A great way to procure ID cards/badges for your employees is to use an outsourcing service to make the cards/badges for you and ship them to you.  This method is far more cheaper than trying to procure the equipment and supplies and run your own ID card operations in-house.

Below is a list of vendors that provide ID card outsourcing services.  You can use their service simply by going to their website and using their online tool to create and design your own style of employee cards/badges and have them ship to you.  The cost of using this method is very inexpensive.
  
Vendor Description Cost Unit
A Plus ID Makes badges to your specifications for employees, contractors, visitors, etc.  Also provides ID card supplies. $15.00 1
Best Name Badges provides ID cards and badges of all sizes. $8.90 1
easyIDCard This is an online service that lets you create your employee ID cards from available templates and have it shipped to you.    
Full Identity Full Identity lets you create your own ID card design online then have it created and sent toyou. $12.00 1
IDCreator Design and print your ID badges online then have it shipped to you. $8.00 1
Identicard Systems Provides security photo identification for employees, contractors, visitors, parking lot access, etc.  Design and print your own badges online and have them deliverd to you.    
InstaCard Upload, design and order your employee ID cards without the cost of owning your own machine. $6.60 1
NovaVision Their service lets you create your own ID card online. $6.00 1
Plastic Card ID Provides an online service that lets you design and order your ID cards online and also provices equipment and supplies if you want to setup and run your own ID card operation.    
Plastic Card Monster There is a vast range of high end plastic cards to choose from. These include Plastic Business Cards, Plastic Cards, PVC Cards, Business Cards, Gift Cards, Promotional Cards, ID Cards, Smart Cards, Membership Cards, Clear cards and Hotel Key Cards.  $99.00 100
Professional ID Cards, Inc. . You can personalize your Photo ID Cards and ID Badges by using a graphic of your logo, vehicle, building, or equipment.    
Quik ID Card QuickIDCard’s state of the art online ID card and badge creator is the fastest and most convenient way to design and order identification cards in one place. We offer corporate, medical, investigation, press, fire department, police, child, and even service dog IDs. $11.00 1
Toll Print You can customize an existing id card, design or create your own awesome identification badge design.  Upload your logo or graphic, add text with our free fonts, and have your id badges professionally printed in full color. 24 hour FREE shipping on most ID badge orders. Hundreds of free id card templates available. $7.99 1