a price maintenance system and method in which price information entered into or read from a price - lookup file is shared to avoid price mismatch . the price - lookup file and price changes to the price - lookup file are shared by a point - of - service system including a bar code scanner , and a routine for printing labels . the system includes a computer coupled to the point - of - service system which updates the prices within the price - lookup file and sends the updated prices to the label printing routine for printing by a printing system . an electronic shelf label system may also share the price - lookup file and price changes to the price - lookup file .