Postage Scales Buyer's Guide

Postal scale features

There are a few basic features you should consider for your postal scale. However, make sure you evaluate overall ease of use in addition to specific features. Since many different people may be using the scale, you want to find one that is intuitive to use. Look for scales that have an easy-to-read keypad and clear prompts for operation.

Comparison shopping
One of the most useful features to look for in a postal scale is an option to "comparison shop." This enables you to determine the most economical rate among the different classes of mail. This will usually include First Class and Standard Class rates from the U.S. Postal Service, with some scales adding pricing for alternative package carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. High-end scales will even include the cost of postal services such as certified or registered mail.

Connecting to postage meters
To further reduce the likelihood of error, many digital postal scales can be connected directly to a postage meter to automatically set the meter to the appropriate amount. Each postage meter manufacturer offers scales designed to work with its mid-range and high-end meters. There are also third-party scales available, but they often require special connectors.

If you don't need this feature, you can buy any manufacturer's scale. There is no need to buy a scale from the meter manufacturer, since there are no compatibility issues between the two pieces of equipment.

Oversized packages
If you primarily send small documents or items weighing less than two pounds, almost any postal scale will be able to handle your needs. However, if you anticipate a more diverse mix of outgoing mailings, then you will need to make sure that the scale can handle oversized packages and heavier weights.

When evaluating scales, look at the size of the weighing platform, as well as the maximum weight that the unit can measure. An automatic lock feature that stores the weight reading can be very useful for large packages that block the display from view.

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