Buying a flag in the Netherlands – what affects the price

The price of a flag varies widely: a small façade flag costs much less than a large flag for a company pole or a sewn tricolour for daily use. This guide describes what affects the price of a flag, without giving amounts, because these differ between suppliers and change over time. It also covers what the law says about the cooling-off period and warranty when buying a flag.

What affects the price of a flag?

The main factors in the price of a flag are:

• the size of the flag
• the fabric: type of material and weight
• the method: printed or sewn
• the finish of the edges and the hoist
• custom printing and the quantity ordered
• accessories, such as a pennant, halyard or flagstaff

Size and price

Size is the biggest factor in the price of a flag. A 200 × 300 cm flag has almost three times as much fabric as a 120 × 180 cm flag. No law sets which size suits a pole; the Handleiding voor het gebruik van de Nederlandse vlag only gives the proportions 2:3. Suppliers use a rule of thumb in which the flag’s height is about a quarter of the pole’s length. A flag that is too large not only costs more but, according to the supplier DVC, also wears faster. More is in the guide to flag sizes and in the flag size calculator.

Fabric and method

Flags are usually made of polyester. A lighter fabric flies well even in little wind, a heavier fabric lasts longer in strong wind. A printed flag is usually cheaper than a sewn flag, in which the stripes are stitched together. On a sewn tricolour the colours are the same on both sides. The Royal House describes the colours as bright vermilion, bright white and cobalt blue; suppliers usually state which shades they use.

Finish and price

The finish determines how long a flag lasts, and so also its price. A flag with a reinforced hoist and double-stitched edges on the fly frays less quickly. The hoist usually has a cord with loops or a line with hooks or snap hooks. Which fitting suits depends on the pole. More is in the guide to flagpole accessories.

Custom company flags

A flag with one’s own logo or design is printed to order. The price per flag then depends on the quantity, the number of colours and whether the flag reads correctly on one or both sides. A banner or vertical flag often has a different finish from a landscape flag. The types are covered in the guide to flag types.

The orange pennant and the price

On royal occasions the orange pennant flies above the tricolour. The pennant is sold separately or as a set with the flag, and its length is matched to the flag or the pole. The days on which the pennant flies are in the guide to flag rules.

Lifespan and total cost

A flag that flies outdoors every day wears much faster from wind, sun and rain than a flag flown only on flag days. When comparing the price of a flag, how often the flag flies therefore also counts. According to the flag instruction of Zaanstad, among others, a flag that is worn, torn or badly faded is replaced. According to a Dutch flagpole supplier, a flag that is taken down in time in strong wind and storms usually lasts longer.

Cooling-off period when buying a flag

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, there is a 14-day cooling-off period for purchases made online or by telephone, counted from delivery. During that time the buyer can cancel without giving a reason. It does not apply to something made to measure or personalised. A flag with one’s own logo or text usually falls into that category. There is no statutory cooling-off period in a shop.

Statutory warranty

Beyond any warranty from the seller or manufacturer, there is always a statutory warranty. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, a product ought to do what the buyer could expect of it in normal use. If a flag breaks too soon, for example because the seams come apart, the seller puts it right by repair, replacement or a refund. How long a flag can be expected to last depends on its quality and use. In a dispute the buyer can turn to the seller and then to a disputes committee or the courts. What affects the price of a flagpole is described in the guide to buying a flagpole.