A postal scale is like the bread and butter of small businesses that ship out boxes and parcels to their customers. Moreover, if you are working from home and can’t leave the premises because of workload or children, you need to have a postal scale at your service.
Selecting the best postal and shipping scale can help reduce the shipping costs and increase your profit. It is the best way to avoid overcharging at the hands of the courier businesses and make sure that you only pay for the weight and not the negligence of the employees.
I have done a fair bit of research on the best postal and shipping scales that you can use for small businesses and household-related tasks. These minute weighing stations are multipurpose appliances that you can also use for cooking and other DIY tasks.
In this article, I will review the best postal scales for weighing your parcels and boxes. I have also included a buying guide and an FAQ section to help you make the best purchase decision. I recommend you take your time before making the final call, as a lot depends on the accuracy of the measuring scale.
7 Best Postal Scales
1.Weighmax W-2809 Stainless Steel Digital Postal Scale
Features
- Weight Capacity: 90 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.1 oz
- Dimensions: 6.6 x 1.5 x 9.6 inches
- Unit Weight: 2 pounds
- Power Source: Battery and AC power
- Warranty: 10 years
Review: Weighmax’s postal scale is the best if you are looking for simplicity, accuracy, and durability. The scale is built with high-quality stainless steel that makes the unit much more durable than the previous model and other scales on my list.
I like this scale for two things; user-friendly operation and accuracy. This scale can weigh up to 90 pounds with up to 0.1 oz accuracy. However, please remember that the minimum weight you can measure on this scale is 10 grams (0.3 oz).
The control panel features big buttons and a large display to remove any reading errors while weighing the packages and boxes on this scale. You get an on/off button, a unit select button, tare and hold button. The tare button allows you to reset the scale, and the hold button holds the reading on the screen so that you can note it down easily.
You can power the scale with batteries and AC power. All the things needed to set up the unit are included in the package. Please note that the scale automatically turns off after 90 seconds of inactivity when running on batteries.
User Feedback: Users love this machine because of its accuracy. You will find thousands of reviews praising this unit’s accuracy and simple operation. Buyers mention that they have never used such an accurate and wonderful scale. Weighmax customers are loyalists because they get the best value for money
Pros
- Small and compact size
- 100% accurate
- Lightweight
Cons
- None so far
2. Accuteck Gold Digital Shipping Scale
Features
- Weight Capacity: 86 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.1 oz
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 1.4 x 6.1 inches
- Unit Weight: 2.07 pounds
- Power Source: Batteries & AC power
- Warranty: 10 years
Review: Accuteck’s postal and shipping scale is another high-quality and 100% accurate shipping scale on my list. I have included this scale because it has an attractive appearance and doesn’t compromise accuracy.
The unit has a maximum weighing capacity of 86 pounds which is slightly less than the scale reviewed above. The incremental adjustment is 0.1 oz. You can measure letters starting from 0.2 oz. up to parcels and boxes weighing 86 pounds.
The measuring units are pounds/ounces, ounces, kilograms/grams, and grams. The hold and tare buttons are located at the side of the machine and help users during the weighing process.
I like the unit’s display. It has a backlight that allows easy reading of the weights from a distance and in less ambient lighting. It can be powered through batteries or an AC adapter. One good thing about this scale is that it is already calibrated, and you just need to remove the cardboard sheet under the scale before you can start using it.
One thing I don’t like about this unit is the long battery on time. The unit will stay on for 3 minutes once you stop using it. It may be a good thing for a few buyers, but for me, it is just a way to consume the batteries.
User Feedback: The scale has excellent ratings from buyers. People like its sleek experience and commend its usability. A few buyers have had problems with customer service, but the issues were resolved after a few hiccups.
Pros
- 100% accurate
- Quick shipping
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- Random customer service problems
3. Smart Weigh Digital Shipping and Postal Weight Scale
Features
- Weight Capacity: 110 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.1 oz
- Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 1.8 inches
- Unit Weight: 3.9 pounds
- Power Source: Batteries and AC power
- Warranty: 2 years
Review: This scale is best for people who like a separate display screen and control panel. It is also best for shops, postal offices, and setups where your customers want to view the parcel’s weight or item being weighed on the scale.
I like this scale because it provides a wide platform for measuring your boxes and parcel. Moreover, its weighing capacity is 20 pounds more than the two scales reviewed above. The minimum weight capacity you can measure on this scale is 0.1 oz. or 2 grams.
The LCD is connected with the scale, and the control panel has an on/off, tare and hold, and mode buttons. The LCD has a backlight that facilitates the weighing process.
One thing I don’t like about this scale is its warranty. The company offers only a 2-year warranty compared to the industry standard of 10 years. Moreover, it is costly than other scales in the same category.
It has a low battery indicator. This feature is usually not present in other postal scales.
User Feedback: User review analysis elaborate that buyers are not reluctant to buy this scale regardless of its high price. They prefer its features over price. The most praised features are a separate LCD, large weighing capacity, and battery indicators.
Some people complain about the flimsy LCD cable and adapter.
Pros
- Supports up to 110 pounds/50 kgs
- Bright blue LCD
Cons
- The power supply makes noises
- Not very accurate for smaller packages
4. Accuteck Heavy Duty Digital Metal Postal Scale
Features
- Weight Capacity: 440 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.05 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.7 x 11 x 1.1 inches
- Power Source: Batteries and AC Power
- Warranty: 10 years
Review: Some people need a heavy-duty postal scale for weighing big boxes and packages for their business. This postal scale here is best for industrial and commercial use. You will commonly find these scales in shipping offices.
Accuteck’s postal scale is one of the best scales you will find a large weighing capacity. It can measure up to 440 pounds (200kgs) with accuracy up to 50 grams or 0.05 pounds. The detachable LCD screen comes with a power button, mode, and tare button.
The thing I like most about this unit is its compact size and versatile weighing capacity. The extended control board for oversized boxes with an energy-saving LCD gives more control and freedom while weighing packages.
Please note that this scale runs on 4 batteries instead of the standard 3 battery operation in lightweight scales. The unit also features an automatic shutoff function that helps save battery life.
Its platform is made of heavy-duty die-cast steel that provides a unique industrial texture which makes it scratch resistant. One good thing about scales with detachable control screens is that you can mount the display on the wall, and the scale can serve as a floor scale.
User Feedback: Buyers are very happy with their purchase decisions. Businesses involved in weighing heavyweight packages are now relieved because shipping companies can’t overcharge them. People are 100% satisfied with this scale and rate it with top-of-the-line costly scales.
There is only one complaint about this scale. It keeps on turning off after 2 minutes even while running on AC power.
Pros
- Superb accuracy
- Measurement according to FDA certification
- Remote screen is best for large and bulky packages
Cons
- Powers off after 2 minutes
5. Maxus Pocket Size Postal Scale
Features
- Weight Capacity: 200 grams (0.44 pounds)
- Accuracy: 0.01 grams
- Dimensions: 5.43 x 3.54 x 0.86 inches
- Unit Weight: 8.47 Ounces
- Power Source: Batteries and USB
- Warranty: 10 years
Review: Home-based jewelry and artifact businesses are very popular nowadays. When dealing with lightweight items, you can’t just do it with any random scale. You need maximum precision up to 100th of a gram.
Maxus pocket size lightweight scale is best for weighing jewelry, herbs, foods, gemstones, coins, powder, and liquids conveniently and accurately. The electronic mini scale can weigh up to 200 grams with an accuracy of 0.01 grams.
Please note that you will need to calibrate this scale. A 50 grams calibration weight is included in the box for this purpose.
The best thing I like about this unit is its versatile measuring modes. You can measure stuff in grams, pounds, Troy ounce (oz. t), pennyweight (dwt), and carat (ct.). It also has an interesting function for counting pieces. The PCS button will count the pieces, and the tare button calibrates the scale.
It features a backlit LCD for easy measurement of the scale. Everything you need to get started is included in the box.
One thing I don’t like about this unit is that it cannot be run on a USB without batteries in the scale. Batteries are required to complete the power circuit.
User Feedback: This scale is primarily used by people doing jewelry and gemstones business. Most people are concerned about the scale’s accuracy when they are involved in such a business, and they are 100% satisfied with its performance. Buyers like this scale due to its compact size and well-illuminated LCD.
Some people complain about the accuracy, but they don’t calibrate this scale. The manufacturer clearly states that the scale needs calibration before use.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Accurate after calibrated
- Low increments for weighing expensive items
Cons
- Needs calibration
- USB cable works with batteries in the device
6. Fuzion Shipping Scale
Features
- Weight Capacity: 86 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.1 oz
- Dimensions: 10.87 x 6.57 x 1.69 inches
- Unit Weight: 1.86 Pounds
- Power Source: Batteries and 5V DC
- Warranty: 2 years
Review: I have included this scale on my list for its flip-up to feature. It is a great help while measuring things and parcels that won’t stand on their own.
The scale has a maximum weighing capacity of 86 pounds with an incremental accuracy of 0.1 oz. You can measure the weight in pounds, oz, kilograms, grams, and kilograms/grams.
The control panel is simple and easy to use. It has a power button, mode selection button, tare, and hold button. The unit comes calibrated, and you can use it right out of the box. It is run on batteries and DC power. The DC adapter, cable, and batteries are included in the box.
One thing I like about this scale is the freedom to set the auto-shutoff feature. You can select 60-second, 120-second, 180-second mode or disable the timer. Its display screen is intelligent as well. The unit displays error messages when the battery is low, or you have overloaded the scale.
User Feedback: Buyers are generally satisfied with the scale’s working. Many people tested the scales by weighing a pre-measured item repeatedly to check the accuracy. It gave the same and accurate result every time they tested it. Some buyers received defective scales, but they were replaced by the manufacturer immediately.
Pros
- Accurate; consistently same results
- Sleek and compact design
- Impressive letter holding mechanism
- Good customer service
Cons
- Scale gets stuck at times
7. Weighmax Extended Display Digital Shipping Postal Scale
Features
- Weight Capacity: 130 pounds
- Accuracy: 0.1 oz
- Dimensions: 11.23 x 7.05 x 1.93 inches
- Unit Weight: 2 pounds
- Power Source: Batteries and AC power
- Warranty: 10 years
Review: This is the last scale on my list of the best postal and shipping scales. The stainless steel scale is an improved version of its previous model. The unit features an extended display for measuring bulky packages and wall mounting.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 130 pounds, the highest in lightweight shipping scales. Most scales come with a weighing capacity of 80-110 pounds. The extra 20 pounds weighing capacity makes the unit ideal for versatile work and weighing heavyweight packages.
The extended display screen has an on/off button, tare, mode, and hold buttons for convenience and easy usability. The backlit LED makes it easier to read out the digits on the screen.
It also offers multi measuring units and can be run on batteries and AC power. The machine will shut down automatically while using batteries but keep running when using AC power.
User Feedback: The scale gets mixed reviews from the buyers. Some people term this scale as one of the best they have ever used, while others simply regret the idea of buying it because it stopped being accurate after a couple of months. A handful of users also complain that the scale is not accurate above 80 pounds.
Pros
- Good weighing capacity
- Affordable
Cons
- A small platform according to the weight capacity
- The package can fall off if the contents move around
Best Postal Scale Buying Guide
If you are involved in a business that uses shipping, the success of your business depends on the accuracy of the postal scale you are using. A postal scale doesn’t come too costly, but it can cause a lot of inconveniences if it is not accurate. Apart from accuracy, some other factors also play a critical role in selecting the best one as per your needs.
I have listed and explained all the factors that will impact the working of a postal scale in the long run. Let’s evaluate them.
Accuracy
The most important feature to consider is accuracy. The accuracy is relevant to the nature of your work. If you deal in packages weighing in pounds and kilograms, the accuracy must be in the gap of 0.05 pounds or 0.1 oz or 0.1 grams. For heavyweight boxes, the scale can be a bit looser. It is ok to have a 50 grams accuracy.
For jewelers, gemstones and other businesses dealing in costly things, accuracy must be to hundredth of the unit you are measuring.
Weight Capacity
Make sure you check the weight capacity of the scale before buying it. Scales with different capacities are available in the market. The usual capacity is 80-110 pounds. You can also find industrial scales with a weighing capacity of up to 500 pounds. Pocket size scales have a capacity of up to 200-400 grams.
Design
There are two main variants when it comes to postal scale design. Some scales have a built-in LCD. These scales usually have a low weighing capacity up to 110 pounds. Heavyweight and industrial use scales have a detachable LCD to note the weight conveniently. You can also mount the LCD on the wall.
Modes
Most weighing scales offer 4-5 modes such as pounds, ounces, pounds/ounces, kilograms, grams, and kilograms/grams. Almost all scales have a tare and hold features. These features are a must-have, and make sure that they are present in the scale you are buying. Some scales have modes for measuring gold, stones, liquids, and counting pieces.
Footprint
The footprint refers to the space the weighing scale will cover and the size of the weighing platform. The platform must be big enough to support boxes of different sizes without weight unbalancing. If the boxes get unbalanced, they can fall off from the scale, leading to inconvenience.
The best way to avoid any inconvenience related to this feature is to check the base size and then compare it with the average size of the boxes you measure.
Durability
The average warranty period on a postal scale is 10 years. Some come with 2 years warranty as well. A long warranty assures you that the scale will last for a good amount of time without you worrying about defects and repairs. Most users state that a good scale lasts 8-10 years without any hiccups.
Power Source
Postal scales usually operate on two power sources; batteries and AC/DC power. Batteries are great as they make the placement wire-free. After regular intervals, you will need to replace the battery, but they don’t add much expense. AC/DC power is best for people who have a wall outlet nearby. Some scales also take power from USB cables.
Calibration
A few scales need to be calibrated before use. Calibration takes some time but is a useful feature down the lane. If the scale starts troubling you with accuracy, you can calibrate it to get 100% accurate results.
FAQs
What are the different types of scales?
There are digital and mechanical scales available for postal use. Mechanical scales work well, but they wear down after some years. They are difficult to use as well.
On the other hand, electrical scales are convenient, user-friendly, have multiple measurement modes, and let you hold the reading on the scale. Digital scales are smaller than mechanical scales.
Which is the best postal scale for medium-sized packages?
Weighmax W-2809 stainless steel digital postal scale is the best shipping scale for medium-sized packages. It can measure packages up to 90 pounds.
How do you weigh an item on a postal scale?
The process is simple. All you have to do is turn on the scale and place the box on the scale. Ensure that the weight is evenly distributed and that no part of the box or parcel is outside the weighing station.
Can you use a food scale for postage?
Yes. Food scales can be used for measuring small parcels and items like gemstones, jewelry, and other delicate items.
Final Words: Is a postal scale worth it?
Yes. If you own a business involved in shipping multiple packages regularly, you know how difficult it is to record all the details and weights of each package. If you have a weighing scale at home, you can skip the hassle of taking boxes to a carrier, waiting in line, and processing each box. All of this increases your expense in terms of time consumed, labor and transportation.
A postal scale can help you avoid all the hassle. You can keep the parcels ready for shipment, and the carrier can come and pick up the parcels from your home. The company will measure the parcels again for confirmation, but it will not take much time, and you will know the weight beforehand.
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