When I first started selling on Amazon, I mustered a shipment of books from my time at university. I remember that shipment clearly because I was excited about the idea of Amazon fulfilling goods on my behalf.
I was also anxious because I wanted everything to go smoothly. But that wasn’t going to happen as I was reluctant to invest in any equipment. Not even in the essentials like a shipping scale. And I didn’t until later.
Why?
Well, partly because I had a small fund. Partly because the first shipment was an experiment. But mainly because, deep down, I didn’t think selling used books was going to work. That’s the truth. But financially, I was not in the position for an internal debate. I just had to send that first shipment and see.
If you are seriously considering an FBA business model such as bookselling, I would recommend investing in the essentials. Including a digital shipping scale. I personally use the Smart Weigh EasyUse digital shipping scale.
The Smart Weigh EasyUse digital shipping and postal scale
The EasyUse digital shipping and postal scale by the brand Smart Weigh is a popular choice in the reselling community. Mainly because it’s affordable and offers great value for money.
It was designed for a variety of weighing purposes, for both light and heavy packages. I can’t comment on its accuracy for weighing light packages. But it can weigh large packages (up to 50 kg / 110 lb) with good accuracy.
Let’s take a closer look at this shipping scale so that you can better decide whether it’s the right for you.
Key features
- Extendable, backlit LCD display unit
- Tare weighing function
- High precision sensors
- Multiple reading modes including g, kg, lb, and lb: oz
- High weighing capacity (up to 50kg / 110lbs)
Appearance
The Smart Weight EasyUse shipping scale comes in an all-black colour. The simplicity of the scale in shape adds to its reliable but elegant appearance. It also feels heavy and strong but it can still be carried around easily.
This product is 20.32 x 20.32 x 4.57 cm.
The scale has an extendable cord which connects it to a backlit LCD display unit, making display readings easy to read. The other neat thing about this scale is that you can use it for a variety of purposes. It has the ability to display readings in g, kg, lb, and lb: oz.
Weighing accuracy
When it comes to weighing the accuracy of this scale, people’s views vary. I’ve read many claims of it weighing super light packages inaccurately. I personally can’t comment on this as I mainly use it to weigh heavy packages.
If therefore you ship small packages regularly, this scale might not meet your needs, especially as accuracy is important. Instead, consider investing in a postal scale, which are made solely for weighing postal packages.
In most cases, however, this scale is reasonably accurate. I’ve shipped over 15,000 used bricks, sorry I mean books, to Amazon FBA and haven’t experienced any major issues.
Build quality
This EasyUse shipping scale doesn’t just appear durable, it actually is. It’s strong, well made and reliable. I can attest to this. I’ve been using it on almost a daily bases, weighing heavy packages (up to 30 kg), and it has survived.
Not only has it lasted but it still weighs precisely (I think — I’ll need to check as I’ve had it for a while).
Based on my experience alone, this scale has a high build quality. And a helper that you can count on, regardless of how frequently you ship.
Pros
- Precise
- Strong, well built and reliable
- Clear and easy to read display readings
- Versatile
- Affordable
Cons
- Could weigh smaller shipments more accurately
Verdict
Overall, EasyUse digital shipping scale is a decent scale and great for weighing heavy packages. I’ve been using it regularly for the last 18 months and I haven’t yet experienced any major issues.
The best part? It’s affordable. So you are sure to a get a good bang for your buck.
This scale is great for FBA shipments. Speaking of which, if you are just beginning and money is tight, why not use your bathroom scale for the first few shipments, as I did?
Similar scales
In you’re UK market, the ProShip large digital scale is a good alternative to the Smart Weigh EasyUse shipping scale. It’s a lot more expensive but has a 181 kg weighing capacity.
If you’re based in the USA, the Accuteck ShipPro is a good alternative to the Smart Weigh EasyUse shipping scale. In fact, they are almost the same. The former, however, is cheaper but has a slightly less weighing capacity.
If capacity is important, the Smart Weigh Heavy Duty shipping scale might be right for you. It has a capacity of 200 kg and is rated highly. Understandably it’s more expensive than the Smart Weigh EasyUse but it won’t break the bank.