Buying a flag: price, size and quality of Dannebrog

Anyone buying a flag will find big price differences, even between flags of the same size. The differences usually come down to the fabric, the stitching and whether the cross is sewn in or printed. The guide gives no prices, because they vary between makers and retailers and change over time. Instead it describes what affects the price of a flag, what is worth knowing about Dannebrog’s appearance and which rights buyers have.

What affects the price of a flag?

Size and price

Size affects the price most, and it depends on the flagpole. According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, the flag’s height on a free-standing flagpole is about one fifth of the pole’s length; an 8-metre pole goes with a flag of 225 × 170 cm in their table. Flags are sold in fixed sizes, as the flag size calculator and the guide to flag sizes show.

Fabric and stitching

Flags today are usually polyester. Dannebrogs-Samfundet writes that a polyester flag cannot be burned at the temperatures a private bonfire reaches, but is sent for incineration when it is worn out. The stitching at the flag’s fly end, the end that flutters, is where wear begins, and is therefore one of the things that separate flags in different price ranges.

Dannebrog’s appearance

• Proportions: According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, the rectangular flag is 28 × 37 units, and the proportions are not departed from, not even in advertising.
• Colour: Dannebrogs-Samfundet refers to Dannebrog red, Pantone 186C. Bolius writes that Pantone 185 is most often used.
• Rectangular flag: Private individuals use the rectangular flag. Under the Flag Act, the swallow-tailed flag is reserved for the state, the royal family and institutions with special permission.
• No text: According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, Dannebrog carries no text, logo or marks.

Pennant, stander and storm flag – price and size

When the flag is not up, a pennant or a stander often flies from the pole. According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, the pennant is about half as long as the flagpole and the stander about one third, always 50 cm wide. The price follows the length. A storm flag is a rectangular flag at half size for days with strong wind. More in the guide to flag types.

Buyers’ rights

• Right of withdrawal: According to forbrug.dk, the Consumer Contracts Act generally gives a 14-day right of withdrawal for online purchases, counted from the day the goods are received. The buyer pays for return shipping unless otherwise agreed. Under section 18(2)(3) of the Consumer Contracts Act, the right does not apply to goods made to the consumer’s specifications or clearly personalised, for example a flag with custom print.
• Right to complain: According to forbrug.dk, the Sale of Goods Act gives two years to complain about defects present on delivery, and a shorter period cannot be agreed. The right can end if the goods wear out through natural use before the deadline.
• Wear: A flag is worn by wind, sun and rain. According to Dannebrogs-Samfundet, a torn, dirty or faded flag is not raised, and a flag that is no longer presentable is replaced.

Purchases between businesses are not covered by the consumer rules. The price of the flagpole is covered in the guide to buying a flagpole, and good flag etiquette in the guide to flag rules. The flag’s symbolism is described in the guide to flag symbolism.