Frequently Asked Questions
Calibration
Q: What is the difference between a Span and a Linearity calibration?
A: A span calibration sets the balance at 2 points, usually zero and full capacity. A linearity calibration sets the balance at 3 points, usually zero, half capacity and full capacity.
Q: How often should a balance be calibrated?
A: To determine how often a balance needs to be calibrated you should first collect a history on the balance. This is done by checking the balance at a set interval and recording the results. The interval should be determined by how sensitive the application is. A good place to start may be once at the beginning of each day for non critical applications or once an hour for critical applications. When the check shows the balance is not weighing correctly it should be calibrated and the calibration noted. You can now use the history to set the intervals. This history can also be used to document and justify the intervals if you are audited. Your state agencies may require a certain time frame for calibrations.
Q: Is readability and accuracy the same thing?
A: No, the readability of a balance is the smallest quantity that the balance will display. Accuracy is the difference between the known weight of a sample and the displayed weight. The accuracy of a balance can be measured only when the balance is in its operating environment.
Q: Can my electronic balance be pre-programmed like the supermarket weighing machines which can give the total price according to the weight? I would like to find out whether the balance can be programmed in such a way so that the amount of a certain drug added to a bag of infusion fluid can be "weighed" since every drug has its own specific gravity. Instead of the price per 100g, the specific gravity is used and from the weight, the amount of drug added is given.
A: Manufacturers typically do not do special programming of their balances unless a lot of units are involved. The cost of programming would make small quantities very expensive. However a lot of balances have an RS232 output to communicate with a computer serial port. Hopefully it’s possible in your application to do the special programming in a computer.
Service
Q: I need to send my balance in for service. Where should I send it and how should it be packed?
A: If you need any type of service or calibration, please contact ScalesForBusiness.com through either the contact us form, the calibration form or by calling our toll free number 1-800-569-8950. A service representative will be glad to discuss your needs with you and prepare you with proper shipping information.
Order Processing
Q: Is my ONLINE order secure?
A: Yes! Please visit the ScalesForBusiness.com Privacy Policy & Security page for more information.
Q: Do you sell customer names to outside marketing companies?
A: NO! Please visit the ScalesForBusiness.com Privacy Policy & Security page for more information.
Q: How long does it take to ship after I order?
A: Please visit the ScalesForBusiness.com Shipping Information page for more information. If you have further questions, please call 1-800-569-8950.
Q: What shipping carrier do you use?
A: For most industrial scales or commercial scales ordered, they will be shipped UPS ground or regular motor freight. Some scales may require special shipping and you will be otherwise notified. Please visit the ScalesForBusiness.com Shipping Information page for more information. If you have further questions, please call 1-800-569-8950.
Q: I prefer tracking my shipments. How can I request a tracking #?
A: Depending on the method of shipment, we usually e-mail the tracking number to you when the product ships. If you do not receive a tracking number and would like more information, please contact ScalesForBusiness.com. If you have further questions, please call 1-800-569-8950.
Q: Do you deliver on weekends?
A: Our shipping rates are based on M-F deliveries. If you require a Saturday delivery, please call ScalesForBusiness.com at 1-800-569-8950 so we may assist you.
Q: Will my order include a receipt?
A: If an order is placed online at ScalesForBusiness.com, a "virtual" receipt is generated. A copy of this receipt is e-mailed to the e-mail address you provide when placing the order. A packaging slip is also included with each shipped order. If any changes are made to the order, via phone or fax, a conventional hardcopy of the receipt is mailed to the billing address of the credit card used.
Q: Do you charge sales tax?
A: Florida and Alabama customers incur applicable sales tax. PLEASE NOTE: Regardless of how we tax (or not tax) sales, you may still be responsible to pay a ‘use tax’ in your local state or municipality. We recommend consulting your local authorities regarding tax laws that may affect you.
Q: Does my product include a warranty?
A: All products are protected by the respective manufacturer warranty. The duration and conditions of the parts and labor warranty vary. Most (but not all) Ohaus® products have a 2-year parts/labor factory warranty. Be sure to submit the manufacturer's warranty card immediately upon receipt. If you have further questions, please call 1-800-569-8950.
Q: Can I just order by phone, or call a toll-free number if I simply have a question?
A: Indeed! ScalesForBusiness.com welcomes your call. Call 1-800-569-8950 whether you wish to place an order or simply ask a question. Be sure to tell us you came from the website ScalesForBusiness.com (for tracking purposes).
Q: Why don’t you publish a list of testimonials…customers that have purchased from you?
A: We recognize a customer referral is considered very valuable and we respect your interest or concern about us and our service integrity. However, we do not publish a list of customer referrals because they would naturally represent only the most favorable—and we prefer to keep our customer-base confidential. Additionally, our customers need not be disturbed by unnecessary queries. Regardless, a listing of anonymous, "glowing" comments from "happy customers" could easily be fabricated. So we elect not to list or provide names of any clients. Suffice to say, in order for us to prosper since 1987 we must be doing something right!
Q: Do you sell simple bathroom scales?
A: We do NOT sell bathroom scales. Basic bathroom scales can be purchased from the local department, or discount retail store. ScalesForBusiness.com is your source for business scales used in commercial and industrial applications.
Q: Can you ship to a different address than the credit card billing address?
A: In order to protect the security and integrity of our credit card customers, we can only ship to the Billing Address of the credit card. There are some exceptions, but that is the general rule, due to incidents of credit card fraud increasing dramatically over the past several years. If you have further questions, please call 1-800-569-8950.
Q: Can you ship ‘Freight Collect’ using our UPS®, FEDEX®, DHL Express® (or any shipping carrier) account number?
A: In most cases, we are able to ship collect using your carrier account number. However, an extra handling charge may be applied to your invoice. You will need to contact us to place a freight collect order. If you have further questions, please call 1-800-569-8950.
Q: Are the scales you sell pre-factory calibrated?
A: Virtually all scales we sell are pre-factory calibrated, but we suggest contacting us to ask if a specific model is not pre-calibrated. In other words, they are designed to be used "right out of the box". HOWEVER, any digital scale can incur minute mechanical variations during transit. Therefore, we always recommend (and so do most manufacturers) calibrating the scale upon receipt. Some scales include a calibration weight, which enables even a novice user to calibrate the scale on-site. Most scales however, do NOT include the optional calibration weight. Since conditions of transit are not within our control, we are unable to "guarantee" a scale arrives perfectly calibrated, and can not incur costs related to such. In most cases, either a calibration weight is included with the scale, or an optional calibration weight is either offered or available for most models. Excluding factory defect, which is typically handled by the respective factory warranty, Scales for Business.com/Atlantic Supply and its vendors/suppliers are to be held harmless regarding this issue. If you have further questions, please call 1-800-569-8950.