Print quality is ensured in a postage meter system employing an ink system and having settable modes of printing operation by detecting the type of ink system employed in the postage meter system, setting a first mode of printing operation for the postage meter system when the detected ink system is of a first type and setting a second mode of printing operation for the postage meter system when the detected ink system is of a second type. The detected information may be communicated to a data center to obtain modes of operation for the postage meter system and other corrective actions may be implemented. The method and system are applicable to other consumable item systems employing various types of consumable items.