Sell by Weight in register #
The Sell by Weight feature allows businesses to weigh items directly at checkout and automatically calculate pricing based on the item’s unit of measure. This ensures accurate totals, streamlined workflows, and seamless syncing to QuickBooks Online.
This feature is ideal for businesses selling:
- Bulk goods
- Chocolates & candy
- Produce
- Deli or specialty food items
- Any product priced per pound, ounce, kilogram, or gram
To enable Sell by Weight, complete two setup steps:
- Configure your scale at the workstation level
- Enable Sell by Weight on applicable items
Note: Scale settings are managed per workstation. Each workstation using a scale must be configured individually.
Compatible Scales #
Below is a list of compatible scales.
The compatible scale list reflects models our team has worked with through our Ability Integrated Scale solution for QuickBooks POS. Our prior hands-on experience with these models gives us a strong foundation for supporting configuration within register. Final setup and communication settings may vary by environment.
✔ = Tested in-house
Scales not marked as tested may require custom configuration.
| Scale | Notes | Tested In-house |
|---|---|---|
| Avery 7820 | ||
| Avery Weigh-Tronix 67xx Series | ✓ | |
| Avery Weigh-Tronix 37xx Series | ||
| Avery Weigh-Tronix 6712 | ||
| CAS PD Series Type 5 | ✓ | |
| CAS PD Series Type 2 | ✓ | |
| AND Everest Series | ✓ | |
| Salter Brecknell ESA Series | ||
| NCR 78xx Series | ||
| Ohaus PAJGold Series | ||
| Ohaus Scout Pro | ||
| Rice Lake TP Series | ||
| Mettler Toledo JB 3002 | ||
| Mettler Toledo Ariva Series | ✓ | |
| Magellan 8500 Series | ||
| Honeywell MS24x0 | ||
| Honeywell MS24xx0 Single Cable | ✓ | |
| Custom Configuration | Contact us to learn more and discuss your needs. |
1. Scale Setup #
To configure a scale:
On the workstation:
- Navigate to Menu – Settings – Hardware
- Select Manage Scales
- Enter the required scale settings
| Setting | Definition |
|---|---|
| COM Port | The communication port on the workstation used to connect to the scale (e.g., COM3, COM4). This must match the port assigned to the scale in your computer’s device settings. |
| Scale Configuration: Select the scale profile | The selected scale profile is used to interpret data from the connected scale. This ensures register reads weight data in the correct format for the specific scale model. |
| Scale Max Capacity | The maximum weight the scale can measure. This value should match the manufacturer’s specifications (e.g., 30 lb, 60 lb). |
| Accuracy | The smallest weight increment the scale can measure (e.g., 0.01 lb, 0.005 kg).This determines how precise the weight calculation will be at checkout. |
| Unit of Measure | The unit used for weighing items (e.g., pounds, ounces, kilograms, grams).The unit selected here must align with how the item is priced in register. |
| Software Tare Weight | A global preset weight subtracted automatically from the total weight.This is typically used to account for containers, packaging, or trays so customers are only charged for the product itself. |
After Entering Settings
Select Save and Connect Scale to activate the configuration.
Select Show Scale Output Console to view the scale window.
| Other Settings | Definition |
|---|---|
| Show/Hide Scale Settings | Controls whether advanced scale configuration fields are visible in the settings panel. The following settings in Italics are preconfigured for each scale profile. |
| Baud Rate | The speed at which data is transmitted between the scale and the workstation.This must match the scale’s communication settings (common values include 9600 or 19200). |
| Data Bits | The number of bits used to represent each character of data sent from the scale.This setting must match the scale’s configured output format (commonly 7 or 8). |
| Stop Bits | Indicates the end of a data packet during communication. Typical settings are 1 or 2 stop bits and must match the scale configuration. |
| Parity | A basic form of error checking used during communication.Common settings include None, Even, or Odd. This must align with the scale’s output configuration. |
| Read Command Codes | Specific command instructions sent to the scale to request weight data. These codes tell the scale when to transmit its current reading. |
| Term Character Codes | Characters that signal the end of a data transmission from the scale.These help register recognize when a complete weight value has been received. |
| Regex Pattern | A formatting rule used to extract the numeric weight value from the raw data string sent by the scale. This ensures only the correct weight data is captured during checkout. |
| Save and Connect Scale | Saves the current configuration settings and attempts to establish communication with the scale. |
| Delete Scale Configuration | Removes the saved scale setup from the workstation.This is typically used when replacing a scale or correcting incorrect configuration settings. |
| Show Scale Output Console | Displays the raw data being transmitted from the scale in real time. This tool is helpful for troubleshooting communication or formatting issues. |
2. Item Setup #
To enable an item to sell by weight:
- Navigate to Menu – Items
- Select the desired item
- Enable Sell by Weight
Optional:
- Enable Quick Pick if you want the item readily accessible at checkout
3. Test the Scale and Item #
After completing setup:
- Place the item on the scale
- Add the item to a sale
- Confirm that:
- The weight is captured correctly
- The price calculates accurately
- The total syncs as expected
- The weight is captured correctly
Testing ensures the workstation, scale, and item configuration are properly aligned before going live.
Scale Purchasing & Support #
Working with a Local Scale Dealer #
We strongly recommend purchasing and servicing your scale through a qualified local scale dealer.
A local dealer can assist with:
- Selecting the correct scale for your business needs
- Installation and physical setup
- Legal-for-trade certification (if required in your state)
- Calibration and maintenance
- Troubleshooting hardware-related issues
While register integrates with compatible scales, Ability Business does not provide hardware repair, certification, or physical scale support.
All scale hardware issues including calibration, certification, display problems, or internal malfunctions must be addressed by your scale dealer or manufacturer.
Having a reliable local dealer ensures your scale remains compliant, accurate, and properly maintained.
Scale Custom Configuration for register #
Custom Scale Configuration Services #
If you are using a scale that is not listed as compatible, we may be able to assist with configuration.
Ability Business offers custom configuration services for scales we have not previously worked with. We will make every effort to configure the scale remotely using manufacturer documentation and testing tools.
However, in some cases, remote configuration may not be possible. If required:
- The scale may need to be shipped to our office for testing and configuration.
- The end user is responsible for all shipping charges, including insurance.
- Ability Business is not responsible for damage incurred during transit.
Please note:
- Not all scales are compatible with register.
- Successful configuration depends on the scale’s ability to transmit readable serial output data.
- Custom configuration services may require billable consulting time.
If you are considering a new scale purchase, we recommend contacting us prior to ordering to confirm compatibility.
Troubleshooting Section #
Common Setup Issues
- Scale not connecting → Verify COM port
- Incorrect weight reading → Confirm accuracy and unit of measure
- No data captured → Check baud rate and communication settings
