Balancing act

Back when I started as a technician a 300g balance with 2 decimal place accuracy was about the price of a small car; currently they're around the price of a TV set and rapidly falling. So the [expletive deleted] examiners decided that they wanted students to start using 3 place accuracy if possible, and marking accordingly. And they're still expensive, about a thousand quid for a good one.

But I've just managed to persuade a VERY reputable balance manufacturer to sell us a 300g balance with three decimal place accuracy for £295, about a third of the usual price. It's reconditioned but fully guaranteed, and ought to be ideal for our needs. I am, in consequence, feeling VERY smug...