What Is a Postage Scale?
In 1975, a one ounce letter cost 10 cents to mail with each additional ounce costing 9 cents, significantly lower than 2009's rate of 44 cents for the first ounce and 17 cents for each additional ounce. Because of the continual increase in rates, many people look for solutions to save money on postage. Postage scales are one such solution.
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Background
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The U.S. Postal Service provides a link on its website for consumers to purchase and print their own postage from their home or work printer. To use this service, a person must know the exact weight of their package or letter.
Function
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Mail or packages can be placed upon a postage scale, which will weigh the parcel and give a measurement.
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Types
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Manual postage scales work much like bathroom scales, using the compression of an internal spring to determine weight via a needle that points to a unit. Electronic postage scales use digital sensors to display the exact weight on a lighted display.
Benefits
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By combining postage scales with the U.S. Postal Service's printing system, consumers can be sure they're paying the precise postage necessary rather than overpaying. It also ensures that the parcel will not be delayed due to inadequate postage, which could result in a lost sale for a business or a late fees for a consumer.
Considerations
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When selecting a postage scale, it is important to take into consideration the size of items that will typically be sent in order to ensure the scale is large enough. In addition, those who will frequently be sending packages of varying sizes and weights may wish to invest the extra money needed to purchase an electronic meter, as it provides the most accurate readings.
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