickly is of an obvious benefit, but as an item that is a necessity in many situations, lanyards can benefit a little more. Chris Flynn, national sales manager for Fields Manufacturing, explained that the St. Cloud, Minnesota-based company has been able to use its 24-hour rush lanyards to help many clients who have forgotten they needed name-tag lanyards for an event until the very last minute.