The price of a flag in Mexico: what determines it

The price of a flag of Mexico varies widely: between a desk flag and a monumental flag lies a whole range of sizes, fabrics and techniques. This guide explains what determines the price of a flag and what the rules say about selling one, without stating actual prices, which change over time and between suppliers.

The size

Size is the first factor in the price. Makers offer standard sizes, from the 0.90 × 1.58 metre colour-guard flag to outdoor flags of 2.00 × 3.50 metres or more, and work to order for corporate and monumental flags. More fabric means more material, more seams and, on large flags, more reinforcement. The guide to flag sizes compares the sizes.

The fabric and the use

The use decides the fabric. For an indoor or colour-guard flag, the drape and finish count; for an outdoor one, the resistance of synthetic fabrics to sun, rain and wind. Makers therefore distinguish between indoor and outdoor fabrics. For monumental flags, the factory of the Ministry of National Defence uses a ripstop nylon, a fabric with thicker threads woven in to resist tearing, as it told Forbes México. An outdoor flag in light fabric has a lower price, but wears out sooner.

The coat of arms

The coat of arms is the element that takes the most work, and its technique has a large effect on the price of a flag:

• Printed: the arms are applied by dye sublimation, screen printing or digital printing.
• Embroidered: takes more hours of work and more material than printing.
• Hand-painted: on monumental flags, the arms are drawn and painted by hand, because their size rules out screen printing. The workshop BHC México describes the arms on its monumental flags as painted entirely by hand, in an oil-painting style.

Under article 2 of the law, on the reverse the eagle faces the other way, which calls for a second reproduction of the arms on double-sided flags.

The finishing

Reinforcements and fittings also count. BHC México mentions brass eyelets, snap hooks, polyamide tape and safety seams in polyester thread at the joins and hems of its monumental flags. An outdoor flag usually has a sleeve or a tape with eyelets to attach it to the halyard. According to Uno TV, the price of a monumental flag depends on its size, the fabric, the technique for the arms, the reinforcements and the costs of transport and installation.

Accessories

Colour-guard flags are often sold with their staff, finial, tie, cover or display case, and outdoor flags with snap hooks or rope. The guide to flagpole accessories describes them.

What the law says about selling flags

Under article 33 of the Law on the National Arms, Flag and Anthem, flags intended for sale follow the features in article 3: equal stripes, a coat of arms three quarters of the white stripe and a 4 to 7 proportion. Flags with the inscriptions of authorities or institutions under article 7 cannot be sold. Altering the features of the flag and selling copies with inscriptions are serious infringements, sanctioned by the Ministry of the Interior (articles 56 and 56 Ter). Some makers, such as Banderas Universal, state that they hold an authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior to make and sell the national flag.

Consumer rights

The Federal Consumer Protection Law protects the buyer:

• Total price: the supplier shows the total amount payable clearly and visibly, including taxes and any other charge (article 7 Bis). The general VAT rate is 16% (article 1 of the VAT Law).
• Guarantee: if offered, it cannot be shorter than ninety days from delivery (article 77); the guarantee certificate is issued in writing (article 78) and can be claimed from the producer, the importer or the distributor (article 79).
• Hidden faults: for defects that make the goods unfit for their use, the consumer can ask for replacement, cancellation or a price reduction, and in any case a payment (article 82), which under article 92 Ter cannot be less than 20% of the price paid.
• Sales away from business premises: for door-to-door sales and other sales away from the business premises, direct or indirect, the consumer can withdraw within five working days of delivery or of signing the contract (article 56).

The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) handles complaints. The guide to the price of a flagpole covers buying the pole.