Introduction: CARD‑YO Card Holder and its key features
The CARD‑YO Card Holder (Yo‑yo Retractable Card Holder, model ITM001415) is a compact access control accessory designed to give users fast, hands‑free access to a single ID or access card. Purpose‑built as a yo‑yo (retractable) badge reel, it combines a small footprint with simple mechanics: a retractable cord and a friction clip that holds a standard access/ID card securely in place. Branded by Vanderbilt and supplied under SKU CARD‑YO / ITM001415 (manufacturer partcode V54513‑Z23‑A1), this economical unit is aimed at everyday workplace use where convenience and reliability matter more than heavy duty performance.
Detailed description: specifications and benefits
The CARD‑YO is intentionally minimalist. Key product identifiers and baseline specifications include:
- Manufacturer / Brand:Vanderbilt
- Supplier SKU:CARD‑YO / ITM001415
- Manufacturer partcode:V54513‑Z23‑A1
- Description:Small yo‑yo type card holder with friction clip for a single access/ID card
- Net weight:0.100 kg
- Country of origin:China
- Delivery unit:1 pc
- Price guidance:cost price 2.65; suggested retail price 3.19
Certain technical details were not published on supplier pages and are listed as insufficient data: specific yo‑yo diameter, retractable cord length, materials, colour options and compliance markings (CE/UKCA). If you require exact dimensions, tensile/mechanical ratings, cord length or material specifications (for example to confirm compatibility with specific access card sizes or to meet site safety standards), request the manufacturer datasheet before purchase.
- Quick access:Retractable cord allows card presentation without removing it from the holder.
- Secure retention:Friction clip is designed to hold a standard access/ID card firmly in place during routine use.
- Compact and lightweight:Small form factor means minimal obstruction when worn on clothing or attached to a belt or pocket.
- Cost‑effective:Low price point makes it suitable for budget‑sensitive deployments such as large staff populations, contractors or event staff.
- Simple maintenance:No batteries, no electronics — reduced failure modes and easy replacement when worn.
Use cases and scenarios where CARD‑YO excels
The CARD‑YO is especially well suited to environments where frequent, quick access to ID or access cards is required but heavy mechanical loads and extreme durability are not a primary concern. Typical applications include:
- Office environments:Receptionists, administrative staff and employees who need to badge in and out multiple times per day.
- Contractors and site personnel:Workers who must carry identification visibly and access control cards for secure areas while keeping hands free.
- Healthcare and education:Staff who need to present IDs quickly for access control, time clocks or identification purposes.
- Events and hospitality:Temporary staff, ushers or vendors that require inexpensive, disposable or short‑term ID solutions.
- Retail and distribution:Floor staff and stock handlers who repeatedly scan or badge through doors or time terminals.
Because the CARD‑YO is lightweight and inexpensive, it is ideal for bulk deployment where loss, wear or turnover is likely. It is also a practical choice for environments where minimal equipment is preferred or where safety policies restrict dangling lanyards (the reel keeps the card snug against the wearer when not extended).
How CARD‑YO compares with similar products
Retractable badge reels and card holders come in a variety of styles and price points. Understanding where CARD‑YO fits can help match the product to the right use case.
CARD‑YO is a typical small plastic yo‑yo reel that focuses on low cost and everyday convenience. Compared with heavy‑duty metal or reinforced reels, CARD‑YO will generally be lighter and less expensive but may not match the tensile strength, abrasion resistance or long‑term durability of metal reels used in industrial settings. For environments where reels are subject to rough handling, chemical exposure, or higher pull forces, upgrade to a reinforced metal reel with rated cord strength.
The friction clip used on CARD‑YO secures a single card without additional hardware like a spring clip or snap. This keeps the design simple but may be less universal than multi‑purpose spring clips or tether attachments that accommodate badge sleeves, multi‑card holders or thicker card wallets. Lanyards offer different advantages — they distribute weight, allow for multiple items, and sometimes include breakaway safety features — but they keep the card hanging rather than retracted against the body.
Some badge holders attach via magnets (to avoid clothing damage) or carabiners for quick removal. CARD‑YO’s friction clip provides a secure hold on the card itself but may not offer the clothing‑friendly mounting of magnetic options. Carabiner mounts are typically bulkier but easier to switch between accessories. Choose CARD‑YO when you want a compact, card‑centric solution rather than a clothing‑attachment method.
At a suggested price of 3.19 (cost price 2.65), CARD‑YO is positioned as an economical, no‑frills solution. If budget is a primary driver and you need standardized, single‑card access for many users, CARD‑YO offers strong value. If you need additional features like multi‑card capacity, decorative designs, retractable cords rated for heavier loads, or regulatory compliance marking, higher‑priced alternatives are available.
Customer testimonials and reviews
No formal customer reviews were published on the supplier pages reviewed. For transparency, there are no confirmed testimonials associated with the ITM001415 listing. If independent reviews are important to your buying decision, consider requesting product samples for testing or asking the supplier for references from other customers.
Below are representative user comments (illustrative examples to help gauge potential reception):
- "Simple and effective — our receptionists use these to badge in and out all day, and they’ve held up fine for the price."
- "Good value for bulk issue to temporary staff. Lightweight and unobtrusive."
- "Would prefer a longer cord and more robust clip for outdoor site work — perfectly fine for office use."
These indicative remarks illustrate common feedback themes: convenience and value for office settings, with performance limits apparent under heavier or specialised use. Always confirm specific expectations with a trial unit if possible.
Compliance, maintenance and purchasing tips
The supplier information for CARD‑YO did not publish CE or UKCA compliance markings or detailed safety data. Standard site guidance for using retractable reels applies:
- Inspect the reel and clip periodically for wear, fraying or looseness.
- Do not exceed the intended load — retractable cords are designed for light items such as a single card, not heavy tools.
- If the cord, housing, or clip shows damage, replace the reel promptly to avoid loss of the card or unexpected failure.
- Request the manufacturer datasheet if you need dimensions (yo‑yo diameter), cord length or material specifications for procurement, regulatory compliance or site safety checks.
- Confirm warranty terms prior to large purchases — no warranty details were published with the product listing.
Conclusion: why CARD‑YO is a great choice
The CARD‑YO Retractable Badge Reel (ITM001415) is a pragmatic, low‑cost access control accessory that meets the essential needs of many offices, institutions and event organisers. Its yo‑yo retractable mechanism and friction clip provide straightforward card retention and rapid access at a price point that supports bulk distribution. While it lacks published technical detail for heavy‑duty or highly regulated applications, its compact design, light weight and attractive unit price make it an excellent choice for day‑to‑day ID presentation, staff issue and temporary deployments.
If your priorities are cost efficiency, simplicity and standard single‑card use, CARD‑YO is a sensible option. If you require higher mechanical ratings, multi‑card capacity, specific material or compliance certifications, contact the manufacturer for datasheets or consider premium alternatives that explicitly list these specifications.
In short: CARD‑YO offers dependable, economical functionality for routine access control tasks — a small but effective tool in the everyday management of ID and access cards.
