I use a Starfrit scale I got at Canadian Tire. It is tiny but accurately weighs up to 5 kilos. Larger ones may be available. Mine cost about $15-20. Worth every penny. Check their online catalogue.
Next time you are at the grocery store, buy a couple of staples that come in standard sizes. Like a kilo of flour or 500 grams of sugar.
Use those to find out where the inaccuracy of your scale is and then adjust your thinking.
I used to have a scale that was consistently showing 10 grams over. Once I knew the problem I could use it with confidence, just by subtracting 10 grams from whatever weight it showed.
Then you can print your Paypal labels and dump the labelled packages into the nearest mailbox, even if that is outside the PO. The parcels will go directly to the terminal and the PO clerk will not be second guessing you.
Errrrr-- what do you mean about avoiding Free Shipping? I don't use it much myself, but it can be a good sales technique. The trick is that you include the cost of DOMESTIC shipping into the asking price, then use Flat Rate Shipping, reduced by the domestic rate for USA and overseas.
For example, you want to sell a widget for $10.
Shipping within Canada is $3.75 (500 grams lettermail).
You list the item at $13.75 with Free Shipping to Canada.
A US customer will see the item as $13.75 with $4.05 shipping (The lettermail rate is actually $7.80)
A European customer will see the item as $13.75 with $11.45 shipping (The lettermail rate is actually $$15.20)
EBay will reward you with 5 stars for your Detailed Shipping Rating on ANY sale.
