Policies & F.A.Q.'s

Quality Flags, Inc.

1485 Saint Paul Ave.

Gurnee IL 60031-2149

United States
888-953-5247 Toll Free / 847-782-9000 Phone
Fax: 847-782-0000
contact@qualityflags.com
Business hours are M-F 8:30am through 5pm Central Time.

http://www.qualityflags.com

At Quality Flags, Inc., we generously accept our stock merchandise for exchange or refund up to 30 days from the date of the original shipment. Custom or Made-to-Order items will be considered for exchange up to 10 days from the date of the original shipment only on the basis of design or material defect. Items returned for refund are subject to a 20% restocking fee. After 30 days, all sales are considered final. Merchandise will be accepted for exchange or refund provided it is in new condition and in the original packaging. Orders that are refused upon delivery, or marked “refused”, “return to sender”, or “undeliverable” will be subject to restocking fees. Shipping charges are non-refundable and all return shipping charges are customer's responsibility. Please note: State and International Flags with a Pole Sleeve/Hem and stock flags converted for specialized requirements are MADE-TO-ORDER and are NOT RETURNABLE. Regarding our Solar Powered Flagpole Light item # 10512541, before any return will be authorized the customer must contact the Manufacturer at 800-873-5247.

Complete orders received by 12:00pm CST, Monday through Friday will be shipped out the same day.

Orders are shipped when all items are in-stock.
If you would like to have in-stock items shipped right away and back-ordered items shipped when available, please let us know by contacting us at (888) 953-5247. (Additional shipping charges may apply to orders that are "split")

All shipping charges are estimated.
Actual shipping charges may vary. All UPS shipping rates are calculated by UPS.
Rates for rural addresses may be higher than rates in close proximity to a larger city.

No shipping will occur on the following company holidays:

• New Years Day (Jan. 1)
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas Eve (December 24)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• New Year's Eve (December 31)

Generally, a 3x5' flag is ideal for display outside of your home. Some prefer a slightly smaller flag such as our 30x48" US flag. The following represent some of our best selling outdoor US flags:

• 10100044 US Flag w/pole hem, 30x48", Nylon Embroidered
• 10100120 US Flag w/pole hem, 3x5', Nylon Embroidered
• 10100003 US Flag, 3x5', Nylon Embroidered
• 10100021 US Flag, 3x5', Polyester Embroidered
• 10100063 US Flag, 3x5', Nylon Dyed

We also offer a variety of sets containing a 3x5' US flag, pole and mounting bracket. The following represent some of our best selling Economy US Flag Sets:

• 10100134 Economy US Flag Set, 3x5 , Polyester Dyed
• 10100139 Standard US Flag Set, 3x5', Nylon Embroidered

Our exclusive top-of-the-line US Flag Sets are available in six configurations to fit everyone's needs. Each set includes our exclusive Non-Furl Pole (that include our very own Flag Non-furl Ring allowing them to fly any size flag or banners up to 3x5'), our best embroidered nyolon US Flag and our best selling style pole bracket.

You can find each of these configurations at the links below:

• 95000101 Residential Deluxe US Flag Set, White Pole
• 95000102 Residential Deluxe US Flag Set, Silver Pole
• 95000103 Residential Deluxe US Flag Set, Gold Pole
• 95000104 Deluxe US Flag Set, White Pole
• 95000105 Deluxe US Flag Set, Silver Pole
• 95000106 Deluxe US Flag Set, Gold Pole

The appropriate flag size for display outdoors in a business setting is determined by the type of flagpole, the length of the flagpole, and the number of flags being flown simultaneously on that pole.  When flying multiple flags on the same flag pole, the lower flag(s) should generally be one size smaller than the main flag.  Use the chart below to determine which flag size is appropriate for your flagpole.

Pole	Flag Size	Pole	Flag Size
15'	3' x 5'	50'	8' x 12'
20'	3' x 5'	60'	10' x 15'
25'	4' x 6'	65'	10' x 15'
30'	5' x 8'	70'	12' x 18'
35'	5' x 8'	80'	12' x 18'
40'	6' x 10'	90'	15' x 25'
45'	6' x 10'	100'	15' x 25'

By and large, the words "flag" and "banner" are interchangeable. (i.e. The Star Spangled Banner) However, when referring to our product line, we typically call items "flags" if they are mounted using brass grommets, or if they represent a country, state, or municipality. Conversely, banners are commonly mounted by routing the pole through a sleeve or hem. In addition, banners are often hung with the pole horizontal to the ground, while flags may be displayed on a vertical pole or at a 45 degree angle.

Some flag materials are not suitable for outdoor use. Cotton flags especially are not recommended for frequent outdoor use because they are more likely to fade, stain, shrink, and/or wrinkle. Nylon and polyester are more suitable materials for outdoor use. Nylon is especially preferred in environments where there is constant exposure to bright sunlight. Due to its color-fast characteristics, nylon is less likely to fade. In fact, many of our nylon flags carry a one-year color-fast guarantee.  Polyester, a heavier material, is ideal for extreme weather conditions. Although not as fade-resistant as nylon, it is more likely to withstand frequent exposure to cold, rain, and high winds.

The lifespan of a flag is dependent on many factors. Constant exposure to rain, freezing temperatures, and high winds can significantly limit the lifespan of a flag. Flags should always be hung in such a manner that they are free from obstructions such as tree branches. Outside of our headquarters in Gurnee, Illinois, we fly our flags 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We experience moderate to high wind conditions on a regular basis. Our flags last approximately 6 - 8 months. The following item numbers represent the flags we fly at our headquarters:

• 10100006 US Flag, 5x8', Nylon Embroidered
• 10110202 Illinois State Flag, 5x8', Nylon

Nylon and polyester are the most suitable materials for outdoor use. Nylon is especially preferred in environments where there is constant exposure to bright sunlight. Due to its color-fast characteristics, nylon is less likely to fade. In fact, many of our nylon flags carry a one-year color-fast guarantee.  Polyester, a heavier material, is ideal for extreme weather conditions. Although not as fade-resistant as nylon, it is more likely to withstand frequent exposure to rain, freezing temperatures, and high winds.

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U.S. Flag Holidays	Caskets
General Display	National Anthem
Parades & Ceremonies	Pledge of Allegiance
Folding the Flag	Half-Staff
Vehicles	Apparel & Drapery
Corridors & Lobbies	Advertising
Churches & Auditoriums	Disposal

U.S.Flag Holidays

The following is a list of traditional flag flying holidays: Holiday Observed New Year's Day January 1 Inauguration Day January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 3rd Monday In January Lincoln's Birthday February 12 Washington's Birthday February 22 President's Day 3rd Monday in February Mother's Day 2nd Sunday in May Peace Officers Memorial Day May 15 Armed Forces Day 3rd Saturday in May Memorial Day Last Monday in May Flag Day June 14 Father's Day 3rd Sunday in June Independence Day July 4 Korean War Veterans Day July 27 Labor Day 1st Monday in September Patriot's Day September 11 Constitution Day September 17 Air Force Day September 17 Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October Navy Day October 27 Election Day 1st Tuesday in November Marine Corps Day November 10 Veteran's Day November 11 Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November Pearl Harbor Day December 7

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U.S. Flag Etiquette

General Display

It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open.  However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during hours of darkness. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed. The flag should be displayed daily, on or near the main administration building of every public institution...in or near every polling place on election days...during school days in or near every schoolhouse. No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea...for personnel of the Navy...when the church pennant may be flown above the flag. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, that nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations. The Flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flags own right, and its staff should be in front of the other flag. The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak.  When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last.  No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.  When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height.  The flags should be approximately equal size.  International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.  When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left.  When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. When the flag is to be displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the North in an East and West street or to the East in a North and South street. The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a sign of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property. The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water or merchandise. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling. The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. Back to Top Parades & Ceremonies The flag, when carried in a procession or with another flag or flags, should be either on the marching right; that is, the flag's own right, or, if there is a line of other flags, in front of the center of that line. The flag should not be displayed on a float in a parade except from a staff (or as against a wall or in a window). The flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument.  But it should never be used as the covering for the statue or monument. That no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America, the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.  Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart.  Those present in uniform should render the military salute.  When not in uniform, men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.  Aliens should stand at attention.  The salute to the flag should be rendered at the moment the flag passes. Back to Top Folding the Flag To fold the flag ceremoniously, first fold it lengthwise, bringing the striped half up over the blue field.  Then repeat, with the blue field on the outside.  Beginning at the lower right, make a series of triangular folds until the flag resembles a cocked hat with only the blue field visible.   Back to Top Vehicles The flag should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle or of a railroad train or boat.  When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender. Back to Top Corridors & Lobbies When the flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building with only one main entrance, it should be suspended vertically with the union of the flag to the observer's left upon entering.  If the building has more than one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby with the union to the North when entrances are to the East or West-or to the East when entrances are to the North or South.  If there are entrances in more than two directions, the union should be to the East. Back to Top Churches & Auditoriums When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, is displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker.  When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience.  Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or the right of the audience. Back to Top Caskets When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder.  The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. Back to Top National Anthem During the rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.  Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.  Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note.  When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there. Back to Top Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.  When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.  Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Back to Top Half-Staff The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and than lowered to the half-staff position.  The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.  On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.  On the following days, the flag is to be flown at half-mast for the entire day: December 7 - Pearl Harbor Day May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day July 27 - Korean War Veterans Day Sept. 11 - Patriot's Day By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.  In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor may proclaim that the National flag be flown at half-staff. Back to Top Apparel & Drapery The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.  It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.  Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of a platform, and for decoration in general. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.  However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.  The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.  Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. Back to Top Advertising The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.  It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.  Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown. Back to Top Disposal The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Back to Top