Abstract: A system has a central store computer and a multiplicity of electronic shelf labels (ESLs). Each label has a means to detect the presence of an ESL-mounted shelf talker. The system automatically audits the store for the proper set of installed shelf talkers. The detection means is an optical port, a pressure sensor such as a button, or a capacitive sensor. The sensor will detect the presence of the shelf talker as well as the absence of the shelf talker. The talker may snap into a recessed optical port, the recessed port serving as a mounting mechanism as well, thus ensuring a more reliable indication that the shelf talker is installed. The sensor may be a capacitive sensor, detecting the presence of a metallized region on the shelf talker.