If you sell produce at farmer's markets, then you may have opted to sell things loose rather than packaging them up. Your customers can choose how much they buy.

If you sell by weight, a point-of-sale (POS) scale is a useful investment. Before you choose a system, however, it's important to make sure you get the right features. Which features are good to have?

1. Portability

Scale size might not be an issue for retailers in a store, but it's important if you sell at a market. You don't want to lose too much space in your stall to your scale. You also don't want to lug around a large and heavy scale from market to market.

Look for a model that has a small footprint and a lighter weight. As long as the scale does everything you need it to, its smaller size won't matter.

2. Battery Life

You may not be able to rely on getting power at every market you attend; point locations also aren't always ideal. If you choose a scale with a rechargeable battery, it powers itself and you can put it where you like in the stall.

It's important to choose a scale with a long battery life between charges. You need the scale to work for each market session or day without the battery running out.

3. Cash Drawer Connectivity

Some POS scales can link to a cash drawer. This turns a scale from a basic weighing machine into a till that can weigh. This streamlines customer interactions and your cash management. You won't have to juggle making and finding change in a separate cash box or pocket.

4. Receipt Printing

You can buy a POS scale that prints out receipts. While not all your market customers necessarily ask for a receipt, this is a good option. It makes you look more professional, and customers have something on paper to check if they have a query.

5. Connectivity Support

One POS scale may be all you need right now. Having more than one scale could be useful in the future. For example, if your business grows, you might take on more stall space and staff; and your popularity with market customers could increase.

If you buy a scale that can connect to other scales in the future, then you keep your options open. If you can't handle customer queues on your own, you could set up a scale for another employee as well.

Point-of-sale systems suppliers can tell you more about scales and their features.

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