Going back and forth on a commercial scale you found online? Tempted by a price that seems almost too good to be true? When it comes to commercial scales, where it’s sourced from matters. The truth is, not every scale on the market is built to handle the precision, reliability, and long-term demands of commercial use.
In this short blog with Accurate Scale, let’s dive into why it’s worth thinking twice before buying commercial scales online, and why we recommend working with an established supplier.
#1: Not All Scales Are Built the Same
While two industrial scales may list the same capacity and accuracy, the components inside can differ significantly in terms of quality.
An industrial-scale unit from a reputable manufacturer is sealed against dust and moisture, mounted to a hardy frame that won’t flex under load, and will often hold its calibration longer. An online listing, on the other hand, might use generic load cells prone to drifting, a thinner frame, and a low-resolution indicator.
#2: Certification Isn’t Always Guaranteed
When it comes to commercial and industrial scales, having the right certifications is rarely optional. While two scales may be technically designed to do one job, the one built to undergo certification and meet a stricter standard offers greater value in many cases.
Additionally, not all certifications can be taken at face value. While uncommon, some certifications may be misrepresented when buying from online retailers, marketplaces, and other sources. In Canada, businesses and operations often require scales that meet recognized standards, such as Legal-for-Trade compatibility. Without these necessary standards, these online scales won’t qualify for Legal-for-Trade commercial certification.
#3: Accuracy Isn’t Always Consistent
The number displayed on the indicator is only as good as the construction, components, and overall design behind it. Unfortunately, scales bought from online retailers often leave much to be desired. These products are typically manufactured under limited quality control and oversight, which means accuracy isn’t always a priority. Unlike established suppliers, online providers don’t always guarantee sufficient load testing or calibration before shipping the unit out.
#4: You’re On the Hook If It Fails
Any upfront savings from buying a scale online are often more than outweighed by a lack of customer service.Buying online is like the Wild West, with limited warranties or safeguards in place to protect buyers from less-than-advertised products. As a result, if something goes wrong, you may be left without support.
Additionally, when a load cell fails on a scale shipped from overseas, the closest qualified technician may not stock the right replacement, and the manufacturer may not respond to warranty claims at all. A reputable supplier, by contrast, has technicians on the road, parts in the warehouse, and a reputation tied to fixing the problem quickly.
Tips For Choosing a Reputable Supplier
Fortunately, there are several simple ways you can help verify that your scale is sourced from a trusted supplier:
- Speak to a Real Person: While straightforward speaking directly to someone is crucial. A reputable supplier stands behind their products and should be readily available to inform you of products, provide quotes, and guide you through all your options.
- Ask Questions: A reputable supplier welcomes any and all inquiries. Make it a point to ask plenty of questions about products, care instructions, scale calibration frequency, and potential worksite integrations.
- Ensure Ongoing Support: Experienced suppliers know their craft, and often also offer additional support, such as custom software, repairs, and scale calibration.
Precision That Holds Up with Accurate Scale
Accurate Scale is a leading scale supplier in Western Canada, with nearly 50 years of well-established roots. We proudly provide start-to-end scale support for all commercial weighing needs, from premium scales to comprehensive repairs and scale calibration.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help scale-up your operations with our all-in-one weighing solutions.