Scale for weight to use EBay shipping

[theo2112]

Hello,

Any recommendations on what type of scale to use if I decide to use Ebay shipping?

I won’t be shipping anything over 10 lbs 

And what happens if I get the weight incorrect ( my biggest fear)

And being that there are different prices for different zones how do you know what to charge for shipping in your listing.

Thank you for your time

[richard1rst]

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@theo2112 wrote:

Hello,

Any recommendations on what type of scale to use if I decide to use Ebay shipping?

I won’t be shipping anything over 10 lbs 

And what happens if I get the weight incorrect ( my biggest fear)

And being that there are different prices for different zones how do you know what to charge for shipping in your listing.

Thank you for your time

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A digital postal scale is the best bet.

But I'll also tell you what you don't want.

My biggest gripe is when the readout is essentially parallel to the pressure plate. Similar to this picture (but not limited to this particular scale)

Now think about that for a second. If the box is bigger than the pressure plate how do you read the weight?

[wastingtime101]

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@richard1rst wrote:

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Now think about that for a second. If the box is bigger than the pressure plate how do you read the weight?

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I have a Weighmax that "locks" the weight on the screen after 5 seconds so all I have to do is lift the box to see the weight.

It appears the specific scale in the photo has a "hold" button to the right of the screen. I assume if you press that it will lock in the weight so you could move the box and read it.

There are some digital scales that you can connect to your computer with a USB cord so it feeds the weight to your computer / shipping software.

All I'm saying is there are options if that obstacle truly bothers you.

[wastingtime101]

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@theo2112 wrote:

And what happens if I get the weight incorrect ( my biggest fear)

And being that there are different prices for different zones how do you know what to charge for shipping in your listing.

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When you set up your listing, use calculated shipping not flat rate shipping. As long as you enter accurate weight (of the packed item) and accurate dimensions (measure the outer box dimensions) then buyers will be charged an accurate rate.

Make sure you're choosing the right shipping service, too. Don't offer buyers anything that says "First Class" which is an untracked service for letters / flats if you plan to ship a package. Offer a tracked package service like USPS Ground Advantage or whatever is appropriate to the carrier you're using.

If you get the weight or dimensions wrong the carrier will apply a cost adjustment when applicable which will be auto charged to your account by the carrier through eBay.

Once your package exceeds a pound in weight, rates are charged by rounding up to the next pound. So if your package weighs 2 lb 4 oz it ships at the 3 lb rate. If you enter 2 lb 4 oz and it turns out your package is 2 lb 14 oz, it ships at the same 3 lb rate.

Under a pound ounces are more important, and over a pound ounces matter most if it bumps you over the next pound.

As I said above, dimensions are also important as that can have a big impact on shipping cost.

[richard1rst]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

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@richard1rst wrote:

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Now think about that for a second. If the box is bigger than the pressure plate how do you read the weight?

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I have a Weighmax that "locks" the weight on the screen after 5 seconds so all I have to do is lift the box to see the weight.

Wasn't aware of that feature. Mine has a cord connected separate screen,

There are some digital scales that you can connect to your computer with a USB cord so it feeds the weight to your computer / shipping software.

My computer is in my office, the scale is in the shipping room.

But I do appreciate the comments.

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[annadryl]

For years I've used a medium sized kitchen scale for small items, it goes to 15 pounds. I got it at the local Wal for about $18. It's always been great. As Richard noted, bigger boxes don't work on the small flat types so I put an empty box as a riser, zero that back down then place the larger box on top and read underneath it.

[chevymontecarlo88]

There are many different size digital scales that can be hooked up to a computer or run off a 9volt battery. Just make sure you tare the scale at times and having the feature that wastingtime states (holds weight on screen for a period of time) is good for larger items. If you are dropping off your items at the post office and are unsure of the weight, you can weigh the item at the KIOSK or have the counter weigh it as well. The same goes for UPS and Fed Ex if you drop it off at counter at those retailers. I paid $20 for the digital scale the last time but it was larger than the one pictured.

-Good luck

[zakstreasuretrove]

I use an Accuteck Digital Postal Scale Model W-8580-110B

The corded readout is a must for weighing bigger packages that would cover up the readout while weighing them.  It is also accurate to 0.1 oz which is a must for 'first class' weights under a pound.

The weight limit is 110lbs on mine which is way more than I'll ever need.

My only gripe is that the scale is a bit small when weighing larger boxes.  It will handle any box 12"x12" or under with ease.  I frequently weigh boxes that are up to 20x18 and it does them fine, you just have to balance it on the scale a bit.  I've never had the weight be off by more than 0.1 oz compared to my drop off weights.  Usually they are exactly the same.

[theo2112]

Thank you so much for your help!

[theo2112 · Accepted solution]

Thank you so much for the information!

The scale is in a nice price range and I only have a few items that may be in larger boxes.

[theo2112]

Thank you again for your help!

[theo2112]

Wow!

Thank you for the detailed information and taking the time to explain everything!

Truly appreciated!

[deserdog]

I sell mostly small items. I bought an EK5055 electronic kitchen scale at Wal-mart. Up to 11 lbs.  I always have dimensions and weights writen on my packages. Most of the times, the weight on my scale and at the post office are the same, down to .1 ounce. It cost less than $20.00. If a box is large enough that it overlaps the readout, I have a small square box that i set on the scale, tare it off, and then weigh the package. Uses 2 AAA batteries, and they last a long time. I have been using this scale for years.

[robbie31415]

I don't think a fancy scale is needed.

I have used in the past a walmart kitchen scale that went up to 6 lbs and had no issues.

It was less than $10.

[dryophelia]

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@theo2112 wrote:

Hello,

Any recommendations on what type of scale to use if I decide to use Ebay shipping?

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It doesn't matter where you purchase the label, you will need that scale.