Price of a flag in Belgium: what affects the price

The price of a flag varies widely, from a small façade flag to a large logo flag for a business. This guide gives no amounts, because they differ between suppliers and change quickly. Instead it sets out what affects the price of a flag, which choices come into it and which rights a consumer has in Belgium.

What affects the price of a flag

Size

Size has the greatest effect on the price. A 200 × 300 cm flag contains four times as much fabric as a 100 × 150 cm flag. Which size suits a pole is covered in the guide on flag sizes.

Fabric

Most outdoor flags are made of polyester. Lighter fabrics fly in the slightest wind, heavier fabrics last longer in strong wind. Indoor flags are often made of satin and sometimes finished with a fringe. A heavier or special fabric raises the price.

Printing or sewing

A standard national flag, such as the Belgian tricolour or the Flemish lion, is printed in large numbers and is therefore usually cheaper than a custom flag. For a logo flag, the number of colours, the printing technique and the quantity affect the price. Sewn or appliquéd flags, in which the parts are stitched together, cost more than printed ones.

Finishing and fixings

A reinforced hem on the fly end, a loop or cord, snap hooks or a sleeve for a banner flag all affect the price. The type of fixing depends on the pole. More on this is in the guide on flagpole accessories.

Proportion

The Belgian tricolour exists in 2:3 and in the almost square 13:15 proportion. Flags in 2:3 are the common standard. A flag in 13:15 is offered less often, which can affect the price.

Price and lifespan

A flag that flies permanently outdoors wears out. Circular VR 2015/37 recommends keeping flags on Flemish public buildings clean and replacing them in good time. A cheaper flag can therefore cost more over the years than a more expensive flag that lasts longer. How long a flag lasts depends mainly on wind, sun and how often it is taken in. More on this is in the guide on flagpole maintenance.

Rights when buying

• Legal guarantee: according to the FPS Economy, a consumer buying from a business has a legal guarantee of two years. Since 1 January 2022, the burden of proving that a defect existed at delivery lies with the seller for the full two years. For second-hand goods, the seller can limit the guarantee to at least one year, provided this is stated clearly (article 1649quater of the old Civil Code).
• Right of withdrawal: for distance purchases, such as from an online shop, the FPS Economy gives a withdrawal period of 14 calendar days (articles VI.47 to VI.53 of the Code of Economic Law). The Code has exceptions, such as goods made to the consumer's specifications. A flag with a custom design or logo usually falls under this.
• Commercial guarantee: according to the FPS Economy, an additional guarantee from the seller can only extend or broaden the legal guarantee, not restrict it.

These rights apply to consumers. A business buying flags falls under the general rules of contract law and the supplier's terms.

Where flags come from

In Belgium, flags are sold by specialist flag suppliers, DIY stores, online shops and, around major sporting events, supermarkets. For official flags, such as a municipal flag, authorities often turn to a supplier who can reproduce the heraldic colours and figures exactly. Circular VR 2015/37 explicitly mentions checking the correct heraldic colours.

More on the pole is in the guide on the price of a flagpole.