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About BCG PatchesWelcome to the home of BCG Patches. This patch company is a sole proprietorship of Lora Brinkman (that's me!). We began with our first patch program in March 2016.
I have been a scout leader for several years and after seeing girls get bored with badges that remind them of school and seeing them light up with excitement when I came up with alternatives for them to do, I decided to use my talents and venture into the Patch Program business. I'm following my own advice and believing in myself and hoping others benefit from the fun programming that are coming your way. |
What is a Patch Program? and... Why do people use them? |
If you have never completed a patch program with your group, this may be your first question... followed with "why".
I like to think of a patch program as a really easy way to plan a meeting or adventure. The patches are not official badges, but they have requirements to be completed in order to earn it. Instead of just randomly picking out a patch for every single thing your scouts have done, patch programs hold a higher value.They were earned. For leaders, patch programs are life savers! The patch programs BCG Patches offers come complete with instructions to explain anything requiring a little more information. Some programs also have pre-designed activity cards, supply lists, and resources you may need to help your scouts earn the various patches I will be offering in the store. So, why? Patch programs make your life easier. It's like have a meeting in a bag, or patch per say. I do hope you review the program guides and start thinking how you can best utilize the programs for your scouts. |
What does BCG mean? |
Well, it's my "not so widely known" nickname... given to me by my awesome husband while we were dating. One of his favorite meals is fried chicken (we were younger then). When we were first dating, he would often address me in email with BG... being a huge scrapbooker at the time I couldn't understand why he was calling me Basic Grey (A scrapbook company). Once I made him the most amazing (in his opinion) fried chicken he began addressing me as BCG. At that point, I questioned him about this acronym... Beautiful Chicken Girl. So... because of all of the support he gives me in all my ventures, I decided that BCG Patches was the perfect name and a constant reminder of my true love, my family.
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FAQs
Connect with BCG Patches
Who to contact about the patch programs seen on BCG Patches?
Easy, peasy... Me. Lora Brinkman at Lora@BCGPatches.com.
Is there a BCG Patches newsletter?
YES! We do. It would be fantastic if you wanted to subscribe. We plan on sending sneak peeks and upcoming patch information out to our newsletter subscribers FIRST!
What about Social Media?
Absolutely!!
Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BCGPatches
Join the Patch Programs Group: facebook.com/groups/YouthPatchPrograms/
Twitter: twitter.com/lora3677
Instagram: Instagram.com/BCGPatches
Pinterest: pinterest.com/lora3677
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCSUKijhxFY6oO9F553OJo8Q
Custom Patch Design
Does BCG Patches do custom patch design work?
I'd be happy to talk to you about designing a custom patch for your event. If you want a patch for your event, I need about 8 weeks advance notice to make sure your patches arrive in time for your event.
About the Patches and Patch Programs
How do I get the free Program Guide?
Add the Program guide or guides to your cart in the store and complete the checkout process. Once you complete the order (the digital guides are free, but you have to complete an order), you will receive a confirmation page with a link to download the guide. You will also receive an email at the address provided at checkout with a link to download the guides. Save the PDF and you are ready to rock n roll!
Do patches have to be purchased to use the Program Guides?
Nope. We, of course, hope you do purchase the patch. But, you are more than welcome to download the guides without purchasing patches.
Do program guide activities have to be completed to get the patch?
Well, we'd like for you to complete the activities to "earn" the patch. But, it isn't a crime to be a collector or use the patches for an event you are hosting where it ties in perfectly. You don't need to "prove" your group earned it. We do hope you're honest about it, though.
What are the patches like?
The patches are all fully embroidered, sew-on, high quality patches. They aren't flimsy and they aren't iron-on, as most iron-on patches don't really last anyway. Size does vary and the patch description will tell you that information.
How many different patch programs are available?
The selection and number of patch programs will vary all the time. We add one patch program around the 15th of each month to our store.
Who can use BCG Patch Programs?
Anyone is welcome to order and complete the BCG Patch Programs. We encourage scouts, community, and youth organizations to use our programs to help leaders and volunteers out when planning fun activities for your groups.
Availability
Are all the patches in stock?
Some of our newer patches and popular patches may occasionally go through a "pre-order" phase. This means they are ordered, but haven't arrived on my doorstep. All patches in that phase are clearly marked in the store. If we know a tentative arrival date, we'll include that information in the description.
How often are new patch programs released?
We add one patch program around the 15th of each month to our store.
How long are the patches available?
BCG Patches are limited edition exclusive patch programs. Patches have a window of opportunity of ordering where all orders are guaranteed and then we sell off remaining stock. If a patch has great popularity, then we consider placing a reorder through our manufacturer and the site will be updated with information.
If you see a patch program you want to complete with your group, please don't wait too long to order it. You may not be able to get it. If you have a large event coming up and you need more than 100 of our patches, please contact us so we can help plan accordingly to having patches available for your group.
We plan to cycle through patch programs every 24 months, though not all programs will be repeated. The selection process for a repeat is dependent on popularity of the first launch.
Are past patch programs brought back?
Yes. We do have plans to rotate through some of the more popular programs and bring them back once every 12 or 24 months. So, if there was one that you love and missed, you may be able to get it later on. Just check back and you are always welcome to drop me an inquiry email.
How long does it take to get the pre-order patches?
Pre-Order patches will ship within 4-5 business days once the patches are received from the manufacturer. We are typically filling a lot of orders on these, so we give ourselves a couple extra days to get it all together. The patch description will be updated with information on shipping and you will receive an email once per week between the time you order and the time they have arrived to ship out to you.
Purchasing and Shipping
Is there a minimum on any patches for orders?
Nope. Order 1 or 100 or 1,000. Orders of 5 patches and more are shipped with tracking. Orders of 1-4 patches will be mailed with First Class stamps.
How much is shipping for patches?
Shipping is included in the price of the patch for any USA address. So, if the patch is $2 and you want 5 patches, you will pay $10 total. For international buyers, please contact me for a quote.
Do you offer a discount for large orders?
Yes! I love working with large groups to save a little moolah. The discount is as follows:
0-49 patches: I don't offer a discount; but watch Facebook for special sales and drawings to win a discount code.
50-74 patches: 10% off - enter over100 during checkout
75-99 patches: 15% off - enter over150 during checkout
100+ patches: 20% off - enter over200 during checkout
How long does it take to get patches?
In Stock patches are shipped within 2 business days. I'm shipping from central Missouri, so 3-7 days should be allowed.
Pre-Order patches will be filled within 4-5 business days once the patches are received from the manufacturer.
Shipping times vary, depending on where you are located in relation to me. You will receive a shipping confirmation when I ship out your order. Please allow 5-7 business days for the order to arrive on your doorstep. Most of the time it's within 2-3 business days for shipping.
How are patch orders shipped?
50 or more: Orders of this quantity are shipped Priority Mail with insurance through US Postal Service.
5 or more patches: They are shipped First Class with tracking through the US Postal Service.
Less than 5 patches: Order will be shipped with First Class postage.
What if the order I receive is not complete?
I really do try my best to make sure each order is filled accurately and includes a copy of your order invoice. But, mistakes do happen. If you are missing anything from your order, please let me know. I'll get the missing items in the mail lickety split!
What if the order contains both Pre-Order and In-Stock patches?
If your order contains both In-Stock and Pre-Order patches, your patches will be shipped together when Pre-Order patches arrive. If you need the In-Stock patches sooner, please let me know.
Return Policy?
I offer a 30 day return policy. If you over purchase or change your mind, you can mail excess patches back to me. Please contact me PRIOR to returning patches. You need to include your name, order number, order date, reason for return, and if you would like to refund or exchange.
You can choose to do a refund or exchange. If you request a refund, you may be subject to a 25% restocking fee. Return postage is your responsibility. Patches must arrive in "like new" condition for a refund to be completed. Refunds will be issued back to the card the purchase was made with.
