Buying a flagpole in Denmark: price and what affects it

Anyone buying a flagpole will find big price differences, even between poles that look almost identical in pictures. The differences usually have an explanation: height, material, wall thickness, halyard, base and accessories. 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 flagpole, what is typically included and which rights buyers have.

What affects the price of a flagpole?

Height and material – the biggest price factors

According to Bolius, the price of a flagpole depends on its size. A taller pole needs more material, a larger diameter and a larger foundation. In Danish suburban gardens, 7 to 10 metres is common. The material matters less than many think: according to Bolius, the price of glass fibre and wood is much the same, so the choice is mostly about appearance and maintenance. More in the guides to flagpole heights and flagpole materials.

What is included?

Many flagpoles are sold as a set. What is included varies between retailers, and that is what makes offers hard to compare:

• the pole itself, in one or more sections
• finial with pulley, flag line and cleat
• base, foot or tilting bracket
• flag, pennant or stander
• installation instructions

According to Bolius, the cost of the base or foot and any installation often comes on top of the price of the pole itself. A flag and a pennant to suit the pole are also separate costs. More about the parts in the guide to flagpole accessories.

Delivery and installation – the price of getting the pole up

A flagpole of 8 to 10 metres is a long item. Delivery is often a separate item, and some poles come in several sections. If the pole is collected, the executive order on marking long loads applies: loads projecting more than 1 metre behind the vehicle are marked. More in the guide to flagpole transport.

The pole can be put up by the owner or by the retailer. Digging and casting the foundation are often a significant part of the cost. Dannebrogs-Samfundet notes that the position leaves room for the pole to be lowered for maintenance. More in the guide to flagpole installation.

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. The goods can be examined, but not used to an extent that they cannot be resold.
• Right to complain: According to forbrug.dk, the Sale of Goods Act gives two years to complain about defects present on delivery. A shorter period cannot be agreed, nor can parts of the goods be excluded.
• Remedies: According to forbrug.dk, the Sale of Goods Act gives the right to repair, replacement, a price reduction or cancellation, but in some cases the seller can choose to repair instead of supplying new goods.

Purchases between businesses are not covered by the consumer rules. The price of the flag is covered in the guide to buying a flag, and the types in the guide to types of flagpoles.