Buying a flag in Finland – what affects the price

Finnish flags are sold in many sizes and qualities, and the price can vary a great deal even between flags that look alike in a photo. This guide gives no prices, since they vary between sellers and over time. Instead it describes what affects the price of a flag, what the law says about Finnish flags offered for sale and what the Consumer Protection Act says about the buyer’s rights.

What affects the price of a flag?

Size and the price of a flag

Size is often the largest single factor in the price. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the flag’s height is about one sixth of the pole’s length, and according to Suomalaisuuden Liitto the flag number matches the pole’s length in metres. A longer pole therefore means a larger flag. According to the Ministry’s table, for example, an 8 metre pole suits a flag of 125 × 204 cm and a 12 metre pole one of 200 × 327 cm. The right size can be worked out with the flag size calculator, and the size tables are in the guide to flag sizes.

Material, sewing and price

According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, Finnish flags are nowadays made of polyester, because it is durable and keeps its colour in the country’s changeable weather. The quality and weight of the fabric affect how well the flag withstands wind and sunlight. A sewn flag, where the cross is a separate piece of fabric, takes more work than a printed one. Reinforced seams and hoist also affect durability and price.

Correct colours and proportions

The colours and proportions of a flag sold as a Finnish flag are defined precisely. Under the Act, the ratio of the flag’s height to its length is 11 : 18, and the shade of blue is defined in Government Decision 827/1993, with approximations such as PMS 294C and NCS 4060-R90B. Under section 8 of the Act, a fine may be imposed on anyone who offers for sale as a Finnish flag a flag whose colours or proportions clearly differ from those laid down. The flag’s colours are described in the guide to flag symbolism.

Flags, pennants and price

The type of flag affects the price. Besides the national flag, the following are for sale:

• house pennants, which according to Suomalaisuuden Liitto are about half as long as the pole
• omalippu or facade flags for a staff of about 130 centimetres
• carried flags and table flags
• regional, municipal and family pennants, and company and organisation flags.

The state flag is not for private use: according to the Ministry of the Interior, a private person cannot be given permission to use it. The flag types are described in the guide to flag types.

Service life and care as part of the price

When comparing prices, the flag’s service life is one factor. According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, city air soils a flag quickly, and following the washing and ironing instructions preserves the flag’s colour and shape. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the flag can be washed and repaired as long as the repair is not visible on the pole. A worn and faded flag is disposed of with dignity, according to the Association. Care of the flag is described in the guide to flagpole maintenance.

Consumer rights when buying a flag

• Right of withdrawal: According to the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV), most products bought online come with a 14-day right of withdrawal, which begins when the goods are received. Goods bought in a shop have no statutory right of withdrawal, but the seller may offer an exchange or return policy.
• Defects: Under chapter 5, section 16 of the Consumer Protection Act, the buyer reports a defect to the seller within a reasonable time after noticing it or when it ought to have been noticed. Under the Act, a notice given within two months is always in time.
• Guarantee: Under the Consumer Protection Act, a guarantee does not limit the seller’s statutory liability for defects.

The Consumer Protection Act covers purchases by a consumer from a business. Other rules apply when a flag is bought from a private individual. The price of a flagpole is described in the guide to buying a flagpole.