FAQ
Artora Design · Help Center
Premium Patch Hats, Customs & NFC Tap Hat FAQs
Answers about Artora Design premium promotional items, custom laser-engraved leatherette patch hats, NFC tap hats, business and bulk orders, shipping, returns, and care.
Products & Materials
3 questionsWhy do you use leatherette instead of genuine leather for your patches?
Leatherette is simply the better material for hat patches in almost every way. Genuine leather, while beautiful, can fade, scuff, stain, and is difficult to adhere securely because the raw underside doesn't bond well with heat-press adhesive — and it can't be washed without damage.
Our premium leatherette, sourced from top U.S. suppliers, is weather-resistant, easy to wipe clean, and available in dozens of colors, finishes, and UV-printed patterns — all of which laser-engrave to a vibrant contrasting second color. Genuine leather can only engrave to a range of tan to black depending on laser power.
Our premium leatherette, sourced from top U.S. suppliers, is weather-resistant, easy to wipe clean, and available in dozens of colors, finishes, and UV-printed patterns — all of which laser-engrave to a vibrant contrasting second color. Genuine leather can only engrave to a range of tan to black depending on laser power.
Leatherette also forms a stronger adhesive bond with hat fabric during heat-pressing, making our patches exceptionally durable.
What hat brands and styles do you carry?
We stock the best hat brands available: RichardsonYupoongLegacyInfinity for Her
Classic Trucker Hats — Our best-sellers. One-size-fits-most snapback. Richardson 112, Yupoong Classic, Legacy Heritage.
Low Profile Trucker Hats — Baseball cap style in S/M and M/L. The Richardson 115 is ideal for women's and youth fits.
Unstructured Hats — Relaxed, comfortable fit. Richardson 111 garment-washed and Yupoong cotton twill dad hats.
Infinity for Her Ponytail Hats — Hidden ponytail slot, makeup-resistant sweatband, adjustable snapback.
All styles come in many colors. For custom orders, we can source additional brands and styles through our supplier network.
Classic Trucker Hats — Our best-sellers. One-size-fits-most snapback. Richardson 112, Yupoong Classic, Legacy Heritage.
Low Profile Trucker Hats — Baseball cap style in S/M and M/L. The Richardson 115 is ideal for women's and youth fits.
Unstructured Hats — Relaxed, comfortable fit. Richardson 111 garment-washed and Yupoong cotton twill dad hats.
Infinity for Her Ponytail Hats — Hidden ponytail slot, makeup-resistant sweatband, adjustable snapback.
All styles come in many colors. For custom orders, we can source additional brands and styles through our supplier network.
How durable are the patches? Will they fade, peel, or fall off?
Our patches are built to last. The premium leatherette is weather-resistant and won't easily fade, scratch, or lose its finish. The heat-press adhesive impregnates directly into the hat fabric, creating a bond so strong our hats have survived full downpours on the water and still look new. Our patch supplier even has videos of trying to remove patches with pliers — it takes considerable force.
We don't recommend frequent machine washing, but the patches are durable enough to withstand occasional washes if needed.
The NFC Tap Feature
4 questionsWhat is the NFC tap feature and how does it work?
The NFC (Near Field Communication) tap feature embeds a tiny chip hidden behind the leatherette patch, fully protected from the elements. It turns any custom branded hat into a wearable smart business card.
When someone holds their unlocked smartphone near the patch for a few seconds, a URL opens automatically on their screen — your website, Instagram, Linktree, contact page, or a digital vCard with full contact info. No camera, no QR code, no app required. It works exactly like tap-to-pay using the NFC reader already built into your phone.
When someone holds their unlocked smartphone near the patch for a few seconds, a URL opens automatically on their screen — your website, Instagram, Linktree, contact page, or a digital vCard with full contact info. No camera, no QR code, no app required. It works exactly like tap-to-pay using the NFC reader already built into your phone.
Does the NFC tap work on iPhone and Android? Any setup required?
Works on any newer smartphone with no extra setup needed. NFC reader locations:
iPhone — Top center, back of phone
Samsung / Android — Center back of phone
Simply unlock your phone and hold the back over the patch for a few seconds. The link pops up automatically — the same experience as tap-to-pay.
iPhone — Top center, back of phone
Samsung / Android — Center back of phone
Simply unlock your phone and hold the back over the patch for a few seconds. The link pops up automatically — the same experience as tap-to-pay.
If it doesn't respond, check that NFC is enabled in your phone's settings. Phones older than approximately 5 years may not include NFC hardware.
Can the NFC link be changed after I receive the hat?
Artora pre-programs the chip to your chosen URL before shipping. We strongly recommend locking the chip — this prevents anyone from accidentally (or intentionally) reprogramming it to a URL you don't want associated with your brand.
If you need the flexibility to update the destination link later, we can leave the chip unlocked so it can be reprogrammed to any new URL as many times as needed. Just let us know your preference when ordering.
If you need the flexibility to update the destination link later, we can leave the chip unlocked so it can be reprogrammed to any new URL as many times as needed. Just let us know your preference when ordering.
Does every hat include the NFC tap feature?
The NFC tap feature is available as a special add-on for custom branded hat orders with a per-hat upcharge. It is included at no extra cost on qualifying bulk orders. Contact us for current bulk pricing thresholds and to add the tap feature to your order.
Custom & Business Orders
5 questionsCan Artora Design make custom hats with my business logo?
Absolutely — custom branded hats are one of our specialties. We work with businesses of all sizes to create premium promotional patch hats that reflect your brand, and offer a uniquely memorable spin on traditional merch with the optional NFC tap feature.
A one-time setup fee of $20–$50 covers patch design, laser calibration, and a test patch. No setup fee on repeat orders. Don't have a logo yet? We can design one for you at an additional cost.
A one-time setup fee of $20–$50 covers patch design, laser calibration, and a test patch. No setup fee on repeat orders. Don't have a logo yet? We can design one for you at an additional cost.
Custom order payment is 100% upfront since we can't resell custom items. Shipping costs are separate.
Is there a minimum order quantity for custom hats?
No minimum order quantity. We love working with businesses and budgets of all sizes — whether you need 1 hat to test a design or 500+ for a full branded rollout.
What file format should I submit for custom artwork?
Best formats for laser engraving: SVGAI (Adobe Illustrator)High-res PNGEPS
We can work with other formats too — just send what you have and we'll let you know if anything needs adjustment. Any cleanup or vectorization required to make the file laserable is factored into the setup fee.
We can work with other formats too — just send what you have and we'll let you know if anything needs adjustment. Any cleanup or vectorization required to make the file laserable is factored into the setup fee.
How long does a custom hat order take?
Hats in stock: Ships in 3–5 business days
Most custom orders: 2–3 weeks (1–2 weeks to receive hats + ~1 week production)
Very large orders: 3–4 weeks due to wholesaler lead times
We'll confirm a specific timeline when your order is placed.
Most custom orders: 2–3 weeks (1–2 weeks to receive hats + ~1 week production)
Very large orders: 3–4 weeks due to wholesaler lead times
We'll confirm a specific timeline when your order is placed.
Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing? What other promotional products are available?
Yes — tiered bulk and wholesale pricing is available at multiple levels to fit businesses of all sizes. UV-printed materials and specialty hats may require an additional cost. Contact us to discuss your needs and receive a custom quote.
Beyond patch hats, Artora Design offers a full range of branded promotional items:
Metal business cardsMetal walletsLeatherette bottle openersTumblersKeychainsCustom signageWood & acrylic engraving
Beyond patch hats, Artora Design offers a full range of branded promotional items:
Metal business cardsMetal walletsLeatherette bottle openersTumblersKeychainsCustom signageWood & acrylic engraving
Shipping, Returns & Care
3 questionsDo you ship internationally?
Currently, Artora Design ships within the United States only. We hope to offer international shipping in the future — sign up for our email list to be the first to know!
What is your return policy?
We proudly stand behind everything that leaves our shop.
Standard items in unworn, new condition may be returned for store credit. Custom orders cannot be returned since they are made specifically for you. Defective items will be replaced at no cost — we may ask you to return the item using a prepaid label so we can investigate and prevent the issue in the future.
To start a return, email artora@artoradesign.com with your order number and photos of any concerns.
Standard items in unworn, new condition may be returned for store credit. Custom orders cannot be returned since they are made specifically for you. Defective items will be replaced at no cost — we may ask you to return the item using a prepaid label so we can investigate and prevent the issue in the future.
To start a return, email artora@artoradesign.com with your order number and photos of any concerns.
How do I care for my Artora Design hat?
For everyday cleaning, wipe soiled areas with a damp soft cloth. The leatherette patch is weather-resistant and cleans up easily.
We do not recommend machine washing — it can affect the hat's structure and patch adhesive over time. Spot cleaning will keep your hat looking its best for years.