Personalized patches have the potential to significantly impact your small business. Not only are they a cost-effective method to boost your brand, but they also bring a personalized element to clothing, accessories, and other items.

However, ordering custom patches isn’t as simple as just clicking “order.” Numerous small business owners commit errors that result in wasting time, money, and customers.

Avoiding these errors is crucial when creating custom patches for hats, clothing, or a special project with personalized leather patches to ensure a flawless final product. Let’s explore the key errors individuals often make when purchasing custom patches and ways to prevent them.

1. Not Double-Checking for Spelling Errors

When you’re creating custom patches, especially if they include text like a brand name or slogan, spelling errors are the most common mistake.

Misspelled words or typos can ruin the entire batch of patches. Many custom patch factories will print exactly what you send them without checking for errors.

How to Avoid It: Make sure to double-check your design before turning it in. Even better, consider having another person review the design to spot any errors that you may have overlooked. A tiny error could result in significant expenses when it comes to reordering. Our team at Patch Makers USA not just double check everything but we request our customer to cross verify the design and any kind of error by sharing 1 sample of the patch with them.

Have a look: Top 10 Benefits of Using Custom Patches for Small Business Branding

2. Choosing the Wrong Patch Size

It’s easy to overlook the size of your custom patch, but the size directly impacts how your design looks on clothing or accessories.

A patch that is either too large or too small may appear out of place or cause the details to be unreadable.

How to Avoid It: Think about the dimensions of the object where you will place your patch. For instance, patches made for hats should be smaller and more condensed compared to those made for jackets or tote bags.

Request a sample design and envision how the patch will appear on the item to verify that it is the correct size.

3. Ignoring Color Contrast

Custom patches are meant to stand out, but if your design colors clash with the background of the item it’s attached to, it may become hard to see.

Poor color contrast is a common problem, especially when creating personalized embroidery patches with multiple colors.

How to Avoid It: Make sure your patch design has high contrast between the text and the background. Dark text on a light background or vice versa works best.

If you’re unsure, ask your patch provider for a sample or test how the colors look together digitally.

4. Using Too Many Colors

Using multiple colors in your design may be tempting, but it can create a busy appearance and draw attention away from your main message.

Using an excessive number of colors can also raise the production cost, particularly for custom patches that are embroidered.

How to Avoid It: Stay with a simple color scheme. Restrict your design to a maximum of two or three colors that harmonize and accurately portray your brand. Simple patterns usually look more effective on patches.

5. Not Choosing the Right Backing

The backing of a patch determines how it will be attached to an item, and each type has different benefits. For example, customized iron-on patches are simple to apply but might not have the same longevity as sew-on patches.

Velcro patches with adhesive backing are flexible and can be easily removed, however, they may not be suitable for every item.

How to Avoid It: Think about how the patch will be used. Will it be attached permanently, or does it need to be removed frequently?

Consider the product you’re applying it to as well. For example, custom patches for hats might need a different backing than custom patches for clothing.

6. Not Researching Your Target Audience

Your target market should find your custom patches appealing. When creating personalized leather or custom PVC patches, it is crucial to understand the intended wearers and the purpose of the patches.

How to Avoid It: Conduct thorough research. If your target audience consists of people who enjoy outdoor activities, it may be more appropriate to use tough, long-lasting materials such as leather or PVC instead of embroidered patches. Ensure that the design and material align with your audience to enhance their attractiveness.

7. Overcomplicating the Design

You want your custom patch to look great, but adding too much detail can make it difficult to read or recognize. A cluttered design will lose its effectiveness, especially if the patch is small.

How to Avoid It: Keep your design clean and simple. Stick to key elements like your logo, brand name, or a simple graphic. If your patch is too complex, the details may get lost during the embroidery or printing process.

Read also: The Do’s & Don’ts of Creating Custom Embroidered Patches

8. Choosing the Wrong Material

Custom patches are available in various materials such as embroidered, woven, PVC, and leather. Your selection of material will impact both the appearance and texture of the patch.

How to Avoid It: Choose a material that matches the patch’s appearance and purpose. Custom embroidered patches provide a traditional aesthetic, whereas custom PVC patches offer superior longevity and weather resistance. Customized leather patches are ideal for high-end products like hats or jackets.

9. Not Paying Attention to Quality

Low-quality patches can negatively impact your brand’s image. A patch that is poorly stitched, has uneven borders, or the wrong colors will not just look bad, but it may also deteriorate fast.

How to Avoid It: Choose a dependable custom patch manufacturer that provides top-notch materials and skillful workmanship.

Be prepared to spend extra money on high-quality custom patches that are durable and effectively showcase your brand.

10. Skipping the Approval Process

Before your patches go into full production, you should always approve a sample or digital proof. Skipping this step can lead to mistakes, as the design might look different once it’s embroidered or printed.

How to Avoid It: Always ask for a sample or proof, even if it costs a little extra or takes more time. This ensures you can catch any issues before they are mass-produced.

Get the Best Custom Patches for Your Small Business

Avoiding these common mistakes can save your small business time, money, and hassle when ordering custom patches. From choosing the right size and material to double-checking your design, every step matters in ensuring you get the best personalized patches for your brand.

At Patch Makers USA, we specialize in creating high-quality custom patches tailored to your needs. Be it custom embroidered patches, personalized leather patches, or custom PVC patches, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to push your brand beyond limits? Reach us today to start your custom patch order and bring your designs to life!