Common Flag & Banner Buying Mistakes Facilities Managers Should Avoid
Posted by Ian Temple-Heald on
For facilities managers, flags and banners are far more than decoration: they are part of site presentation, brand compliance, wayfinding, civic duty or public messaging.
Yet many organisations end up replacing flags far sooner than expected, dealing with safety issues, or wasting budget on unsuitable products, all because of avoidable buying mistakes.
Here are the most common errors facilities managers make when they buy flags and banners, and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing price over specification
The biggest mistake is buying purely on price. Cheaper flags often use lower-grade polyester, weak stitching and surface-level print, which fade and fray quickly in UK weather.
For exposed sites, wind rating, fabric weight and reinforced hems matter far more than initial cost. A flag that lasts six months instead of six weeks is better value every time.
What to do instead:
Ask for fabric specifications, wind rating guidance and expected lifespan based on your location.
2. Ignoring wind exposure and site conditions
All sites have unique needs. A sheltered courtyard and a hilltop civic building require very different solutions. Facilities teams often underestimate wind exposure, especially on taller buildings or open forecourts.
This leads to constant replacements, torn flags, or worse, safety risks.
What to do instead:
Factor in height, surrounding buildings and prevailing wind. Mesh or knitted fabrics may be more suitable for high-wind areas.
3. Ordering the wrong flag size for the flagpole
A surprisingly common issue is mismatched flag and pole sizing. Flags that are too large place unnecessary strain on fittings, while flags that are too small look underwhelming and unprofessional.
What to do instead:
Always size flags proportionally to the pole height. A professional supplier should advise this as standard.
4. Overlooking flagpole type and halyard system
Internal and external halyard systems aren’t interchangeable. External halyards are more affordable but can be noisy and vulnerable to tampering. Internal systems offer better security and reduced noise but require specific access for maintenance.
What to do instead:
Choose the system that suits your security, access and maintenance capabilities; not just what’s cheapest.
5. Forgetting about maintenance and access
Flags don’t look after themselves. Facilities managers often forget to consider how flags will be raised, lowered, cleaned or replaced, especially on tall poles or restricted sites. This can lead to unnecessary call-outs or health and safety issues later.
What to do instead:
Plan for safe access from day one and schedule regular inspections as part of your maintenance routine.
6. Assuming all suppliers understand compliance
Public sector and commercial sites often have branding rules, procurement standards or planning considerations. Not all online flag sellers understand these requirements.
What to do instead:
Work with a supplier experienced in public sector and B2B projects who understands compliance, durability and consistency across sites.
Buy once, buy right
Flags and banners should enhance your site, not create ongoing problems. By focusing on specification, environment and long-term value, facilities managers can avoid repeat purchases, reduce risk and maintain a professional appearance year-round.