OT - Any recommendations on a postal scale?

spoon · February 21, 2009 7:02AM

After my recent foray into the world of selling on ebay I quickly regretted not having a postal scale of my own.

So, for all the sellers out there, are there any specific models you would recommend? Any guidelines on what to look for in one more generally? Are the ones that have capacity into the pounds also reliable for smaller weights, ie, coins?

There are a ton of cheapos on ebay, but I'd rather seek out your informed input before buying a clunker

Thanks!

adamlaneus · February 21, 2009 7:19AM

For mailing, I prefer a kitchen scale. (I use it in the kitchen too)

Accurate enough for mailing

This is not the model I got. The model I got is capable of going over 15 pounds. I know this because I have weighed my cat on it before. 16 pounds 2 ounces.

For weighing coins accurately to the hundredth of a gram, nothing beats a coin scale. There is always a tradeoff between capacity and precision. If you want to weigh coins, get a second scale.

ajaan · February 21, 2009 7:36AM

I use a Pelouze that weighs up to 5 lbs and weighs in both oz and grams. I bought mine at either Office Max or Office Depot. Wasn't all that expensive. It is Model SP5.

element159 · February 21, 2009 8:08AM

<< <i>I use a Pelouze that weighs up to 5 lbs and weighs in both oz and grams. I bought mine at either Office Max or Office Depot. Wasn't all that expensive. It is Model SP5. >>

I have the exact same scale, it is handy for mailing, and various other things. Definitely worth the small cost.

coinpictures · February 21, 2009 11:28AM

This one is the one I have. Works like a charm. It's a darned good price for it too; only 1 left (look at the list of purchases).

spoon · February 21, 2009 11:35AM

Thanks for the tips guys!

Next dumb question: Do these type labels fit #00 envelopes? It seems they're just slightly too wide (5.5" vs 5", definitely too large for #000), but I may be misreading the envelope's exterior dimensions. Those are the most common labels I see for PP/USPS click-and-ship, though USPS has some a bit smaller.

adamlaneus · February 21, 2009 11:37AM

If you are not high volume, you can get away with printing your label on a standard piece of paper, cutting it to size and taping it to your envelope.

Nomatter what you choose, realize that ink jet printers are not waterproof. Tape over the label so that water does not erase the address or make it unscannable.

spoon · February 21, 2009 11:40AM

Good point! Thanks. I'm not nearly high-volume, would just like to get a little more modern about things... plus my handwriting is horrible!

coinpictures · February 21, 2009 1:48PM

Time to migrate from inkjet to a personal laser printer.

mrpotatoheadd · February 21, 2009 4:47PM

A scale which weighs in 0.1 oz. increments will save you on postage costs over those which are less precise. If you're planning on mailing lots of packages, this might be a consideraton. I find that a fair number of my shipments are right around an ounce, where the difference between 1.0 and 1.1 ounces is 17 cents on US shipments (not all that much) and 80 cents on international shipments (these add up quicker).

laurentyvan · February 22, 2009 12:35AM

Pelouze PS20DL 'cause it weighs up to 20 lbs which is great for my books, also because it weighs in 0.1 oz increments (as mrpotatoheadd indicated is important).
That alone is a real money-saver for me.

It can even be hooked up to the internet where it will search for best pricing and offer options.

OT - Any recommendations on a postal scale?

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