Abstract: A system for preparing an item for mailing includes an information storage device for storing information as a plurality of information elements. A printing device is operatively connected to the information storage device for printing selected ones of the information elements, including address information relating to a preselected addressee and billing information relating to a particular account. The system further includes a postage metering device which receives the item after the printing device prints the selected information elements and applies an indicium of a postage amount on the item to be mailed according to at least one parameter associated with that item. The postage metering device includes a data input device for receiving data and a recording device for recording reporting information including the billing information and the postage amount for the item prepared for mailing.