Best Postal and Shipping Scales

Whether you have an e-commerce business or just send out a lot of mail, what you need is the best postal scale if you want to save money since it is a lot more sensitive than regular scales. You may need to weigh your envelopes and packages before heading to the post office, and this comes in very handy and helps you know how much to pay exactly.

Nowadays, digital postal scales are common because they are easy to use and reliable. However, if you are going to buy a postal scale, you should buy the one with the necessary features and that provides accurate results. There is no point in investing in a scale that does not even give you an accurate weight reading.

The problem is that weight capacities, sensitivity levels, and materials used vary between postal scales. Hence, we reviewed five postal scales that meet all the quality standards and are worth your money.

Best Postal Scale Reviews

1. ACCUTECK All-in-One Series W-82 Digital Scale

From the name itself, the ACCUTECK All-in-One Series W-82 Digital Scale is designed in a way that whatever type of mail you want to weigh, it can handle it. In fact, you can also weigh irregular mails with the integrated fold-up mail holder; just keep them upright at a 90-degree angle. The weighing capacity of this scale is 50 pounds which is generous enough, and the sensitivity is 0.1 ounces for weights ranging from zero to 25 pounds and 0.2 ounces for loads between 25 and 50 pounds.

Like most postal scales, it also has tare and hold functions. The tare shows the weight as zero while the hold keeps the reading displayed even after you have removed the item from the scale. This comes in very useful when you are weighing an oversized package.

What makes this scale unique is that you can calibrate it with any weight starting from five pounds. Many postal scales do not have a calibration feature as they come calibrated, but with this one, if you are ever in doubt, you can calibrate it manually.

Further, this device has multiple weight modes or units such as pounds/ounces, ounces, grams, and kilograms/grams. It runs on three AAA batteries that come with the product. Also included is a 5V adapter.

Lastly, this scale has a simple design with high usability. The weight is displayed on a back-lit LCD where the digits are quite readable.

2. Smart Weight Digital Postal Scale

Are you looking for something for big packages? The Smart Weight Digital Postal Scale is said to be the boss of all postal scales. With a weight capacity of 440 pounds, this one can weigh big packages, and the wide platform allows you to place large boxes conveniently.

This scale has a user-friendly design and has two parts while the platform is separated from the scale. An extendable cord connects them, and this setting eliminates the problem with reading the weight of big packages. When it comes to the minimum reading you can get with this scale, it is at six ounces so you can weigh your lightweight envelopes as well.

Additionally, there are multiple reading modes including pounds, ounces, kilograms, and grams. It also has a PCS feature that gives the count of items that weigh the same as well as a USB port for power.

Further, The LCD Screen is easy to read, and it automatically shuts off to save power when nothing is being weighted. It is designed for professional use, but you can also use it at home. Lastly, Smart Weight is a popular USA-based brand for scales so you can feel safe purchasing this model.

3. Weighmax W-2809 Digital Postal Scale

This product is a sturdy but straightforward postal scale. It has four buttons namely power, unit, tare, and hold. The tare and hold functions are quite useful when weighing multiple or bulky packages.

As for the units of measure, you can weigh items in pounds, ounces, pounds/ounces, and kilograms, while for the power supply, there are multiple options included in the scale. You have an AC adapter, batteries, and USB cable. This is also designed to shut off automatically after 90 seconds of not being in use when on batteries, but it stays on when connected with the adapter.

On another note, the weight capacity is quite generous which is 90 pounds, while the minimum capacity is 10 grams. It is made from high-quality stainless steel which gives it a long life. The steel is shiny, giving it a very clean look, and the weight of the scale itself is just five pounds. You can also use it in the kitchen as a kitchen scale given its high sensitivity.

It is also considered a safe purchase since the manufacturer gives a limited ten-year warranty. Also, even though it is straightforward to use, there is an instruction manual included to help you understand how it works and how to use it properly for weighing different items.

4. American Weigh Scales PS-25

If you want an accurate weighing scale similar to that of the one you see at the post office, the PS-25 might just be what you are looking for. This simple and accurate weighing scale is a handy tool for measuring your parcels before heading out to the post office.

The PS-25 is a versatile digital postal scale you can use in your kitchen or office. Use it to weigh boxes, ingredients, and even food portions. You will like that its weighing platform measures 5.1 by 7.1 inches and is effortless to clean. What’s more, it has a 0.1-ounce sensitivity and can weigh up to 55 pounds of small or large packages.

With its compact measurement of eight by eight by 2.8 inches, this shipping scale easily fits into your backpack, bag, countertop, or desktop. As such, you can bring it anywhere without much trouble. It also means you won’t have trouble finding a storage space for it when it’s not in use.

Aside from being portable, it offers impressive durability using heavy-duty materials. Like most digital scales, the PS-25 also features a backlit blue LCD screen so that you can see precise weight readings clearly. Plus, it displays several convertible weight units, including grams, kilograms, ounces, and pounds. Even better, you are guaranteed to get an accurate measurement with its high-precision sensors.

For simplified functionality, this easy-to-use device comes with three essential buttons: On/Off, Mode, and Tare. It also turns off automatically after two minutes to save on power. The box includes two AA batteries for the DC power supply and an AC adapter for your external power supply needs. Having these two power-up options add more to its portability.

The American Weigh Scales brand stands by its product’s design, function, quality, and service. Therefore, the company has complete confidence in offering its consumers a 10-year warranty coverage. More than anything, this extended warranty speaks to this weighing scale’s excellent value for money.

Related: Read our in-depth review of the American Weigh Scales PS-25 Table Top Postal Scale

5. LW Measurements SPS-35 Digital Postal Bench Scale

This digital postal bench scale is made of premium quality ABS plastic that promises long-lasting durability. Since it is made of plastic, this scale is lightweight at 0.25 pounds. Even so, the 8.5-by-seven-inch platform is large enough to handle different parcel sizes with ease.

The SPS-35 digital scale is an excellent weighing partner for your letters and packages. With this, there’s no need to go to the post office just to get an accurate weight measurement for your parcel. Its 35-pound maximum weighing capacity is relatively more significant than other similar devices with the same affordable price.

The entire unit measures 13 by five by 10 inches and comes with four function buttons: On/Off, Unit, Hold, and Zero or Tare. It has a very straightforward design that makes it almost effortless to use. What’s more, it is reliable enough that you can use it for a small business.

One of the most impressive features of this postal bench scale is its convertible weight unit selections. These include grams, kilograms, ounces, and pounds. These options make it easier to select the specific information required for your parcel. It also comes with useful functions, such as tare and hold.

The tare will show you the exact weight of your parcel, while the hold feature locks in the measurement. Also, it will automatically adjust as you add more items to the platform. You can rely on the accuracy of the readings every time you measure a letter or parcel.

Whatever reading you get is visible on the large backlit display measuring 0.6 inches. Its 2mil internal resolution and 3,200 display divisions produce a clear image on the screen. Plus, the straightforward interface makes it easy to use straight out of the box without needing any calibration. If you need one, you can use the Any Call software for that purpose. 

Best Postal and Shipping Scales Buyer’s Guide

Weight capacity

The weight capacity depends on the packages or anything else you plan on weighing. If, for instance, you plan on weighing small shoe boxes or ring boxes, you might do fine with having a 10-pound capacity scale. However, if the package is larger, you need to get a scale with a higher weight capacity.

Accuracy

When purchasing postal and shipping scales that are heavily relied on as far as accuracy is concerned, we recommend looking for ones that can sense in the 0.05 pounds range. You can afford to go for a smaller range if the scale has a higher weight capacity. So that you get a true sense of the shipping costs, accuracy is crucial. You might incur heavy shipping expenses if your postal or shipping scale is inaccurate. After weighing a package, you can use tare functions to reset the weight for the best results.

Design

When it comes to design, shipping and postal scales come in twos. First, there are tabletop and portable scales. Portable ones can weigh up to three pounds, so you can carry them anywhere. They are primarily used to weigh similarly smaller packages. If you plan on working in a warehouse or commercial area where you need to weigh constantly, a portable one will come in handy. On the other hand, if you need to weigh heavy packages, a tabletop scale will be the best fit for you.

Physical characteristics

You need to also take into account the physical characteristics of the postal scale to be sure that it will meet your needs. Does the scale have every feature that is essential to you? For example, is it chargeable or does it require batteries? If it requires batteries, how long does it take to charge them, and are the batteries rechargeable so that you can save on costs? Before making your final purchase, it is essential to consider all your needs to ensure you get the most out of your postal scale. 

FAQs

What is a postal scale?

A postal scale refers to a weighing platform used to measure the weight of packages and letters. The packages and letters are measured to calculate the cost of shipping. People prefer a scale over going to the post office and weighing it there instead. Some postal scales come with literal shipping software and USB to read the weight and print postage to make the work easier. 

How are packages for shipping weighed?

Packages or letters are placed on the scale. It is essential to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed and that no part of the package is tilted or falls on the side. Doing this will ensure that the results are accurate.

How do I figure out the shipping costs?

Shipping costs are determined by weighing the package and using a shipping cost calculator to determine the price. Small but heavy packages will be charged with dimensional volume; hence they might be cheaper. Keep in mind that when calculating the postage by weight, you should always use the total weight of the package, not just the weight of the product itself. 

Does the post office charge by size or weight?

The price will be determined by shape or weight if it is first-class mail. For priority mail, however, the post office will determine the price based on the combination of three factors: the size, weight, and how far the package or mail is traveling. 

Can food scales be used as postal scales?

Yes, food scales can be used as postal scales. They are used because food scales are made to measure very low weights. They have low weight limits; this means they are very accurate and will give you the best results.  

Conclusion

If you want the best postal scale, any of the five products above should do since they all have multiple reading modes and power options, as well as all the necessary features. Also, the weight you get from these scales will not be much different from the scale at the post office so they can be used in a professional setting as well as at home.

They are also all highly accurate, but the ACCUTECK postal scale can be calibrated manually, giving you more peace of mind. However, it is only suited for small to mid-sized packages. Hence, although the Smart Weight model lacks the back-lit LCDs that allow you to read the weight easily, it makes up for it with its unique design, making it the best for weighing lightweight and heavy packages.