Buying a flagpole in Finland – price and what affects the cost

Flagpole prices vary widely, even between poles that look alike in a photo. The differences usually have an explanation: height, material, construction, base and accessories. This guide gives no prices, since they vary between sellers and over time. Instead it describes what affects the price of a flagpole, what is usually included and what the Consumer Protection Act says about the buyer’s rights.

What affects the price of a flagpole?

Height and the price of a flagpole

Height is often the largest single factor. A taller pole needs a larger diameter and thicker wall to withstand the wind, and the foundation grows with the height. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the pole’s height is determined by the height of the house: the pole of a one- or two-storey house is tall enough for the flag to show above the ridge even in still weather. In the Ministry’s table, a ridge height of 5–6 metres corresponds to a 10 metre pole. More information is in the guide to flagpole heights.

Height also affects the flag. According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, the flag number matches the pole’s length in metres, so a taller pole means a larger flag. The price of a flag is described in the guide to buying a flag.

The effect of material on price

• Fibreglass: according to Suomalaisuuden Liitto the most popular material today, because it is light, durable and easy to care for.
• Aluminium: stiffer, common at businesses and public sites.
• Steel: used mainly for very tall poles and demanding sites. The weight affects delivery and foundation.
• Wood: rare today and needs the most care.

The materials are compared in the guide to flagpole materials.

External or internal halyard

A pole with an external halyard is simpler in construction. On a pole with an internal halyard, the halyard runs inside the pole behind a lockable hatch, which protects against vandalism and reduces halyard slap. The construction is common at businesses and housing companies and affects the price. It is described in the guide to flagpole mechanics.

Base, foundation and installation in the price

A flagpole is fixed in a ground sleeve cast in concrete, on a tilting base bolted to a foundation, or on a ready-made foundation. A tilting pole makes maintenance from the ground easier, which is a factor in many buyers’ choice. The manufacturer states the foundation dimensions by pole height, flag size and wind conditions.

When comparing offers it helps to know what is included: concrete, sleeve or tilting base, bolts and installation are sometimes included in the price and sometimes not. Digging, foundation and erection are described in the guide to flagpole installation.

Accessories in the total price

The price tag does not always cover everything needed to fly the flag. Common parts are

• the finial and pulley at the top of the pole
• the halyard and snap hooks
• the cleat or the hatch of an internal halyard pole
• the flag and house pennant
• a light, if the pole stands in a lit area.

The parts are described in the guide to flagpole accessories.

Delivery and transport

A flagpole is often longer than fits in a car, so delivery can be a considerable part of the cost. If the pole is collected by the buyer, the Road Traffic Act’s provisions on the overhang and marking of long loads apply to the transport. More information is in the guide to flagpole transport.

Building permit and other costs outside the purchase

Under section 42 of the Building Act, a building permit is required for a mast at least 30 metres high. According to the Ministry of the Environment, the municipality can set provisions on other projects in its building ordinance, and the plan and building ordinance apply even when no permit is needed. If a permit is required, the municipal building control authority charges a fee under its tariff.

Consumer rights when buying a flagpole

• 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. The seller may charge return costs if it said so before the order. Goods bought in a shop have no statutory right of withdrawal.
• Defects: According to KKV, the buyer can demand that defective goods be repaired or replaced and, if the defect is not remedied, a price reduction or cancellation of the sale. According to KKV, the seller also bears the cost of the dismantling and installation work needed to repair or replace the goods.
• Notice of defect: Under the Consumer Protection Act, a notice of defect given within two months of noticing the defect is always in time.
• Guarantee: Under the Consumer Protection Act, a guarantee does not limit the statutory liability for defects.

The Consumer Protection Act covers purchases by a consumer from a business. Other rules apply to buying a used pole from a private individual.

Comparing offers

Since the price of a flagpole is made up of many parts, offers are easier to compare when it is clear exactly what they include: pole length, material, halyard construction, base, accessories, delivery and installation. The manufacturer’s information on the flag size and wind load the pole is designed for is also part of the comparison. Safety is described in the guide to flagpole safety.