One of the things that we try really hard to do is provide our customers with as much value as possible. How do we do that? We do this in many ways through things like factory training, sales training, and product research. One other thing we do quite often is constantly strive to find quality products that are affordable for customers.

However, one of the really challenging things we have to deal with is striking the balance between quality and accurate products. Or, unfortunately, in some instances, good products versus junk. 

Unfortunately, the line between a good product and a not-so-good product is getting finer and finer…

I was reminded of this challenge over the past couple of weeks. Recently, I had a line of imported scales from China presented to me that seemed to have a lot of promise.  The price was attractive and the visual look of the scales was appealing.  However, once I evaluated these items, it quickly became apparent, that although these scales would please everybody’s demand for a low price… they would not meet our standards for accuracy or the demands of our customers. 

If you’re an end user, then you face a similar challenge. Perhaps you’re in the market for a counting scale. With minimal internet research, you can find prices on parts counting scales from $100 and up!  Of course, the hundred dollar scale is 99% plastic and 1% aluminum and certainly not what we would recommend for anyone looking for a durable and relatively long lasting scale.

The same thing can be said for many types of scales…

Farmers or Market Sellers searching for price computing scales are often easily fooled by the $60 produce scales they may see on popular auction sites only to find out later, (when their state inspector shuts them down), that what they really needed is what’s called a NTEP Legal for Trade certified price computing scale, which is more expensive.

Perhaps it’s a floor scale that you need to weigh pallets each day. Although many floor scales look similar in pictures online, these “pallet scales” feature various components, such as digital indicators & strain gauge load cells, which can vary greatly in quality. The product construction and durability can also vary quite a bit depending on who actually manufacturers the scale platform and how much engineering truly went into constructing it.   

So how do you find a weighing scale that meets your budget and is built to last? 

These days it’s easier than ever to just buy everything you need without the help of anyone. Just point and click. But many times when you do that, you could be missing out. How does the old saying go?  You don’t know what you don’t know… 

I recommend contacting your local scale company or a scale company that you have done business with and trust. (Hopefully, we’re included in that choice!)  It really does make the process of buying scales much easier when you have a good working relationship with your scale company.

As you work with your scale company representative, they will become a trusted partner in your business.  Your scale sales person knows what you’re weighing and the weighing needs of your business. All you need to do is mention what you’re looking to do and what type of weighing device you think that you’ll need.

Pricing and Quotes

Over the years I have seen some really nice scales and I have seen some really bad scales too! I suggest working together with your trusted scale supplier to find products that will meet your requirements while staying within your budget.

The product and sourcing experience that your scale dealer has is invaluable. Don’t forget, in addition to working with you, we also work with hundreds of other customers helping them to find the perfect weighing equipment for their needs.  So that product experience and knowledge that we gain can then be applied to your scale search as well.

I also recommend working with a scale company who’s willing to offer various brands of scales as opposed to a dealer who just pushes one brand of scales for everything… 

It’s very common for us to recommend different brands for various types of scales. For example, we might suggest CAS retail scales, B-Tek floor scales, Avery Weigh-Tronix counting scales and Cardinal truck scales. 

In other words, we base our product recommendations largely off past success and not because we’re trying reach some kind of sales quota. 

Final Thoughts

We realize that customers want to find a great deal on whatever it is that they need to purchase. It can be anything from scales to copy paper… everyone wants to find a cheaper alternative that is just as good as what you’ve been using. 

Unfortunately, as many of us have found out, often a product is cheaper for certain reasons. We see this all the time whether you’re talking about a portable pallet jack scale or a stationary 4×4 pallet scale. Quality and durability are often lacking with cheap scales.

Let us help you make intelligent scale purchases for your business. We can help you save money while still buying quality scales and weighing equipment. We’re just a phone call away (919) 776-7737.  If you prefer, you can also email us or complete our Request a Quote form and someone from our staff will get back to you in a timely manner.