Having an accurate shipping scale is indispensable for Amazon FBA sellers to properly weigh packages and calculate shipping costs. The exact dimensions and weight of every shipment must be entered into Amazon Seller Central when sending inventory to Amazon.
Choosing the right scale suited to your volume needs and workflow saves significant time weighing packages while avoiding potentially costly shipping errors from incorrect weights.
In this guide, we’ll recommend the best types of shipping scales for FBA sellers to consider, available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Digital Bench Scales
Digital bench scales sit on a table or counter and are ideal for high volume weighing.
Key Features
- Weight capacity: Select scales that can measure the heaviest packages in your shipment. 100+ lbs is common.
- Readability: Scales with higher precision readabilities like 0.1 oz provide more accurate weight measurements.
- Platform size: Choose platform sizes that accommodate the largest box sizes you ship without overhanging.
- Connectivity: Look for USB, Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity to send weights directly to a computer.
- Durability: Commercial grade scales last through daily use in warehouse environments. Avoid cheap consumer models.
Recommended Product
- Weighmax 330 Lb Digital Shipping Scale – Durable bench scale available with 330 lb capacity.
Handheld Scales
Compact handheld scales offer portability for weighing packages in multiple locations.
Key Features
- Weight capacity: A 50 lb capacity accommodates most shipments. Make sure weights don’t exceed the limit.
- Readability: 0.1 oz is ideal readability for accurate shipping weights. Higher precision is better.
- Display: Easy to read digital displays show the weight clearly without needing to crouch down. Backlit for low light.
- Portability: Look for lightweight scales under 3 lbs for comfortable carrying around to packages.
- Auto-off: Handheld scales shut off quickly when idle to conserve battery life. Long battery life is also useful.
Recommended Product
- ACCUTECK All-In-One Digital Scale – Portable handheld shipping scale available on Amazon with 50 lb capacity.
Electronic Platform Scales
Low profile electronic platform scales sit flush on the floor for weighing large heavy packages or pallets.
Key Features
- Capacity: Select heavier 500+ lb capacities to weigh pallets, large boxes and multiple packages all at once.
- Pallet size: Measure your pallet size and choose platform scales accommodating the full dimensions.
- Readability: 0.05 lb precision or higher provides reliably accurate measurements for platforms.
- Connectivity: Look for USB, wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity to send weights electronically to a computer.
- Ramp/pit options: Ramp scales have inclined ramps while pit scales are installed in a recessed pit in the floor.
Recommended Product
- Prime Systems Roll-On-Weigh Heavy-Duty Pallet Jack Scale – Rugged pallet scale available on Amazon with 3000 lb capacity.
Key Shipping Scale Features
Beyond the form factors, optimize your shipping scale for FBA by looking for these key features:
Certified Accuracy
- Seek scales with certifications like Legal for Trade for guaranteed accuracy. Reduces errors.
Quick Response Time
- Scales with faster response times provide stable final weights more quickly after placing a package.
Programmable Tare Weight
- Automatically tare out the weights of boxes, bubble wrap and other materials for one step weighing.
Battery Backup
- Battery powered scales can still operate for a period during power failures to avoid workflow disruptions.
Investing in a quality shipping scale tuned to your specific needs helps streamline the critical weighing steps in your order fulfillment workflow. Accurate package weights keep Amazon happy and prevent costly carrier billing corrections.
Conclusion
Weighing success begins with investing in the right shipping scale for your Amazon FBA shipment volumes and workflows. An accurate, durable scale pays dividends over time with problem-free fulfillment.