Custom Iron On Patches operates a five-step ordering process: request a quote, submit artwork, approve a digital proof, pay, and receive the finished patches. Every order is produced at the Birmingham workshop with a 24-hour proof turnaround and free design support included. Standard orders complete within 5-10 working days from proof approval.
This page documents each step from initial enquiry to delivery.
The Five-Step Ordering Process
Step 1 – Request a Free Quote
Every order begins with a free, no-obligation quote. The team needs four pieces of information to return an accurate quote:
- Quantity required – number of patches needed
- Patch type – embroidered, woven, PVC, printed, chenille (or “not sure”, the team recommends a type based on the design)
- Approximate size – in millimetres or inches
- Backing type – iron-on, sew-on, hook-and-loop (velcro), adhesive (or “not sure”)
Quotes are returned within one working day. Most quotes are returned within four hours during UK office hours.
Submit a quote request: Request a free quote
Quotes can also be requested by emailing [email protected] or calling 07746 501247.
Step 2 – Submit Artwork (Or Request Free Design)
After the quote is accepted, the customer submits artwork for the patch. Custom Iron On Patches accepts:
- Vector files (preferred) – .ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg
- Raster files (accepted) – .png, .jpg, .psd (300dpi minimum at production size)
- Sketches and reference images – the in-house design team can recreate artwork from sketches or descriptions
Free design support is included on every order. Customers without ready artwork can describe the design they want and the design team will create it from scratch. There is no extra charge for design work, file conversion, digitising or proof revisions.
For full file requirements, see artwork guidelines.
Step 3 – Approve the Digital Proof
A digital proof is sent to the customer within 24 hours of artwork submission. The proof shows:
- The patch design at scale
- Exact dimensions (in millimetres)
- Pantone colour references for thread or ink
- Backing type
- Border type (merrow, laser-cut, hot-cut, hand-cut)
- Patch base fabric (twill, felt, polyester)
The customer reviews the proof and either:
- Approves the proof in writing (email or quote portal), production begins
- Requests changes, design adjustments, colour changes, dimension changes, at no extra cost
Proof revisions are unlimited. Production does not begin until the customer is satisfied with the proof and provides written approval.
Important: changes after proof approval may incur additional cost or delay. Review the proof carefully before approving.
Step 4 – Pay for the Order
Payment is processed after proof approval and before production begins. Custom Iron On Patches accepts:
| Payment Method | Use Case |
| Credit / debit card | All orders, secure card payment via Stripe |
| PayPal | All orders, alternative card processor |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | All orders, mobile checkout |
| BACS / bank transfer | B2B and large orders, pro-forma invoice |
| 30-day account terms | B2B accounts (subject to credit approval) |
For B2B account terms, payment by purchase order or framework agreement compatibility, see bulk and trade enquiries.
For payment security and how customer card data is handled, see payment methods and security.
Step 5 – Production and Delivery
Production begins immediately after payment is received and proof is approved. Standard turnaround is 5-10 working days from the start of production. Rush production is available for time-critical orders, contact the team before placing the order to confirm rush availability.
Production stages at the Birmingham workshop:
- Digitising – artwork converted to a production file
- Manufacturing – patches produced on the relevant equipment (embroidery, weaving, PVC moulding, printing or chenille)
- Border finishing – merrow, laser-cut, hot-cut or hand-cut border applied
- Backing application – iron-on, sew-on, velcro or adhesive backing applied
- Quality control – every batch inspected against the approved proof
- Packing and dispatch – order packed and handed to the courier
For detail on each stage, see our Birmingham workshop.
Orders are dispatched via tracked UK courier on the day production completes. Tracking is sent by email on the day of dispatch. For UK and international delivery options, see delivery information.
Order Lead Time Summary
| Stage | Time |
| Quote response | Within 1 working day (most within 4 hours) |
| Proof turnaround | Within 24 hours of artwork submission |
| Production | 5-10 working days from proof approval and payment |
| UK dispatch | Same day as production completion |
| UK delivery | 1-2 working days via tracked courier |
| Typical total order time | 7-14 working days from quote acceptance to delivery |
For rush orders, the team can typically reduce the timeline by 2-4 working days. Confirm rush availability before placing the order.
What’s Included on Every Order
Every order placed with Custom Iron On Patches includes the following at no extra charge:
- Free design support – artwork creation, redrawing or refinement
- Free digitising – conversion of artwork into production files
- Unlimited proof revisions – changes to the proof until approved
- Free 24-hour proof turnaround – initial proof returned within 24 hours
- No minimum unit quantity – orders accepted from 1 patch upward (£70 minimum order value)
- Free UK dispatch tracking – every order tracked end-to-end
- Quality guarantee – free remake on any manufacturing defect (read the full guarantee)
Pricing and Minimum Order
Custom Iron On Patches operates with no minimum unit quantity, customers can order as few patches as they need. The minimum order value is £70. Pricing is calculated based on patch type, size, quantity, complexity and backing.
For pricing details and indicative starting prices, see the pricing guide.
For volume pricing on B2B and bulk orders, see bulk and trade enquiries.
Frequently Asked Ordering Questions
How long does an order take from quote to delivery?
A typical order takes 7-14 working days from quote acceptance to UK delivery. Rush production can reduce this to 5-8 working days for time-critical orders.
Do I need finished artwork to order custom patches?
No. Free design support is included on every order. Customers can supply finished artwork, a sketch, a reference image, or simply describe the design they want. The in-house design team prepares the artwork and returns a digital proof within 24 hours.
What’s the minimum order quantity for custom patches?
There is no minimum unit quantity. The minimum order value is £70. Customers can order as few as 1 patch or as many as 10,000+ in a single order.
Can I see a sample before ordering?
A digital proof is sent on every order before production begins. Physical pre-production samples can be requested for large orders or B2B account customers. See sample and proofing policy for details.
Do you offer rush orders?
Yes. Rush production is available for time-critical orders. Confirm rush availability and any expedited charges before placing the order.
Are the patches really made in the UK?
Yes. Every patch is produced at the Custom Iron On Patches workshop at 10 Newhall Street, Birmingham. No production is outsourced overseas. See our Birmingham workshop for the full manufacturing detail.
What if the patches arrive defective?
Every patch is covered by the Custom Iron On Patches quality guarantee. Manufacturing defects are remade at no charge. See the quality guarantee for the full policy.
Start Your Order
To begin an order:
- Request a free quote – most quotes returned within 4 hours
- Read artwork guidelines – file requirements before submitting
- View pricing – indicative starting prices by patch type
Or contact the team directly:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 07746 501247
- Address: 10 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3AG