5 Reasons You should Buy Scales from a Local Dealer instead of a Website

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Scale Man

Today we’re going to discuss the advantages for buying your legal for trade scales from a local scale company versus buying scales off a website. Of course, the internet is no longer this mystical thing that feels brand new. It’s been around for decades. Folks are getting more comfortable with buying things off it every day.

But, there are still some things that offer a better buying experience by working with an actual human being. So, below are five reasons you should buy scales from a local dealer instead of a website.

rice lake rs-160 computing scale with tower display

#1 Personalized Service

Buying from a local scale company may provide you with the opportunity to receive personalized service and support, such as buying advice on which scale is best for your particular needs and possibly even receive a demo on how to use the scale.

#2 Convenience

This one can be a plus or minus, depending on your perspective. Buying from a local dealer may be more convenient for you, as you can easily visit the scale company to see and try out the scales in person before making a purchase.

#3 Warranty and Repair Services

A local scale company usually offers a warranty and repair service for the scales they sell, which can be helpful if you have any issues with your scale in the near future. If you purchase a scale from a website, sometimes that can lead to a lot of frustration and finger pointing if you ever have any repair issues.

#4 Supporting the Local Economy

Purchasing your price computing scale from a local scale company supports small businesses in your community, which can have a positive impact on the local economy. Doing this can help keep a local sales person working and/or a scale technician working.

#5 Reducing Shipping Costs

Buying your retail scale from a local scale dealer may reduce the cost of shipping, as you can pick up the scale at the store rather than paying for delivery. This can vary from scale company to scale company since technically somebody has to pay to get that scale shipped from the factory to the scale company facility.

Ultimately you the consumer need to research what features you want or need in a produce scale. You can do a lot of that on your own. You can also learn a lot from an experienced scale sales person. Many folks buy scales from their local scale company and occasionally from the online scale seller that they trust. Sometimes having a couple of different sources for your scales is not a bad thing.

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What are the 5 Most Important Features to Look for When Buying Price Computing Scales?

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Scale Man


We always talk about legal for trade produce scales on this website. So today we’re going to boil it down to the top five things to look for when buying price computing scales for your local produce stand.

#1 Accuracy & Standards

The accuracy of the retail scale is important to ensure that customers are charged the correct price for the fresh produce they purchase. Look for a scale that meets NTEP legal for trade standards and has been calibrated by a local scale company and tested for accuracy on a regular basis.

#2 Scale Capacity

Consider the weight capacity of the scale and choose one that is appropriate for the produce you will be weighing. There are legal for trade scales that have 6 lb, 15 lb, 30 lb and 60 lb capacities. There are other capacities too. The point is, if you’re only weighing small pieces of candy for example, then you don’t need a 60 lb or 80 lb scale.

#3 Scale Display

Both the seller and the buyer need to be able to easily see the weight and price per ounce information. A clear, easy-to-read display (normally LCD) is important for accurately entering prices and displaying the total cost to customers.

retail price computing scale

#4 Scale Durability

You absolutely want to choose a scale that is built to withstand regular use and handling. This won’t be popular with some of you but this is where picking up the phone and actually talking with your local scale company is well worth it. They likely have lots of experience with various scale brands and can tell you what they’ve seen.

#5 User-friendly Scale

Be sure to look for a scale that is easy to use and understand, with simple controls and a straightforward interface. Good scale instructions help too. This will make it easier for you to quickly and accurately weigh and price your produce. And, it will make it easier for your employee (aka… your spouse, child, etc…) to know how to use the scale when you’re not there.

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What are Five Important Reasons to Choose a Retail Scale with Battery Power?

Posted on February 16, 2023 by Scale Man

In today’s world of shopping for legal for trade scales to take to the market, there are lots of choices. Most electronic price computing scales of today include a battery. However a few scales still don’t offer a battery. So we’re going to look at five important reasons why you should choose a price computing scale that includes a battery. Let’s get started.

battery powered retail scale

#1 Portability

A weighing scale with battery power can be easily moved and used in various locations, making it convenient for use at farmers markets or other outdoor venues. If you don’t have battery, you’re always going to be hunting for a power outlet to plug your scale into.

#2 Flexibility

A battery-powered scale allows you to use the scale wherever and whenever you need it, without being tethered to an electrical outlet. This is similar to number one above. A portable scale with battery power gives you flexibility and options for wherever you might be.

#3 Ease of use

Battery-powered scales are easy to set up and use, requiring minimal setup and maintenance. In the majority of these retail scales, the battery is a simple 6 volt lead acid battery. They typically last for a year or maybe a little longer. Replacement is pretty easy.

#4 Reliability

If rechargeable worries you, there are still a few scales out there which can operate on C or D batteries if you prefer. A battery-powered scale can be a reliable option, as it does not rely on an external power source that could potentially fail or be disrupted.

#5 Cost Effectiveness

In some cases, a battery-powered scale may be more cost-effective than a scale that requires an external power source. Scale manufacturers these days are charging more money for AC adapters. So, if you choose a scale that takes D batteries, they manufacturer might not include the AC adapter. It could be an additional option.

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Five Reasons it’s Important to Use a Legal for Trade Scale When Selling Produce to Customers

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Scale Man

Today we’re going to list (5) reasons why it’s important to use a legal for trade scale when selling produce to customers. In most states, you’re required to do so. But, it really just makes good sense. So, when you see some price computing scale on a popular website and it costs less than $100. Chances are that scale is not legal for trade and has no CoC #.

legal for trade scale with coc #

To Ensure Fair Pricing

Let’s face it, using a legal for trade scale helps to ensure that customers are charged the correct price for the produce they purchase. A certified scale should make both the seller and the buyer feel confident in what they’re paying and receiving.

To Comply with Regulations

In many jurisdictions, it is required by law to use a legal for trade scale when selling produce to customers. And, often the state weights and measures department will come around to the various markets and test your scales for accuracy.

To Protect your Business

This might be a stretch for a small produce seller at the farmers market, but it just makes good sense to have a NTEP certified scale with certificate of conformance number. Using a legal for trade scale can help protect your business from potential legal issues or disputes related to pricing.

Build Trust with Customers

Customers feel more confident in the fairness of your pricing if you use a legal for trade scale, which can help build trust in your business. Many customers won’t notice if you’re using a cheap scale. But, there are actually quite a few smart customers out there who know the difference between a legal for trade scale and some cheap scale you bought on an auction site for $50.

Accuracy

Legal for trade scales are required to meet strict accuracy standards, which can help ensure that you are accurately weighing and pricing your produce. As we mentioned earlier, both the buyer and seller should feel confident in the scale weight.

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Ten Important Factors To Consider When Looking to Sell Fruits & Vegetables to Customers at the Market

Posted on December 29, 2022 by Scale Man

You’re growing a tremendous amount of strawberries or some other wonderful fruit. Time to sell it and make some money, right? Before you jump in, let’s take a look at ten key factors to consider when looking to sell fresh produce at your local farmers market.

important factors when selling produce at the market

Quality and freshness of the produce

Customers at farmers markets are looking for high-quality, fresh produce. Otherwise, they’d head to the big box store that sells everything. Make sure your fresh produce meet these high standards to attract and retain local customers.

Produce Prices by the Pound

Do some research and determine a fair price for your produce based on your costs of production, competition at the market, and the demand for your products. You probably need to visit the market and surrounding markets and “investigate” what you should be charging. Be sure to figure out what legal for trade retail scale you should buy.

Presentation at the Market

Remember, these local customers can buy their fruits and vegetables at a number of different places. A clean, attractive display can help draw in customers and make your products more appealing. And, not only that, in many ways, those customers are buying because of you as well. A friendly, knowledgeable, & jovial demeanor can be an asset for you as well.

Good Location

Choose a farmers market that is convenient and easily accessible to your target customer base. If you have multiple choices, you may have to experiment and see which market is better for you. Maybe one has less direct competition or better hours, etc…

Marketing and promotion

Use social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth to promote your products and attract customers to your booth at the farmers market. It’s really inexpensive to print out business cards or even create a basic website. Let your customers know your schedule and have a channel in place for them to provide feedback to you as well.

Customer Service

Providing friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful customer service can help build relationships with customers and encourage them to return to your booth.

Produce Variety

Offering a diverse selection of fresh produce over time can help attract a wider range of customers and increase sales.

Packaging and Labeling

Proper packaging and labeling can help protect and preserve your produce, and can also provide important information to customers about your products. See marketing info above. Stickers and labels are not too expensive and will help remind customers where they bought their apples from and what vendor they used as well.

Food Safety

Obviously you need to follow all applicable food safety regulations to ensure the safety of your fresh fruits and vegetables and protect the health of your customers.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This is one that often gets overlooked. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that apply to your business, including any licenses or permits required to sell produce at a farmers market. You’ll also want to make sure that your legal for trade digital scale complies with any local or state regulations.

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Brecknell offers New PC3060 Scale

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Scale Man

The Brecknell PC3060 Price Computing Scale is NTEP approved, Class III and ideal for the small Candy Store selling fudge or perhaps the strawberry farmer selling at the local Farmers Market, or maybe the small rural Grocery Store.

By combining two capacities into one scale, it provides you with a wider weighing range. The 0-30 x .01 lb / 30-60 x .02 lb capacities allow you to weigh smaller and larger products on the same scale without losing resolution. In many ways, this is kind of like having two scales in one.

The large, easy-to-read back lit dual display shows the weight, unit price and total price and allows the customer to view the information at the same time. It features an auto unit price clear to clear the last unit price once the scale returns to zero, stores up to ten most popular PLUs and it can accumulate up to 100 entries and calculate what change needs to be given back to the customer.

The small footprint takes up little valuable counter space. The food grade 304 stainless steel weight platter protects against corrosion and is easily sanitized, while providing an attractive finish.

The scale operates on an AC power adapter (included) or a 6V/3.2 Ah lead acid rechargeable battery that provides up to 40 hours of battery life. The dual power option gives you portability without having to locate power outlets.

Call the sales team at Central Carolina Scale at (919) 776-7737 to get one of these legal for trade scales for your business.

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How to Make Money at the Farmers Market

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Scale Man

Selling produce and vegetables at the market can be fun and rewarding. It also can be and should be profitable. We want to share the article below.

First thing is make sure you plan ahead.

No one likes to show up at the market and have to rush or somehow pay additional fees for something that used to be free. For example, are the roads still the same as last year?  Do we now have tolls to deal with?  This year, do I have to pay for extras at the market like tables, 110VAC power outlet, covered tent etc…

Determine what your costs truly are and how much money do you realistically want to make by selling your produce to visitors at the farmers market.

This can be difficult, especially when it comes to determining your costs. How much is your time worth? How many hours did you spend planting seeds, harvesting etc… How much is your time worth driving to the market, setting up your produce stand? How much is your time worth selling strawberries to consumers for four hours?

These are challenging questions and there is no right or wrong answer but if you can put a number(s) on some of these questions, it can help you truly determine if you made any money selling fruits and vegetables at the farmers market.

Next, scout your competitors locations at the market.

Is a seller four tables down selling apples for twenty five cents less than you?  Can you match that sellers price and still be profitable?

Is there a particular fruit or vegetable that seems to be really popular this year with customers?  Perhaps you can source some of those for your table or at least make notes so you can grow that for next year.

Do you have any larger expenses to consider such as buying a new digital price calculating scale?  

Or perhaps you had an existing scale repaired with new keypad, battery, and AC adapter.  Or maybe you need to invest in some type of cash register or large covered tent to protect you from the blazing July sunshine.  All of these costs need to be considered in your calculations.

rice lake rs-160 retail scale

Summarizing, no one understands your buying / selling produce at the farmers market business better than you.

You know how much work that you have put into growing or sourcing your produce. You know how much work you have put in to buying supplies and preparing each week for the market. And you know how much money you would realistically like to make each week and throughout the year. This article is just designed to make you think a little bit and perhaps help you to remember an area that you might have overlooked.

 

 

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In 2016 Be Sure To Eat An Apple Every Day

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Scale Man

There are many fruits and vegetables available. And, we all know that we need to be eating more of them. Today we wanted to take a look at apples. We all know the phrase an apple a day keeps the doctor away but did you know the apple facts below?

1. Fighting bad breath. Apples contain pectin, which helps control food odors. Pectin also promotes saliva, which cleanses breath.

2. Preventing asthma attacks. Asthma sufferers often have low levels of antioxidants. Apples are high in vitamin C and flavonoids (beneficial, water-soluble plant pigments). Both are antioxidant. One study found that vitamin C supplements helped protect against exercise-induced asthma.

3. Reducing the risk of stroke. A study involving 9,208 men and women showed that those who ate the most apples over a 28-year period had the lowest risk for stroke. Researchers concluded that the results suggest the intake of apples is related to a decreased risk of thrombotic stroke.

4. Preventing constipation. Fresh apples are high in fiber, which adds bulk to the stool. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, or roughage.

5. Combating fatigue. The high vitamin C and antioxidant content in apples counter the free radicals leading to oxidative stress, which has been linked to fatigue.

You can see the entire article here. There’s no question apples are great for you and with all the different varieties that are available, you’re sure to find a couple of varieties that you love. You’ll be treating yourself to a great snack and helping your body as well.

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Accurate, Affordable, and Portable

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Scale Man

We’ve discussed the Rice Lake RS130 retail scale for years. It’s a nice price computing scale that works really well for almost every basic retail application you can think of. Some of the key features include choice of weighing units including “ounces”. The scale also has internal rechargeable battery and much more.

Now Rice Lake has expanded the product line to include tower displays and a 60 pound maximum capacity. The RS-130 and RS-160 retail scales are the ultimate choice for simple price computing applications. Delivering unmatched convenience and accuracy, the RS-130 and RS-160 provide one-button operation with weight displays in pounds, kilograms or ounces. The RS-130 has a 30-pound capacity and the RS-160 has a 60-pound capacity.

For added convenience, the RS-130 and RS-160 can toggle units of measure and save tare, price and nine direct price lookups. Cash back calculation allows you to quickly provide cash back for applications where a cash register is not present. The scales’ large, stainless steel platters provide ample room for product, and standard in-use covers assure years of trouble-free operation. The RS-130 and RS-160 are powered by an included rechargeable battery, and a low-battery annunciator signals the operator when it’s time to recharge. The RS-130 and RS-160 are NTEP Certified and offer the most accurate, portable and affordable solutions for simple price computing needs.

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New Price Computing Scale with Integral Printer – Coming Soon!

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Scale Man

Early next year you will see a new label printing scale will hit the market place. Tentative date is February 2016. A top United States scale manufacturer will introduce a brand new electronic price computing scale with integral label printer. We will be sure to provide additional information as it becomes available.

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