Which Scale do I need?

8 Things to consider before looking for a Digital Scale!

Not sure where to start? Then read over these 8 questions to get a better idea on what you should be looking for in a digital scale product.

  • What are the lightest and heaviest items you will be weighing?
  • How accurate do you need the weighed item to be – for price determination, as an ingredient or component, as a comparison, or for transportation.
  • Depending on the accuracy you require you may need to purchase separate digital scales to weigh your lighter and heavier items.
  • If the answer is “yes”, then a Trade Approved Digital Scale is required.
  • It is a requirement of the Fair Trading Act that where goods are offered for sale to a customer, with the sale price depending on the weight of the item sold, a “Trade Approved” scale must be used to determine the value of the sale. Trade Approval is given by the Ministry of Consumers Affairs, and every “Trade Approved” scale has a TMU approval number.
  • There is a whole range of label printing scales, some of which are Trade Approved.
  • Labels can be formatted to include all relevant information, and designed to suit each particular situation.
  • If you are weighing goods in front of a customer at the time of purchase, then you are required to have a rear display on your scale, so that both you and the customer can see the weight of that item.
  • For retail outlets, Trade Approved Price Computing Scales allow you to weigh the item, input a price, and the scale will calculate the individual sale amount.
  • Digital Scales can also be linked to a computer and/or a cash draw to provide a complete transaction record (including a Tax Invoice for the customer).
  • Not all digital scales are placed on a clean counter or bench and are kept away from moisture, dust, heat or harsh conditions.
  • When enquiring about the right digital scale for your situation, choose one which is designed for the purpose. List all the factors which may impact on the scale and discuss these with the sales assistant to ensure you receive the scale best suited for the job.
  • Not all digital scales are placed in one location and remain there. If the scale is being moved from place to place, will it require battery power as well as mains power, or will it be operated from a vehicle. What sort of battery power is best suited to its usage?
  • Some digital scales need to be transported on a regular basis. Does the scale come with, or require a carry case, and is it easy to set-up once it has reached its destination? Always ask the sales assistant to demonstrate the scale features.
  • In some commercial or industrial situations, larger scale equipment is moved with a fork lift or is mounted on a mobile platform or on the rear of a vehicle. We do cater for these specialised installations, and will provide all relevant moving and operating instructions.
  • In some situations your digital scale will be linked to other equipment you use in transacting your business.
  • For retail purposes, perhaps a computer, cash register and/or printer
  • For commercial or industrial purposes, perhaps a remote display board, a driver control station, external devices (relays, triggers) or a computer management system.
Always alert sales professionals to the specific requirements or environmental conditions of your weighing requirements.
Please feel free to contact us for advice on selecting a CAS Product.

Local support, operating globally.

Part of the global CAS Scales brand spanning over 142 countries worldwide,
CAS Australia has three main branches, focusing on AU, NZ and Fiji

Australia

Unit 8, Northlink, 459 Tufnell Rd
P.O Box 349, Banyo, QLD 4014

T: +61 (0)7 3267 7767
F: +61 (0)7 3267 1818
E: sales@casscale.com.au

New Zealand

Unit 1, Freeman Way
Manukau City, 2104, Auckland

T: +64 (0)9 215 1744
E: accounts@casscale.co.nz

Fiji

Find your local dealer

At CAS Scales, we want to make it simple to find the best scales for your operation. So, we have dealers based around Australia, ready to support you with all your scale and label requirements. Find your local dealer today.