How to choose the right scales for trading?

A mandatory attribute in both retail and wholesale commercial activities is a commercial scale that complies with GOST. According to the current legal regulations, each trading floor or retail store must have special weighing equipment. Therefore, every second entrepreneur faces the problem of choosing scales at the beginning of commercial activity, as there are many models from different manufacturers on the market.

Electronic or mechanical

The question of choosing between electronic and mechanical scales is no longer so relevant. Today, almost everyone is inclined to more modern models of electronic equipment with a built-in battery. The exact weight of the goods is determined on a small monitor. Mechanical scales are equipped with a special measuring spring and work regardless of the availability of electricity. However, electronic scales most accurately reflect the weight of the goods, so it is recommended to choose them.

Errors in weight measurement

No manufacturer can confidently point to a specific model of electronic scales and claim that it displays the mass of the goods without error. The error rate can be found in the operating instructions. This is perhaps the most important parameter to pay attention to when choosing weighing equipment.

Electronic trading scales in stores that are used for retail sales have a maximum weight capacity. For some models, it is 15 kg, for others - 30 kg. It is important to note that the greater the weight that can be determined on the scale, the greater the error rate. Therefore, for retail outlets that sell products in small retail, it makes no sense to purchase scales with a CER of 30 kg, even if their cost is slightly lower.

As a rule, manufacturers indicate the discreteness rate in their technical documentation. Many people mistakenly believe that discreteness and error are identical concepts, but this is not entirely true. For example, when weighing a product, the scale displays a mass of 2 kg, but if you add a small load weighing 3 grams, the total mass displayed on the scale will be 2005 grams. In this case, the error of the device will be 2 grams, and the discreteness will be 5.

It is noteworthy that when weighing a product weighing 2.5 kg, the maximum error of electronic scales with a high range will be 5 g, but if you place a product weighing 10 kg on the device, the error level will be 20 g. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase a device with maximum weight values unless there is a special need. GOST provides for a permissible error for scales used in retail stores. This figure should not be more than 5 g. For wholesale outlets, it is advisable to use special weighing equipment, in which the developers have provided a multi-range mode for maximum measurement accuracy. In such devices, the mass measurement interval is divided into 3 parts, each of which has an independent discreteness indicator. The use of such devices guarantees high accuracy in weight measurement.

Additional functions of weighing equipment

Many models of electronic scales provide additional options, such as:

• stainless steel coating
• additional protection against moisture
• equipment with a remote or built-in indicator
• choice of food type
  

Before buying an electronic scale, it is important to study the conditions in which the device will be used. If the room is damp and cold, it is advisable to consider purchasing a device with additional protection against moisture and a stainless steel coating.

With or without a rack

Almost all models of electronic weight measuring devices are equipped with two displays: for the buyer and for the seller. They simultaneously display information about the weight of the goods and their total cost.

Scales without a rack

A compact device for measuring the weight of goods of any size. Such scales do not take up much space and are suitable for use in small retail outlets. Depending on the model, the display for the customer can be integrated into the body or carried out on a cord.

Scales with a rack

Such models of electronic measuring equipment are in great demand among private entrepreneurs. The display for the buyer is located on the rack. In some models, it can be adjusted so that the necessary information about the product is displayed at the customer's eye level. Commodity scales with a rack take up more space and have one significant drawback: when weighing goods with large dimensions, the rack can get in the way.

The platform in electronic scales can be made of plastic or stainless steel. In the first case, the cost of the devices will be much cheaper, and in the second case, they will last much longer.

How additional functionality affects the cost of weighing equipment

Almost every electronic scale has additional features. As practice shows, this functionality is practically not used. The most popular ones include:

• calculation of the cost of goods
• calculation of the amount of change
• value programming

For both wholesale and retail trade, the standard range of functionality of the device is quite enough:

• reset to zero
• entering the cost of goods
• several taring modes

Modern electronic scales can be equipped with the following additional features:

• availability of a weighing bowl
• the device is operated using a rechargeable battery
• an additional display showing the cost and weight of the goods
• wireless monitor
• adaptability to certain climatic conditions
  

 When choosing an electronic scale, you should pay special attention to the display, which must meet a number of key requirements:

• good kut ogliadu
• acceptable brightness and contrast of the displayed information
• the presence of a matrix string for displaying text data
• long battery life (if the device operates with a rechargeable battery)
  

 The display of electronic weighing equipment is of 3 types:

• LED
• vacuum
• liquid crystal

Scales with touch-screen technology are considered to be the most modern and convenient to use. These are devices in which the functions of the display and keyboard are combined into one. The advantages of using such equipment are obvious, but their cost exceeds the prices of standard analogs.

Scales for trade

Today, several types of weighing equipment are used in trade:

• commercial and counter scales
• self-service weighing devices
• scales for packing goods
• warehouse weighing equipment

Commercial scales, regardless of the type, have one common feature - automatic calculation of the total cost of goods. The device determines the weight, and the seller enters the cost of the goods using the integrated keyboard. This allows the customer to see the final price on the display. To decide on the choice of scales, it is important to familiarize yourself with each type in more detail.

Counter scales

Such models of weighing equipment are equipped with special functions:

• an integrated calculator that allows the seller to calculate the cost of several products;
• the ability to calculate the amount of change (this feature should not be taken seriously, since in accordance with the current legal regulations, outlets must beequipped with special cash registers, which are used to make the final payment to the buyer).

Electronic scales with the PLU function (hotkeys) can greatly simplify the work of the seller. Standard counter models, as a rule, have only 28 memory cells, which is much less than the assortment of retail outlets. In this case, it is recommended to enter the cost per kilogram of only the most popular products and "bind" each type of product to a specific key. When weighing the goods, the seller just needs to press the appropriate button. Scales with the PLU function have the ability to store data on the goods sold during the day and their quantity. This allows the owners of retail outlets to conduct marketing research.
 
Hypermarket sales areas are usually equipped with self-service scales. Such devices, in addition to determining the weight of the goods, print labels that display important information for the buyer:

• name, weight and cost of the product
• shelf life
• warehouse
• price per kilogram
  

Such electronic scales are characterized by high cost and maintenance, so it is not advisable to purchase such equipment for retail outlets.

Scales for packing

The most common type of weighing equipment. It is mainly used in retail outlets where there is a need for frequent packaging of goods. These scales are also widespread in catering establishments. Their high accuracy allows the manufacturer to correctly observe the proportions. It is also advisable to use such devices at points of sale of piece goods, as well as in laboratories or manufacturing plants. Packing scales allow you to measure the weight of the product in percent or carats. The developers also provide a weight limit function.

Wags for the warehouse

Platform scales are widely used in warehouses. This type of weighing equipment has the largest weighing range. The most common models allow you to determine the mass of goods in the range from 60 kg to 2 tons. The width of the day directly depends on the weighing range. Such devices have a function of determining the weight of containers. To take advantage of this feature, you should place an empty package on the usable area of the device and indicate "tare" on the display. When weighing the goods, the weight of the packaging will be calculated automatically.

 
The warehouse scales have another useful feature - the ability to measure unstable weight. This function is relevant when weighing liquid tanks. After placing the container on the scales, the mass of the canister is unstable due to the mobility of the contents. The unstable weight detection option allows the device to detect the difference and show the average value on the display.

Wimogi to trade wags

Manufacturers of weighing equipment are ready to offer a wide range of models. The most popular are devices that have a label printing function. This allows you to label the goods without any hassle and automatically determine the amount of the weight purchase depending on the weight or quantity. One of the key requirements for scales used in retail stores is that they be connected to the network. In hypermarket sales areas, you can find self-service weighing devices that are connected to a computer.

When choosing scales, it is important to pay attention to the ability to automatically calculate the cost of the weighed goods. In small retail outlets, you can see how sellers use calculators in addition to electronic scales. This is necessary to determine the total purchase amount. Today, manufacturers of weighing equipment are actively introducing new technologies into devices that allow them to automatically make complex calculations. This will greatly simplify the process of selling weighing goods.

When buying weighing equipment, it is important to determine the scope of its application. If you need the device exclusively for weighing, then there is no point in overpaying and buying models with unnecessary functionality. However, it is worth paying attention to the presence of two displays for the seller and the buyer. This requirement is mandatory. If the electronic scales will be operated in high humidity conditions, it is recommended to consider models with waterproofing and stainless steel coating. When buying a device, you should be guided by its functionality, not its cost. Otherwise, the purchase may become pointless.

Reliability of electronic weighing equipment

Reliability is one of the most important criteria when choosing a scale. When buying, it is important to pay attention to the cost of repairing the device, as well as the price of consumables, such as paint, label printing tape, etc.

It's worth noting that the popular Shtrih-M and Massa-K models are among the most sophisticated computing equipment, the regular operation of which simply cannot do without significant breakdowns. Many large retail chains have their own service centers, whose employees promptly fix problems. Also, the seller of the weighing equipment may offer maintenance services (rarely). This is extremely important to consider when buying. To repair such equipment, a private entrepreneur will need to contact either a private craftsman or the manufacturer's service department. In both cases, the repair will be accompanied by material and time costs. Therefore, as an alternative, private traders are advised to give preference to foreign models of weighing equipment.

According to statistics, problems arising from the constant operation of the products of the mentioned manufacturers are extremely rare. Weighing devices from foreign manufacturers will be more expensive than domestic counterparts, but the reliability and durability of operation is much higher. It is also important to keep in mind that, in accordance with the current legal regulations, any commercial weighing equipment used for commercial purposes is subject to constant audits for compliance with the permissible error rates. Such an audit should be carried out by employees of authorized structures at least once a year, as well as after service maintenance of weighing equipment. The requirement for regular inspections applies exclusively to commercial devices that determine the settlement between the seller and the buyer. Other scales are commonly referred to as technological scales, which are not required to be checked by the executive authorities.

Weighing equipment and computerized trading systems

In hypermarkets, all weighing devices must be integrated into a single point-of-sale system. Therefore, when buying weighing equipment, it is important to start choosing from a trading system, each of which has a list of compatible scale models. Pay attention to Torgsoft: we have an additional option to connect scales to the accounting program.

Conclusion

The quality of weighing equipment is a key factor that entrepreneurs rely on when choosing a device. This criterion consists of some important features of such equipment:

• availability of after-sales service
• reliability
• duration and operating conditions
• cost of spare parts and consumables
• availability of customization and maintenance
• simplicity of the interface
• compatibility with the electronic trading system or the cost of integration

To choose a scale, entrepreneurs usually turn either to system administrators for advice or to specialized specialists. When choosing electronic scales, you should also take into account individual preferences. With identical technical features, one model may seem somewhat more attractive or convenient than another. It is important to remember that the cost of the device is the last thing you should pay attention to.

To find the right electronic scales on your own, you should pay attention to the following features of such devices:

• range of the determined mass
• presence or absence of a rack
• design solution of the device
• the material from which the platform is made (plastic is used in the manufacture of more budget models, but for greater reliability, it is recommended to give preference to scales with a metal coating)
• domestic or foreign manufacturer
• compatibility or the ability to integrate scales with an electronic trading system.
  

The price of trading scales depends on these parameters.

These are the key features of weighing equipment that an entrepreneur should pay attention to before purchasing a device. The purchase of commercial scales is one of the most important features of organizing your own commercial activity, which should be treated with the utmost responsibility.

Conclusion

The choice of scales for a store should begin with the choice of a program for automation and organization of accounting. If you want to organize an automated system with connected scales in your store, then pay attention to the Torgsoft program. With the help of an additional option, you can connect the scales to the program, set up a receipt printer and greatly facilitate the work of the staff! Our online store offers a wide range of scales that are 100% compatible with Torgsoft. In addition, you will receive free connection and delivery of any equipment that you order from us. For details, please contact the order department.