A customized modular mailing system (10) including a module capable of metering value (14) and having a plurality of disabled operating features that are not available for use is described. The system (10) includes the ability for generating an authorization code for disabling certain designed operating features; and for entering the authorization code into the value metering module (14) whereby the desired combination of operating modules (11, 12, 13, 15) having the desired operating features could be placed in communication with the metering value module (14) to create a desired modular mailing system.(10).