"Legal" scales

[JSVLaundry]

I have seen scales with baskets that are "Not Legal". I also remeber a while back that my mom had problems with this type of scale. It was not legal for her to use it and she had to buy another scale.

Why are these scales "Not Legal"?

Vinny

[Anonymous]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think it has something to do with being lower quality such that the calibration is not accurate enough to give consistant readings each and every time it is used. It is good enough for inhouse measuring, but not good enough when used to bill people based on weight.

[Anonymous]

Kirby is pretty much right.

A scale of lower quality can probably never be "legal". I own a grocery store and we have three scales. In my state, in order for a scale to be legal it has to be registered with the state weights and measurements department. Not only do I pay a tax for this "priviledge", but they show up once a year and test my scales to be sure they measure consistentaly to the micro-ounce. I can't imagine a low quality scale being able to pass these tests.

Know your state's regulations on scales and measurements. The fines can be pretty hefty...... and be sure you charge only for net weight.

-dave.

[JSVLaundry]

What do you mean "net" weight?

Do you mean excluding the bag? We include this in the wash. Dry vs. wet clothes?

I also pay a yealy tax and am subjected to a yearly inspection. When this is done, the inspector comes in with about 8 different wieghts totalling about 50 pounds. He checks all different combinations.

My mom got burnt once for the "not legal" scale once a while back. I do remember that the fine was a little excessive.

Vinny

[cesar]

In Mass. it's the same way, any legal scale used in trade has to be registerd with the state. You pay to register the scale and to get the the scale inspected and stickerd every year. You see the same stickers on gas pumps.

Net weight is the weight after you subtract the weight of the container or bag or whatever the thing came in. But I suppose if you wash the laundry bag with the load you would just charge gross weight.