What is Made on Demand and how long will it take to receive my order?
Each product is made as orders are received. There is no finished inventory in stock. Most items are produced in 2-3 business days. Economy shipping will then add an additional 3-7 business days for delivery. Transit times will vary with location. The longest transit times will be to the South Pacific region. Each nation's Customs office may add additional time to delivery.
Why don't you offer free shipping?
Stores that offer free shipping build the shipping costs into the price of each product. By separating shipping rates from product prices, a lower total cost to the consumer can be achieved. Clipper Shipper calculates a base shipping rate added to the order no matter the quantity of items ordered. Each additional item is only a small additional shipping rate. In the USA Clipper Shipper usually has a $5 base rate per order with a $1.25 rate for each additional item. A store that builds shipping into the cost of each item may add $5 dollars or more to each product to cover shipping costs no matter the quantity purchased. So if someone orders more than one item, there is a much greater total order cost because there is no quantity shipping discount. The store may lower the price of the additional items as a form of shipping discount. Clipper Shipper would rather just keep the shipping simple and separate product costs and shipping rates.
Can I combine different products to reach a greater quantity discount level?
Unfortunately, No. Each product has different quantity price levels from the manufacturer. Also each different colored logo entails the machine set up for each thread color on embroidered items. The manufacturer only allows a quantity discount per machine set up. There will be a combined shipping discount per order.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic fabrics?
Cotton is lightweight, durable and prolific. Cotton twill is a weave pattern with diagonal lines used since ancient times. Think blue jeans and you will understand this term. Wool is durable and slightly elastic. Wool is comparable to cotton in feel, but is usually denser and holds heat more effectively. Acrylic has a slightly coarser feel than natural fabrics. It does not withstand high heat as easily as natural fibers. But this can be a plus as synthetic fabrics are much more resistant to stains and repelling liquid ("wicking"). Acrylic is also dense and is therefore a better synthetic for retaining heat. Polyester is a more breathable synthetic and is lightweight and has more improved air flow than acrylic.
What is the difference between a Structured and Unstructured cap?
A structured cap when removed from your head will retain its shape. The structured cap has reinforced panels made with a sturdier fabric (buckram) which is a cotton fabric dipped in a plastic-like bath. The unstructured cap does not have the buckram panels and the crown will collapse into a limp fabric.
What are the differences between Low, Medium and High-Profile caps?
In terms of hats and caps, the profile is a description of the height of the crown. Low-profile caps will have shallower crowns in the 2-3 inch range. This means the brim of the hat will rest somewhere on the forehead when pulled down tight. Medium-profile will be a cap with a crown height of of 3-4 inches. This means the brim should reach around the top of the brow when pulled down tight. A high-profile cap or hat will have a crown height of more than 4 inches. This profile will reach your eyes or further when pulled down tight. Usually a high-profile cap or hat is worn by people with a high volume of hair.
What are the differences in sizing (adjusting) fixtures?
A Snapback cap is adjusted by two strips of plastic in the open area at the back of the hat. One strip has plastic nubs and the other has similarly sized holes. When pressed together the nubs snap into the holes which closes the hat to a specific size. The snapback fixture therefore allows for consistent size adjustment and is the most rigid of sizing fixtures. Strapback caps can be adjusted by either a long strap with a buckle or a pair of straps with Velcro to adjust the sizing. Less common are parachute clips and leather straps with belt-style buckles.
What is the difference between a six-panel and five-panel cap?
Ball cap crowns are traditionally made of six triangular panels sewn together into a round shape. This will create a seam running down the middle of the front of the cap. The printing and embroidery industry wanted a cap without the front seam to allow for uninterrupted images on the front of the cap. A darted panel front panel was introduced replacing two panels with one oddly shaped panel but with no seam.
Curved cap brims vs. flat cap brims.
The cap bill was deliberately curved to keep direct sunlight out of corners of the wearer's eyes. The flat bill cap has come into prominence lately as a statement of fashion signifying a pristine cap. The trade off is function vs. fashion.
What is a Flexible Fit cap?
This definition can refer to different cap construction which allows for the cap to stretch and conform to different head sizes. The construction can be a cap lined with an elastic band with a pocket of material at the back allowing the crown to stretch. Most straw hats like cowboy and sun hats by nature of the somewhat loose weaving construction will allow for stretching. There is a brand called Flexfit which is manufactured by the company Yupoong. Not all products with this brand name will be a flexible type of construction.
What are distressed caps?
These caps are specially treated to look used right from the start. By methods of cutting, tearing or acid-washing these caps have a well-worn look. The structure of the cap is unaffected. It will wear and hold up like a new cap.
Why do some hats have a dark or green underbill?
Originally ball caps were designed for playing ball! The green underbill helps to absorb much of the light reflected up from the playing field. This is a vintage choice for a cap.
What is a sandwich bill?
This is a type of hat construction that uses a colorful layer of material in the brim while the top and bottom of the brim retain the same colors as the rest of the hat. The result is a layered color in along the breadth of the cap.
How is the Trucker Cap different from the other caps?
The primary difference is the back of the crown is made with a plastic mesh material. The open design allows for more airflow so the head can cool faster. Obviously this is helpful in hot weather or when strenuous labor is undertaken. Some trucker caps will include a foam front. The foam is highly absorbent compared to cloth and will serve as a sweat guard as well as a surface for airbrushed designs and other artistic cap customizers.
What makes the Dad Cap different from other caps?
The dad cap is a low-profile unstructured design which has a curved brim and a soft crown. It is a six-panel cap that is very light on the head and is therefore one of the most comfortable caps to wear. This design can also be made as a distressed cap.