Category Archives: Buying Recommendations

Selling fruits and vegetables by weight in Tennessee?

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The article linked below gives you a general idea of what many states expect you to do regarding using certified legal for trade class III scales when it comes to selling produce at a farmers market or produce stand.  Generally, in most states anyone selling fruits and vegetables by weight to customers must use a state inspected legal for trade certified scale which has a certificate of conformance number.  Complying with the rules takes two steps.  First, the seller needs to purchase a NTEP approved legal for trade scale (our site can help you with that).  Then the legal for trade scale must be inspected and approved by your individual state.  See more info below. 

Scales must conform to National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) standards. Scales that comply with NTEP guidelines typically will be marked with the NTEP logo and the associated accuracy class which is normally “III” with produce scales. Scales marked “not legal for trade” are not acceptable for retail use in Tennessee. Scales must also comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44 (H44) which mandates tolerances, specifications and other technical requirements for all weighing and measuring devices. Both NTEP and H44 requirements are national standards utilized by the vast majority of all states. See article

Price Per Ounce Scales

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There aren’t too many better ways to cool off from the intense summer heat than to stop at the local frozen yogurt shop for a cup of ice cold frozen yogurt. Whether your frozen yogurt choice is vanilla or chocolate, or some kind of a combination of flavors or toppings, frozen yogurt is a great way to cool off and relax for a few minutes on a hot day. However, for frozen yogurt shop owners there are are some discrepancies when it comes to charging customers for the frozen yogurt. Do you charge customers a flat rate based on the size frozen yogurt they order? If so, how do you determine what a “small” yogurt contains? How much yogurt is in a “large” cup? You could be giving away product using this practice. Or, you could charge for your frozen yogurt by the ounce using a frozen yogurt scale. The fair way and most profitable way is to weigh the frozen yogurt cup and charge customers by the ounce for their frozen yogurt purchase. The customer then pays you a certain dollar amount per ounce. Continue reading →

Retail Scales With Dual Range Capacity Can Make You More Profit On Each Transaction

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Looking to make a little more money on each transaction at the farmers market or produce stand?   Then, take a look at our CAS S2000JR Price Computing scale with dual range capacity.   The dual range capacity of this legal for trade scale can make you a little extra cash on each transaction.  Lets see how.

In this case we will look at the traditional standard 30 x 0.01 lb scale versus the 0-15 x 0.005 lb / 15-30 lb x 0.01 lb dual range CAS Model.  We’ll weigh the same item and it will have the same price per pound.  See example below.

 

Standard ……………………………………… CAS S2000JR
0.01 scale……………………………………. 0.005 lb scale
$8.99 ……… Price Per Pound …………….. $8.99
0.90 lb …….. Weight registered ………….. 0.905 lb
$8.09 ….. Amount Your Customer Pays….. $8.14
——————————————————————————-
Result:  5 cents extra on this transaction

Now, multiply your 5 cents by 100 transactions a day = $5
Finally, multiply your $5 gain per day times 365 days = $1825

 

With this example, you can easily see how a dual range scale can provide you with higher accuracy and put a lot more money in your pocket.

Ohaus Retail Scales Offer Brand Name Quality

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Designed from the ground up as a portable retail scale with a small footprint and battery power, the RA combines a bright, backlit LCD display on front and back of the housing with a 7.9 X 11.4 inch stainless steel pan. The RA can be powered by 6 “D” cell batteries for up to 60 hours continuous use, or using the included AC powerpack. To conserve power the RA has a battery-saving low-power sleep feature. NTEP 3,000d certified, the RA offers 2 models in either 15 or 30 lb capacities. Great for use in farmer’s markets, delis, bakeries and other retail locations where space is a premium.

For use with larger packages or for use in delis, grocery and convenience stores, the OHAUS RE price computing scale features a large 9.5 x 13.5 inch weighing pan made from thick stainless steel to stand-up to years of use. Available in both a regular form factor as well as with a 16.7 inch tall column for the display, the RE line quickly displays weights on its large backlit LED display. All RE models can be powered by 6 “D” cell batteries for up to 60 hours continuous use with a easily visible battery status indicator, or using the included AC powerpack. To conserve power the RA has a battery-saving low-power sleep feature.  The RE is available in two 30 lb models – one with the column – as well as a 60 lb model without column. The Prepack Pricing mode is a key feature for stores who price-out larger runs of items, especially for smaller stores and delis.

American’s Need To Eat More Fruits And Vegetables

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There is no question that we all need to eat healthier and frequent our local farmers markets and produce stands so we can consume fresh fruits and vegetables. The following paragraph is from the latest government dietary guidelines.

The call to action, ultimately, Americans make their own food and physical activity choices at the individual (and family) level. In order for Americans to make healthy choices, however, they need to have opportunities to purchase and consume healthy foods and engage in physical activity. One way to do this is to ensure that all Americans have access to nutritious foods. Research has demonstrated that some Americans lack access to affordable nutritious foods. This lack of access makes it a challenge for many Americans to consume a diet consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. Thus, access may be Continue reading →

Proven Performer For Years

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Sometimes there are ideas or reasons for changing what works. Maybe you are looking to improve a product or change something to lower the cost of an item. When it comes to the CAS LP1000 price computing scale with printer sometimes it is best to use the reliable proven scale. The LP1000 continues to be one of the more popular label printing scales on the market. Customers have been asking for this specific model for years. The scale is a very good scale and the labels are easy to purchase.

One note to consider, if you are just looking for a simple label with weight and price, you may want to consider something like the CAS S2000 JR price computing scale. However, if you are looking for a legal for trade printing scale that can print ingredients or have built in Price look ups, the LP1000 is the scale for you.

Certified Produce Scale

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Many times when you think of a certified scale for produce you may think of hanging scales with a dial. While those do still exist, most of today’s sellers are opting to use the digital counter top scale to weigh produce and vegetables for their customers. It really makes sense. The prices are affordable and the scales are well built. Since most either come with rechargeable battery or operate on regular flashlight batteries, it really makes more sense than ever to go with the standard digital produce scale.

Certified Scales

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Often consumers search for “certified scales” and they get lumped together with legal for trade NTEP Approved scales. Technically, a scale can be NTEP approved legal for trade and not be “certified”. Often times, the proper procedure for obtaining a “certified scale” is to do the following.

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.

Commercial Scales for the Farmers Market Can Cost over $400

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Legal for Trade Commercial scales can cost well over $400, but if you do a little research, you won’t pay near that much for a set of high quality farmers market scales.  Yes, you could get away with using a set of “household” scales, either hanging or digital, but that is ultimately not the way to establish trust and legitimacy with your customer who is buying produce from you.

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 Continue reading →

Label Printing Scales for sale

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The CL5000 Label Printing Scale has the functions you need at an affordable price. Includes CL-Works software package. Use in supermarkets, specialty stores, deli’s and more! For a limited time, earn a $50 gift card for each label printing scale purchased. Contact Central Carolina Scale for more info.