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France

Price of a flagpole in France: what makes it vary

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This page is an English translation of the French original. Where the two versions differ, the French text is the original.

The price of a flagpole ranges from a small telescopic garden pole to several large poles in front of a company’s head office. This guide gives no amounts, as they differ between suppliers and change quickly. It looks at what makes the price of a flagpole vary in France, the costs that come on top of the pole itself and consumer rights.

What makes the price of a flagpole vary

Height

Height has the biggest influence. A taller pole needs more material, a larger diameter and wall to withstand the wind, and a larger foundation. French makers mainly offer poles of 6, 8, 10 and 12 metres. More on this is in the guide to flagpole heights.

Material

According to the flag maker Doublet, steel is offered from 3 to 9 metres, mainly for events, and fibreglass and aluminium from 6 to 12 metres. The material affects not only the purchase price but also maintenance and lifespan. The guide to flagpole materials compares them.

Type and shape

A single pole with an outside halyard is the simplest model. An anti-theft inside halyard, an arm or two arms for a banner, a tapered rather than cylindrical shape and a revolving truck raise the price. The guide to types of flagpoles presents these models.

Finish and accessories

A raw, anodised or powder-coated pole in a RAL colour is priced differently. Accessories come on top: pulley, cleat, snap hooks, finial, counterweight, lighting. The guide to flagpole accessories describes them.

Wind resistance

A pole meant for the seaside or an exposed site is often designed for stronger winds. The national annex to the Eurocode on wind (NF EN 1991-1-4) divides metropolitan France into four wind regions, and a pole designed for a windier region or a larger flag is sturdier, and therefore generally dearer.

What comes on top of the price of the pole

  • Foundation: a concrete block with a ground sleeve or anchor rods, sized according to the height of the pole and the ground. More on this is in the guide to flagpole installation.
  • Transport and installation: a large pole may need a suitable vehicle and a crane lorry. More on this is in the guide to flagpole transport.
  • Flag: the pole is often sold without a flag. More on this is in the guide to the price of a flag.
  • Formalities: a prior declaration at the town hall is free. Before digging, consulting the single networks portal and, where applicable, a declaration of planned works (DT) may be needed; some service providers charge for this.

Price and lifespan

A well-chosen and maintained pole lasts many years. A cheaper pole that is poorly suited to the wind or salty air can cost more over time, in parts, repairs or replacement. More on this is in the guide to flagpole lifespan.

Rights when buying

  • Legal guarantee of conformity: under article L. 217-3 of the Consumer Code, a business seller is liable for lack of conformity that appears within two years of delivery; a defect that appears within 24 months is presumed to have existed at delivery (article L. 217-7).
  • Guarantee against hidden defects: under article 1641 of the Civil Code, the seller is liable for hidden defects that make the item unfit for use; the claim is brought within two years of discovering the defect (article 1648).
  • Right of withdrawal: for a distance purchase, the consumer has 14 days (article L. 221-18). Under article L. 221-28, this right does not apply to goods made to the consumer’s specifications, such as a pole made to measure.

These rights apply to consumers. Businesses and local authorities fall under contract law and, for local authorities, public procurement law.

Frequently asked questions

What makes the price of a flagpole vary?

Mainly the height, the material and the type of pole. A 12-metre tapered aluminium pole with an anti-theft inside halyard costs more than a 6-metre cylindrical steel pole with an outside halyard. The finish, accessories, foundation and installation add to the price of the pole.

Are the foundation and installation included in the price?

Not always. Many suppliers sell the pole on its own, with or without a ground sleeve, and the concrete foundation, transport and installation are priced separately. For a large pole, installation may need a crane lorry.

Which administrative costs add to the price of a flagpole?

Generally none for a pole of 12 metres or less outside protected areas, which article R. 421-2 of the Planning Code exempts from any formality. A prior declaration, which is free, is required above 12 metres or in protected areas. Before digging, a declaration of works near networks (DT-DICT) may be needed.

Which guarantees apply when buying a flagpole?

A consumer buying from a business has the two-year legal guarantee of conformity (articles L. 217-3 and following of the Consumer Code) and the guarantee against hidden defects (article 1641 of the Civil Code). For a distance purchase, the withdrawal period is 14 days, except for goods made to measure.

Sources

This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in French:

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