1. Buy a NTEP Approved Legal for Trade Scale. In most cases, you do not receive any paperwork saying your scale is “certified”. All you receive is your scale, with the certificate of conformance number (CoC#) stamped on the side of the scale.
2. Have the scale checked and calibrated in your store or at your produce stand, in other words in its final working location — by either a local scale company or the state weights & measures. At this point, in most cases, you receive paperwork showing the test results.
3. Have the state weights & measures come by and “certify” your scale and place their sticker on the scale.

So as you can see, in most cases you can search for and buy “certified scales” but they aren’t quite certified until you do a little homework upon receiving your scale.  The reason for this is simple. A scale can be NTEP approved and have a CoC# but that doesn’t mean it is 100 percent accurate. Perhaps the scale was calibrated in a different region of the country and gravity has changed just enough to throw the calibration off. Suppose the delivery company decided to use your scale as a football? That can very easily throw off the calibration of a scale. That is why it is always a good idea to buy your NTEP Approved “certified scale” and get it checked and calibrated locally to ensure you comply with your state regulations.

Do some research and buy a legal for trade price computing scale that can be certified by the state.  In most states it is a requirement.  However, sometimes due to budget restraints and manpower, merchants get the idea that they can get away with not purchasing a legal for trade scale.  Sometimes every now and then you hear comments from sellers of fruit and vegetables who sell produce at farmers markets, that they don’t worry about bending the rules of the State Weights and Measures Department.  The thought process basically being, “we are not a priority for the Department of Agriculture.”  Need proof, take a look at the article below

1. Turn on the scale and press and hold the CHANGE key until 6.3 (version) shows in the WEIGHT display (approximately three seconds).
2. Press and hold the ZERO key until the WEIGHT display shows SEtUP (approx. three seconds).
3. Press the 3 key, WEIGHT display shows USUAL.
4. Press the 2 key to enter the Auto-Off mode. WEIGHT display shows -30- (minutes).
5. Use the CLEAR key to select -30-, -15-, -5-,-OFF-.
6. Press the CHANGE key to confirm setting.
Scale will automatically restart and you’ve now changed your auto-off function. Remember this is for the RS130 scale.

Finally, take a look at the selection of price computing scales currently available this winter.  You may find a deal too good to pass on.  Plus, you can always use a good backup unit or add a second scale to your produce stand so that your customers are able to purchase produce from you as fast as ever.

These are just a few of the questions that folks ask when purchasing a retail price computing scale.  Basically, the easiest thing to do is determine what is the typical weight amount you are going to be weighing.  For most people that amount usually falls well below 30 pounds.  However, there are times when you may need a larger capacity like 60 pounds.  When that happens, it’s great to have a scale like the CAS S2000 JR price computing scale.  The 60 lb model features a 60 lb max capacity with 0.02 lb readability.  However, this same scale also features the same readability up to 30 lbs that a typical retail scale with 30 lb. capacity would have, 0.01 lbs.  So, you get the best of both worlds in one scale.

The S-2000 JR scales feature a “dual range” capacity. This is a nice feature that means you get increased readability that you probably wouldn’t get on most other price computing scales. For example on a 60 pound capacity price computing scale from most other manufacturers, the scale will increment up/down from zero to 60 pounds in 0.02 lb increments. The 60 lb. S2000 JR displays weight from zero to 30 lbs in increments up/down in 0.01 lbs. Then from 30 to 60 lbs, the scale will increment up/down in 0.02 lb increments.  Add a DLP-50 label printer and you have an affordable price computing scale with label printer.

The built-in rechargeable battery supply not only monitors the battery life, but also recharges the battery while the scale is in operation ensuring no unexpected “down time”. Pressing the PrePack key, after the unit price has been entered, retains that price for repetitive price-computing making the operator’s job even more simple.

Adjustable, nonskid feet and internal bubble level ensure steady weighing. The smooth lines of the molded poly enclosure, lift-off stainless steel commodity tray and sealed membrane keypad make cleaning an easy chore. These scales include a standard 3 prong AC cord – no large AC adapter to take up valuable wall space. For added protection, the DS series includes a dust/debris cover and a water well under the platter to further prevent against moisture and accidental spills.