In one embodiment, a postage franking device includes: a scale; an
envelope holder suspended from the scale; a printer supported by the
holder, the printer movable across the print zone; and a controller
electronically coupled to the scale and the printer, the controller
configured to receive information from the scale, access postage, and
direct the printer to print a desired postage in response to information
received from the scale. In another embodiment, a postage franking method
includes: purchasing postage; storing the postage; accessing the stored
postage with a postage franking device having a scale and a printer;
determining a required postage for the envelope based on the weight of
the envelope; if the required postage is less than the stored postage,
then printing the required postage on the suspended envelope; and
deducting the required postage from the stored postage.