FAQ
“Hi there,
First, thank you for supporting my small business. MicroPatches exists because of the support from customers like you, and I truly appreciate it.
I am also a current law enforcement officer with over 10 years of public safety experience, and I previously served in the Army National Guard. Because of that, I understand the importance of camaraderie, service, and representing the agencies, teams, units, and organizations we are proud to be part of.
These FAQ answers come directly from me and explain the “why” behind our pricing, turnaround times, no minimum order policy, and long term mission to give back to families of fallen first responders, military service members, and others in need.
Thank you again for the support, and thank you to everyone who serves others in any capacity. If you have questions that are not answered here, feel free to email me at officialmicropatches@gmail.com.
Andrew Mann
Owner, MicroPatches”
Do you have minimum order quantities?
No! No minimums!
When I started MicroPatches, I noticed that many custom product companies required large minimum orders, often around 50 pieces or more, and some charged mold fees that could easily add another $200 to $300 before production even started.
That creates a major barrier for smaller agencies, fire departments, military units, specialty teams, schools, clubs, small businesses, and customers who only need a few custom items instead of a large bulk order.
MicroPatches was built to remove those barriers. You can order one item or a larger quantity, and because our process does not require a mold, there are no mold fees.
What products can I order custom?
Any of them!
MicroPatches offers custom MicroKeychains, MicroMagnets, MicroPins, MicroCharms, flexible patches, and challenge coins.
You may notice that MicroKeychains are currently the only ready to ship products listed for sale on our website. This is temporary. MicroKeychains were our first product, and they are now becoming more recognizable as we continue growing the brand and reaching customers across the nation, and hopefully one day, globally.
Even though MicroKeychains are the main ready to ship product shown right now, all of our other products are available for custom order. As MicroPatches continues to expand, more product types will be added directly to the website.
Is there a design fee?
Yes. We charge a one time flat $25 design fee per unique custom design.
This fee covers the time needed to review your artwork or reference image, make any necessary adjustments, prepare the design for production, create the custom product file, provide a proof, and make sure the final product is ready to be made correctly.
It also serves as the deposit for your order.
And once a design has been created, it is done. If you order a design we have already made — even one that started as someone else's custom request — or reorder your own with no changes, there is no design fee, because the work already exists. A new design fee only applies to a brand new design, or if you request changes or modifications to an existing one.
Many traditional custom product companies charge setup fees, mold fees, or tooling fees before production even starts. Those fees can often range from $200 to $300 or more, depending on the product and manufacturer. MicroPatches does not require a mold for production, so instead of charging a large mold or tooling fee, we keep it simple with a flat $25 design fee per unique custom design.
Once the design is completed and approved, the remaining balance is based on the product type, quantity, and any custom details included in the order.
Is the design fee per item?
No. The design fee is not charged per item.
The $25 design fee is charged once per unique custom design. For example, if you order multiple products with the same design, you only pay the design fee once for that design.
If you submit multiple different designs, each unique design will have its own design fee because each one requires separate setup, file preparation, proofing, and production work.
Where are your products made?
All MicroPatches products are made in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Our products are designed, 3D printed, UV printed, finished, packed, and shipped from our workshop. Keeping production in the United States helps us maintain quality control, avoid overseas manufacturing delays, and provide faster turnaround times for custom orders.
How long does a custom order take?
Turnaround time depends on the product, design complexity, order size, and current order volume.
Because MicroPatches makes products in house in Phoenix, Arizona, many orders can be completed much faster than traditional overseas manufacturing. Current average order to completion time is often around 1 to 5 days, but this is subject to change depending on workload and the details of the order.
Shipping time is separate. Once your order is completed, it ships from Phoenix, Arizona with standard delivery times based on your location and the shipping method you choose at checkout.
A more accurate timeline will be provided once your custom request is reviewed.
How is checkout handled?
Ready to ship items can be ordered directly through the storefront.
Custom orders are reviewed first to confirm the product type, design, quantity, pricing, and any special details. Once everything is confirmed, an invoice will be sent through Shopify’s secure checkout.
What designs will you not make?
MicroPatches will not make licensed sports or entertainment designs without authorization, federal seals or agency designs without permission, patches or logos where ownership cannot be verified, or anything offensive, hateful, or disrespectful toward those who serve.
If you are unsure whether your design can be made, submit the request and ask first.