Buying a flagpole in the United States: price and what affects the cost

Anyone looking to buy a flagpole in the United States soon finds large differences in price, even between poles of the same height. The differences usually have an explanation: grade, diameter, wall thickness, finish, halyard system, foundation, freight and installation. This guide does not list prices, as they vary between manufacturers and retailers and change over time. Instead it explains what affects the price of a flagpole, what is usually included and which rules apply to the purchase.

What affects the price of a flagpole?

Flagpole price and height

Height is usually the biggest single factor. A taller pole carries a larger flag and meets more wind, so it needs a larger diameter, thicker walls and a deeper foundation. According to Concord American Flagpole, the wall thickness of its commercial poles varies from 0.125 to 0.500 inch, and ground-set poles are buried in concrete to a depth equal to 10 percent of the mounting height. Height also decides whether a permit is needed, as described in the guide to flagpole heights, and the size of the flag, as described in the guide to buying a flag.

Residential or commercial grade

According to Annin Flagmakers, the choice between a residential grade and a commercial grade flagpole depends on the climate, especially high wind areas, and the budget, and in-ground poles are made in a variety of wall thicknesses designed to withstand a range of wind speeds. The wind rating of a pole is part of its price: Concord American Flagpole designs its poles to the NAAMM guide specification for metal flagpoles and the wind speed at the site, as described in the guide to flagpole safety.

Finish and price

According to Concord American Flagpole, aluminum poles can be left unfinished because aluminum forms a protective oxide layer, while satin, anodized (clear, dark bronze or black) and powder-coated finishes in almost any color are offered on top of that. Concord also offers a lifetime warranty on its aluminum flagpole shafts. A comparison of materials is in the guide to flagpole materials.

External or internal halyard

An external halyard runs outside the pole and is tied off on a cleat. An internal halyard runs inside the pole behind a lockable access door, with a winch and wire halyard or a cam cleat and rope halyard, according to Concord. The internal system protects against theft and vandalism and has more parts. The differences are explained in the guide to how a flagpole works.

Foundation, freight and installation

• Foundation: a ground-set pole stands in a sleeve in a concrete foundation, which Concord describes as the strongest and most common installation; a shoe base is used above ground and costs extra. Concord notes that exact foundation requirements are verified by a structural engineer with knowledge of the local soil.
• Freight: Concord makes its standard 25 ft ground-set pole in one piece of 26 ft 6 in, an industry standard that allows shipping in a pup trailer at a significant freight saving; 30 to 40 ft poles are also offered in two pieces where freight costs or site access matter, and poles of 45 ft and more come in sections.
• Installation: digging requires contacting 811 a few days in advance, according to the Common Ground Alliance, and a permit from the city or county can bring fees of its own. More in the guide to installing a flagpole.

Accessories and the total price

What is on the price tag is not always everything needed to fly a flag. The usual parts are a truck, an ornament, a halyard with snaps, a cleat or internal halyard system, a collar and, for flags flown at night, lighting. Some sets include a flag, others sell it separately. An overview is in the guide to flagpole accessories.

The buyer’s rights

• Implied warranties: according to the Federal Trade Commission, laws in every state create implied warranties that cover almost everything sold by merchants: the product does what it is supposed to do, and it suits a particular purpose when the buyer relies on the seller’s advice, for example about wind speed.
• “As is”: implied warranties apply unless the seller gives written notice that there is no warranty or marks the product “as is”, where state law allows it.
• Written warranties: a written warranty from the manufacturer comes in addition. According to the FTC, federal law does not allow a manufacturer to require specific parts or services to keep the warranty coverage unless it provides them for free or has a waiver from the FTC.
• Time limits: according to the FTC, the state statutes of limitations for breach of warranty are generally four years from the date of purchase.
• Delivery: under the FTC’s Mail, Internet or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, a seller that states no shipping time must have a reasonable basis to ship within 30 days, and must seek the buyer’s consent to a delay or refund the money for unshipped goods.

Comparing offers

Because the price of a flagpole depends on so many parts, offers are easier to compare when it is clear what is included: mounting height, diameter and wall thickness, wind rating, material and finish, halyard system, foundation, accessories, freight and installation.