Getting Started with Looper Lids

How do I start a custom order?

To get started, just fill out our [custom gear inquiry form]. It includes questions about what kind of gear you're looking for, estimated quantities, and an image uploader for your logo. The more details you provide, the better we can tailor your catalog and quote.

What kind of artwork do you need?

We prefer logo files in PNG, SVG, AI, or EPS format. If you don’t have a high-res file, we’ll do our best with what you’ve got — but it may slow things down if we need to recreate it. The more finished the logo, the faster we can get rolling.

Can you help if I’m not sure what I want yet?

Absolutely. If you’re unsure of the style, color, or product type, we’ll help guide you based on your brand, budget, and use case. Browse our Instagram or ask to see samples from past orders — we’re here to collaborate, not complicate.

Design & Customization

What types of patches and hat styles do you offer?

We offer a wide range of patch types including leather, woven, embroidered, sublimated, and PVC. Each patch type can be applied to dozens of hat styles — including performance, trucker, rope, dad, and snapback options. We match your logo to patch styles and build a custom catalog for you to choose from.

Can you help pick hat colors or match them to my logo?

Yes. We design with your logo in mind and suggest hat colors that accent or contrast well. Your custom catalog will show several pairings so you can pick what looks best to you.

What can I customize with my logo besides hats?

Your patches can also be applied to apparel and accessories like jackets, backpacks, hoodies, polos, towels, and more. We use either patch application or DTF transfer for apparel, depending on the product and design.

Pricing & Budgeting

How does pricing work?

Pricing is based on the type and quantity of patches, plus the hat or apparel selected. Hats have no minimums — you can order as few as one — but patches have minimums:

• Leather, Sublimated, Embroidery, PVC+: 25 pcs

• Woven: 50 pcs
  Price breaks apply at 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, and 1000.

What’s the most cost-effective way to order in smaller batches?

The most efficient strategy is to order more patches up front and use them across multiple orders. For example, ordering 50 patches instead of 30 can lower your patch cost per piece. You can then order hats as needed and we’ll apply the patches you’ve already paid for.

How can I control costs when ordering apparel?

Start with two clear inputs: quantity and budget. Once we know how many items you need and your price range, we’ll help find the best combination of product style, decoration type, and materials to stay on budget while maintaining quality.

Production & Turnaround

How long does it take to receive my custom gear?

Turnaround is typically 10 business days after final approval and payment.
If patches are already in stock, we can turn around orders in as little as 3–5 business days. Patch production (especially in spring) can extend timelines by 5–14 days, depending on patch type and supplier.

What affects turnaround time?

• Time of year (March–June is peak season)

• Patch type (leather and sublimated are faster; woven and PVC take longer)

• How quickly you approve designs and submit payment

Reorders, Inventory & Flexibility

How do reorders work?

Once you’ve placed an order, we keep your art files, patch designs, and order history on record. You can reorder the same hats or mix it up using the patch styles from your original catalog. If you have patches stored with us, you’ll only pay for the hats — not the patches.

Can you store my patches or finished inventory?

Yes. We can store unused patches for future orders. We’ll even send reminders that you have patches on hand. For finished products, we can hold inventory until your preferred delivery date with partial payment up front.

What if I don’t need all the products right away?

No problem. You can order a larger quantity of patches and then request smaller hat/apparel runs as needed. This gives you flexibility, avoids overstock, and takes advantage of price breaks on decoration.

How can I avoid over-ordering merch?

Plan your season ahead and order all patches up front, then reorder products as needed throughout the year. This keeps your inventory lean and allows for quicker restocks without repeating the full design process.

Logistics & Fulfillment

Can you deliver locally?

Yes! We offer free local delivery in Traverse City and surrounding areas. If you want the full Looper Lids team to drop it off, we accept payment in the form of free golf or good food.

Do you finish products in-house?

We do all patch applications in-house. This ensures quality control and helps keep costs down. It also gives us the flexibility to turn around orders quickly without outsourcing.

TapCap Technology

What is a TapCap and how does it work?

TapCap is our NFC-enabled smart hat — a patch with a hidden chip that links to a website when tapped with a smartphone. It was created to help caddies get tipped more easily, but now powers links to anything: online stores, booking pages, menus, digital business cards, and more.

Do customers need an app to use TapCap?

No app required. A TapCap launches a link via your phone’s browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) — just like tapping a QR code, but cleaner and easier.

What can a TapCap link to?

TapCap can link to any URL — a landing page, payment portal, event schedule, contact form, or your full website. We can also host and update a landing page on your behalf.

Can TapCap links be updated later?

Yes. Even if someone bought the hat six months ago, the link can be updated at any time. If you use our hosted landing page, we can make changes quickly as your needs evolve.

How does TapCap increase digital engagement?

Branded hats already generate impressions and recognition. In fact, 83% of people recall a brand they’ve seen repeatedly on a hat, even if they never received one. TapCap takes that visibility and turns it into action — whether it’s a tip, a sale, a booking, or a new follower.

Apparel & Add-ons

Do you offer apparel or accessories?

Yes! We offer a wide selection of apparel and accessories through our wholesale partners — including hoodies, polos, quarter-zips, tees, outerwear, and more. Everything can be customized with DTF transfers or patch application.

Can I mix hats and apparel in one order?

Definitely. Our apparel orders require a minimum of 25 total items, but those can be mixed styles (e.g., 5 polos + 5 tees + 5 hoodies, etc.). Combining headwear and apparel is a great way to build a full branded kit.

Small Business-Friendly

Is this affordable for small businesses?

Yes — Looper Lids was built by a small business, for small businesses. Our pricing is transparent and scalable. We’ll work with you to find options that match your needs and budget without compromising on quality.

Do you require large quantities to get started?

No. Our minimums are patch-based, not hat-based. You can order as few hats as you need — we just require the minimum number of patches (usually 25 or 50). This gives you flexibility while still accessing bulk pricing.