Who doesn’t like a good deal?
When trying to stretch your advertising dollar, you usually try to shop for the best price. This is especially true with advertising products such as budget-friendly feather flags. While everyone would like to get feather flags for cheap, nobody wants a cheaply made feather flag banner.
Banner Flags Offer A Variety of Options
There is also a wide variety of banner flags to choose from and this can get confusing for most people and allow them to pay more than they need to for their custom flag banners, or to compromise on product quality for less money.
The pitfall of purchasing cheap feather banners ends up costing more in the end as cheaper feather banners wear out faster, especially in adverse weather conditions. This is a common mistake that all of us have made at one time or another, so don’t feel bad.
Banner Flag Names and Types
With all these flags having such names like feather flags, or feather flag banner, teardrop flags, teardrop banner, or teardrop flag banners, rectangle flags, blade flags, flutter flags, pole banners, pop-up banners, vinyl banners, fabric banners, street banners, step and repeat banners, as well as other flags or banners, it is easy to become lost in the confusion.
Do some research on what type of custom flag will meet your needs as you will find different pricing for different types of custom flags.
Feather Banner Print Options
While most dealers will offer good value on their feather flags, it can help to be knowledgeable about what to look for in a feather flag set, whether or not you should use double sided feather flags, or if single sided printing is all you need for your flag banners, as well as which feather flags to use for indoor or outdoor use. Single sided and double sided both work indoors but double sided is better than single for outside.
Knowing about promotional flags and how they grab attention, can assure you that you get the best value for your money and choose the best display options for your flag to meet your needs.
Single or Double sided feather banners
Custom feather flags are particularly effective in marketing for attracting attention to businesses, especially in outdoor settings or events like a tradeshow, where double sided flags work best. In fact, custom feather feather banners are quickly becoming the most popular choice for promotional flags, and the most common marketing tool used to draw attention.
Whether for indoor or outdoor use, or if single sided flags will suffice, or if the double sided flags benefit most, your flag takes on an important role. With vibrant colors and eye catching designs, these custom flags captures attention of potential customers.
Feather Banner Hardware Options
Feather Banners can be displayed both indoors and out. This versatility comes from all the hardware options available for these advertising flags. You can choose from a flag stand that uses the ground, a car tire, wall, pole, or a cross base that allows you to set up on any flat surface.
Ground Stake–
You will probably need a ground stake, or spike, to install your outdoor feather flags for your outdoor advertising. A ground spike, or stake, can be used to plant the feather banner in grass, dirt, or soft ground. This type is perfect for your custom feather banners for any outdoor location and all outdoor events.
Ground Stake –
The two most common ground stakes feature an option with ball bearings and another that holds the flag with a stationary cup. Both are considered to be a sturdy base for your flag.
Ball Bearing Type Ground Stake–
This ground display features a mounting pin with a bearing that allows the flag to turn in high winds. It is intended to increase visibility while reducing wear and tear on your custom flag since this option helps prevent the flag from wrapping around the pole as well.
These ground stakes are primarily used with the carbon composite fiberglass feather flag pole, and they are especially beneficial for double sided feather flags due to their durability in various weather conditions such as strong winds, as well as their greater visibility from different directions. These features make them ideal for durable feather flags.
Stationary Cup Type Ground Stake-
This ground stake features a cup type receptacle that does not move. The flag pole base slides into the cup. The ground spike is easy to install; all you need to do is hammer the spike into the soft ground until it is secure.
This type of ground stake makes it more difficult for the feather banner to turn with the wind. One advantage of this type of ground spike is durability. Being one piece, it tends to be more durable than the ball bearing type. These ground stakes are primarily used with the aluminum feather flag pole, providing excellent stability for sturdy feather flags.
Cross Base –
Versatility of feather flags are often displayed using the X-mount, also called a cross base, which is the hardware that most people choose for the indoor display of their feather banner, and the cross base stand can also be used with a water bag.
The water bag is ideal if you need extra stability with your cross bases. In some cases sand bags are preferred, but is the same concept as the water bag. This is an entirely optional feature, and depends on how much added weight you might need. You can find the same basic variations with this cross base stand for indoor use, as with the ground stake, stationary or with bearings.
Feather Flag Pole Comparison – Fiberglass vs. Aluminum –
Lightweight feather flags play a crucial role in selecting the right pole type, whether Aluminum or Fiberglass. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminum Feather Flag Pole – Feather Flag
While the aluminum pole provides a rigid display option, it can be a little bulky and less compact than the fiberglass feather flag pole. Compact feather flags are a great alternative as they save space and are easier to transport.
With one of the pole sections having a curved shape for the top of the flag or feather banner, transport of these flag poles requires more space than the fiberglass pole set, which is highly portable. The coupling or joining of the feather banner poles is accomplished with the poles sliding inside of each other. The female connection has dimples that stop the smaller pole from sliding too far. One disadvantage to the dimples is they can become worn down, allowing the pole sections to collapse inside of each other.
The single sided feather banner, which is printed on one side of the banner and slightly visible on the back, can be an excellent choice for this type of pole due to its visibility and cost-effectiveness.
The Design “Tool” of Thumb
You will find that one of the benefits of customizable feather flags is having printing options. You can use your own design for your flag, or use our easy design tool to create a flag, or feather banner design. you can easily personalize your double sided or single sided flags. Either way your printing options and your display options for your flag or banners is customizable.
The versatility and advantages of custom flags, or custom feather banners, make them an excellent choice for promoting brands, selling products, and serving various purposes at events, or trade shows.
If you are planning on displaying your custom feather flag outdoors, consider using double sided feather banners for better visibility from all angles. These double sided feather banners are key when it comes to outdoor advertising.
These custom feather banners can display different images on each side of the double sided flag and are printed on two sheets of fabric for vibrant and clear designs, as opposed to the single sided feather banners, which contains a mirrored image on the back of the flag banner and is often preferred for indoor use.
This makes the double sided flag suitable for both promotional and event settings, car dealerships, and trade shows.
Pre-Printed Stock Flags
When shopping for pre-printed stock flags versus custom feather flags, you will find that the options are limited when it comes to hardware and poles, or feather banner stand. If you are going to buy custom feather flags, you will have more choices for your feather flags when it comes to mounts and poles.
Flag pole pockets, also known as pole sleeves, are fabric loops sewn into the sides or top of a flag or feather banner to allow a pole to slide through. These pockets are essential for displaying the flag or feather banner securely and smoothly. There are several types of pole pockets for different types of flags.
A top pole pocket along the top edge of the flag banner is ideal for hanging banners horizontally from a ceiling or across a space.
A side pocket along the side edge of the flag or banner is commonly used for feather flags, teardrop flags, and rectangular banners mounted vertically.
Ink Saturation/Penetration –
When printing custom feather flags, the flag maker can control the amount of ink used, also known as saturation / penetration. With single sided printing, the saturation relates to how much of your design will show through on a single-sided feather flag. The higher the penetration on your flag designs, the better.
What to look for
While most feather flag dealers provide good ink saturation, some dealers will cut cost by reducing ink saturation on the flags. Single sided fabric flags are printed on one side only, which affects their visibility compared to double-sided flags. Additionally, the fabric used for these banners is durable and suitable for outdoor use. This ensures that your vibrant feather flags will stand out and attract attention.
Secondary/Hidden Fees –
While cutting a few corners can create a “Good Deal” on a cheap flag set, there are other ways for a flag dealer to make a good deal cost more for cost-effective feather flags in the end. Flag banners, including customizable options like feather, teardrop, and bowhead shaped flags, are often marketed for their cost-effectiveness and quality.
Set Up Fees-
Some dealers will add a setup fee at checkout, which can affect the affordability of custom flags. Because most feather flags are digitally printed, in most cases there is no need for setup fees. Yes, dealers are free to charge anything they want, but if they charge a setup fee, there is a chance that this is just a way to pad the price on the back end.
There is nothing wrong with wanting a good deal, but the best deal is not always the lowest priced feather banner.
The good news is there are ways to avoid paying more for your banner than you should have to!
How to Avoid Hidden Fees
When ordering economical feather flags online, you need to be sure to not assume some options are standard. This is especially true with understanding that most standard flags are single sided. Some dealers will advertising a super low price, but this stripped down price may not provide what you are looking for, or needing in a custom flag.
Get Detailed Quotes
Request a detailed quote that itemizes all costs involved in purchasing Feather Flags, including potential hidden fees. Transparent pricing is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses. Not all dealers include a free carrying case, so it is important to have all the pertinent information during the ordering process.
Ask Questions
Inquire about any additional costs that may not be included in the initial price. These cost can include setup fees, design fees, and proof fees.
Read the Fine Print
Understand the terms and conditions of your purchase. Will you receive a proof or will they print your flag without you approving it. Big Tex Banners offers a free proofing service that allows you to request changes. This allows you to fine tune your custom flag design until it meets your needs.
Compare Providers
Compare prices and services from multiple vendors to ensure you’re getting the best deal. One of the most important differences between dealers is turnaround times. Some dealers can take several weeks to deliver a custom flag. Be sure to make a list of features and services that are important to you and discuss it.
Check Reviews
Look at customer reviews to see if others have encountered unexpected fees with the vendor. Some dealers may have hundreds of positive reviews on their site, but this is not always a good indicator of the service you will receive. One of the best ways to check reviews is to Google them.
Quality not Quantity
Some dealers pay companies to manage “reviews”, this often results in hundreds of glowing reviews posted on their site. These reviews are not always the best way to evaluate a dealer’s performance. A good way to view past performance of a company is to google the company, then check their google reviews.
You will find some companies have disabled the Google listing for their company and there are NO Google reviews. So when a company has hundreds of positive reviews on their site, but NO Google reviews, this should serve as a red flag that requires further research about a dealer’s past performance.
While cheaper is not always better, there are ways to save money. Here are some key examples:
Tips for Finding Cheap Flags
Bulk Orders
Ordering custom flags in bulk can easily reduce the cost with bulk discounts. Big Tex Banners offers wholesale pricing on your feather banner with no minimums or set up fees.
Don’t wait until the last minute to Start the Ordering process
Early bird discounts can save you money when purchasing a custom flag. A lot of people wait until the last minute to purchase a custom flag. When you wait to order custom flags your printing options become limited to whoever can meet your deadline.
When you purchase custom feather flags based on a deadline instead of price, you will almost always pay more for your custom flag. Be sure to not only consider production times, be sure to include shipping time when buying a feather banner.
Avoid Local Print Shops:
Online flag stores often offer competitive pricing for custom flags and may waive shipping costs. In most cases, local shops will cost more due in part to the fact that these local shops act as a “middle man” and have to order online themselves.
They will then have it shipped from an online dealer you could have ordered directly from for a lower price. In addition, this affects your chances of having a guaranteed delivery date you can depend on.
Another thing to consider is cheap products often come with little to no customer support or warranty, leaving you without help when issues arise.
So keep in mind that these points don’t mean that the most expensive option is always the best, and it doesn’t mean that very low prices can sometimes indicate unethical labor practices. It means that it’s essential to find a balance between price and quality, while considering your specific needs and priorities. You owe it to yourself to know the difference!
Maintenance and Reuse
Care Instructions:
Durable custom flags require proper care to keep them in pristine condition and to prolong their life. This is especially true if your feather banner is outdoors in direct sunlight. Being aware of extreme weather conditions is vital to the longevity of your custom flags. In most cases, your custom flags can be machine washed and machine dried depending on the material size.
Storage:
Store reusable feather flags, feather banners, and custom flags properly to avoid damage and to reuse your feather banner for future events.
Summary
- Compare providers and check the reviews.
- Ask questions and read the fine print.
- Get quotes and look for hidden fees.
- Remember quality, not quantity!
- Order early but do the research!
- Care and store your banner properly for maximum benefit.
Hopefully this article helps take some of the headache out of finding a good deal on what should be a great product with the best possible outcome, which is “customer satisfaction”! This should be the only result at the end of the day, and one we look forward to accomplishing together.