A method for selectively printing different messages on labels printed by an
in-store
scale involves providing an in-store scale including a label printing mechanism
with a supply of labels and a communications link for receiving information from
a site external to the store. The scale label printing mechanism is configured
in a first state and, during the first state, simultaneous printing of two types
of information on a first label takes place. In particular, both (i) product information
for a specified product to which the first label will be applied and (ii) a first
message pertaining to a product which is different than the specified product to
which the first label will be applied, are printed on the first label. The in-store
scale receives a message control signal via the communications link which configures
the scale label printing mechanism in a second state. During the second state,
simultaneous printing of two types of information on a second label takes place.
In particular, both (i) product information for a specified product to which the
second label will be applied and (ii) a second message, different than the first
message, and also pertaining to a product which is different than the specified
product to which the second label will be applied, are printed on the second label.