Being Scale Savvy
July's Weights & Measures Tip

During the summertime, many farms begin offering “pick your own fruit” sales. These sales are a great way to get outside with your family and purchase delicious, fresh fruit. As you may know, many places give visitors a bucket or basket in which to put their fruit. When making your purchase, the weight of your bucket or basket should not be included with the weight of your produce. According to State Law, the weight of your container is considered a “tare weight” and is not to be included in the weight of your goods.

You can ensure you are not paying for this additional weight by watching the scale when your items are placed upon it. The scale should read 0.00 pounds before your fruit is weighed, without any container. If your goods are weighed while they are still in a bucket, the scale should indicate a negative weight before the items are placed on the weighing surface, in order to offset the weight of the container.

Make sure the business is taking proper tare by setting your empty bucket on the scale. The scale should indicate that the bucket’s weight is 0.00 pounds.

For example, let’s say you are paying $5.99 per pound and the container itself weights 1.5 pounds. If proper tare were not taken into consideration, you would be paying nearly $9.00 for your goods. Even if the bucket weighed just half of a pound, you would be over-paying nearly $3.00. When it comes to the scale, every little bit makes a difference.

Please be aware, these rules apply anywhere you purchase goods by the pound. Have a safe and happy summer!


By Shaun Bland, a Medina County Auditor's Office Weights and Measures Inspector