a postage meter which imprints non - dollar amount indicia representative of postage value determining information . the meter receives postage value determining information , such as mail piece weight , associated with particular mail pieces ; computes the corresponding postage ; imprints the particular envelope with the postage value determining information ; and accounts for the postage thus expended . because the range of postage value determining information is small compared the possible range of postage setting information the meter to print is quicker and easier . in one embodiment the meter also prints a validating indicia which assures that the rates used to compute the postage value are valid . in another embodiment the postage value determining information includes information which characterizes a batch of mail , for example as being entitled to a pre - sort discount .