If your business regularly mails packages or large envelopes, postage scales will save you time and money. Guessing how much extra postage you'll need is bound to end up costing more than if you knew the exact postage required. Some experts calculate the average business saves 10% to 15% on postage alone by using a mailing scale.

Fortunately, mail scales are easy to come by. The question is, which type of scale will best suit your needs, and where should you buy it? First, consider whether you want a digital or manual mailing scale—and whether you ship so many packages it would be most productive to have one that integrates with a postage meter. Then, consider the following:

1. Small scales may only work for packages 5 lbs. or less, while larger scales may have impressive upper limits, but not recognize anything less than 6 lbs.
2. Some mail scales allow you to compare shipping costs with the major shipping services, including USPS, UPS, and Fed Ex.
3. A battery operated postage scale may work fine if you aren't shipping large volumes, but it's better to buy one with an AC adapter.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select a digital postage scale for accuracy

A digital postage scales, also called an electronic postage scale, uses a microprocessor to achieve a clear and obvious readout. Some digital scales are programmed to also give current postage rate details, allowing you or your employees to see exactly how much the mailing will cost; they are almost always adjustable as rates change, but the newest machines are easiest to reprogram by simply downloading the information off the Internet.

I recommend: For a wide selection at good prices, take a look at Office Depot's offerings; they have everything from smaller, less expensive postal scales to larger digital scales with rate information you can download off the Internet. For a digital postage scale suitable for large packages, check out QuickSupply. Save On Scales also offers a good selection at prices considerably lower than retail.

Choose a manual postage scale for economy

Manual postage scales, also called mechanical postage scales, use a spring or balance to determine weight; it will be up to you or your employee to accurately read the scale from a face and needle, then look up the current postage rate for the weight. This is a bit more work, and allows for more human error, but a manual postage scale is less expensive than its digital sister. A manual scale is often sold as a desktop postage scale.

I recommend: Wares Direct offers shipping scales with a capacity of to 2 to 250 lbs. at great prices. NorthShore Care Supply sells high quality mechanical scales for up to 250 lbs.

Purchase an integrated postage scale machine for volume

If you ship large volumes of packages, it's a good idea to invest in an integrated mailing scale--one that can be connected to a postage meter. A meter postage scale makes shipping quicker, thereby saving time and money.

I recommend: Neopost offers quality digital scales that may be integrated with postage meters. SalesGalore sells many large, high capacity scales, including those that may be integrated.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you only want certain employees using your digital postage scale, there's an easy solution. Many are available with password protection, allowing only authorized personnel to use them.