If you do not need a scale that can automatically set postage on the meter, you can buy any scale you like. There is no need to buy a scale from the meter manufacturer, since there are no compatibility issues between the two pieces of equipment. Your choices are generally more limited if you want the scale to automatically set the correct postage on the meter. There are also third-party scales available, but they often require special interfacing in order to work with postage meters. Incorporating Postage Rate Increases Since scales convert weight into postage, they must be adjusted each time postal rates change.
Most electronic scales use a microchip encoded with rate information.
When rates change, you can purchase a new microchip to incorporate the new rates. Be sure to ask about the charges for a new microchip. Some scale manufacturers charge very high rates for each new chip. Others charge less per chip but store rate information across several chips that must all be individually replaced. A few manufacturers offer extended coverage programs that allow for rate updates at no additional charge.