Home > Shipping Scales > Buying a Package Shipping Scale – Helpful Tips

Buying a Package Shipping Scale – Helpful Tips

September 24th, 2014

digital-scaleOne of the best features of online postage from Stamps.com is that you can print it out in the comfort of your home or office. However, if you’re sending a package, you’ll need to know how much it weighs first. Purchasing the right shipping scale can make your packaging shipping tasks go more quickly.

Analyze Your Shipping Needs Before Buying a Scale
Before you buy a scale, it’s important to assess your shipping needs. If you ship fewer than 600 packages a month, then the consumer-grade scales available through Stamps.com will be perfect for your needs. When you sign up with Stamps.com, you will receive a free 5-pound digital shipping scale that will accurately weigh your package and upload that information to the Stamps.com software. There is also a 25-pound scale available from the Stamps.com Store that has function keys and includes a LCD display.

If you ship more than 600 items per month, you’ll want to buy an industrial shipping scale. These sturdy steel scales have readouts that give precise package information that you can enter into your Stamps.com software. Industrial scales with digital readouts are easy to move around, but cheaper mechanical scales will go out of calibration quickly if they are moved regularly.

When it comes to shipping scales, it pays to think ahead. If you anticipate that your business will be shipping heavier items in the future, invest in a scale that can weigh larger items. Even if you don’t use that feature right away, you’ll be prepared when the first heavy package needs to be weighed.

Shipping Scale Features: Small Details Are Important
Your scale’s features are very important. The scale should be able to measure in kilograms, ounces and pounds to ensure that you aren’t overpaying for postage. Pay attention to how the scale is powered, as many smaller digital scales only can run on batteries. However, some scales can use an A/C adapter instead.

Choose a scale that’s a name brand. If you’ve never bought a scale before, research your pending purchase online before committing. Off-brand scales don’t always carry the guarantee that a name-brand scale would. Top brands include WeighMax and Digiweigh.

If you are using your scale to receive money for goods or services based on weight, you will need to have the scale certified by the National Type Evaluation Program. These scales must be regularly checked by your state’s Bureau of Weights and Measures.

A good scale, like a good Internet connection, is rarely discussed. If you buy the right scale to start, you won’t have to revisit (or regret) your purchase.

  1. Joyce S
    July 22nd, 2010 at 07:21 | #1

    Our business has the stamps.com scale that prints the label roll net stamps. I like the scale, but when I log in to stamps.com to print postage, the scale has to be turned off and then back on everytime in order for the scale to weigh mail. Also the stamp rolls do not have an “end warning”. Because the end of the roll is taped to the roller itself, the printer cannot advance the net stamps. I want to know if stamps.com is anticipating some improvements to the combination printer/scale.

  2. Kathy
    April 6th, 2010 at 18:57 | #2

    How much is the shipping and handling for the “free” scale?

  3. February 15th, 2010 at 12:32 | #3

    Our office likes utilizing Stamps.com. The only problem is the we have had problems with our free scale. We’ve replaced our USB cable a few times and it’ll work fine for a few weeks and then we’re right back where we started — it won’t register a weight.

  4. Eric Nash
    February 8th, 2010 at 11:21 | #4

    @Tony J
    Stamps.com 4 week trial offer is a no-risk trial, meaning you can try the software for 4 weeks. If you dont like the service, you may cancel within the 4 weeks and you will not be charged. But if you do not cancel the service during the 4 week trial, you will be charged $15.99 per month (including the first month of service).

    On the scale, when you sign-up for Stamps.com you will get a $50 credit for a 5lb scale. You may use that $50 credit and upgrade to a 25lb scale if you like.

  5. Tony J
    February 8th, 2010 at 06:48 | #5

    What happens after the 4 week trial period, is there a fee for using the software and if so how much is it??? Also I am interested in the 25# scale that you offer, can I get a discount on it instead of receiving the free scale?

  6. September 23rd, 2009 at 14:01 | #6

    @James Ruto
    Hi James, here are two industrial shipping scales that are supported by the Stamps.com software:

    NCI 7880 Parcel Shipping Scale Flattop – 100 lb. capacity
    http://www.1800scales.com/9503-16934.html

    Mettler Toledo PS90 Shipping Scale – 300 lb. capacity
    http://www.scalesgalore.com/mettler_toledo_ps90_shipping_scales.htm

  7. September 23rd, 2009 at 13:36 | #7

    @Larry
    @Sheldon K
    Hi Larry and Sheldon, You should have definitely received your scale. Sorry for this problem. Please contact Customer Support at 1-888-434-0055 and they should be able to help you. Note: There is a shipping and handling fee to receive the free scale.

  8. Larry
    September 23rd, 2009 at 09:56 | #8

    When I signed up for Stamps.com i supposed to get a free scale sent to me in 30 days. It has been several months and I still have not received the free scale.
    Also, when I fgure the cost of buying the paper to print the stamps on then still have to pay full postage, I am having a hard time seeing where I save any money other than the time to go to the PO. Is my assessment correct?

  9. September 22nd, 2009 at 08:19 | #9

    We need a scale that weights packages for more than 25 pounds. Please let us know where we can find one to use with stamps. com
    Thanks

  10. September 22nd, 2009 at 07:21 | #10

    Haha, what. I never got a scale when I signed up :(

  11. Tom K.
    September 22nd, 2009 at 06:41 | #11

    I recently purchased a new 36# capacity Digiweigh Scale on eBay for less than $22 including the shipping. It works great and is quite accurate. It has both battery and a AC adapter. I priced the same scale at an office supply store for $130. This one weighs in 1/10 ounce or gram/kg graduations. It has a lifetime warranty and if you don’t want to spend a lot and get a nice scale, consider the 36# capacity Digiweigh. I don’t sell them or work for them, just thought some of you might like to know.

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