Abstract: Method and apparatus for central inventory control as particularly adapted for retail vending wherein all merchandise is made to carry a coded identifier ticket characteristic of the product. Upon sale of the product the identifier ticket may be removed and at periodic times all accrued identifier tickets can be processed through a label sorter and reader to compile data for input to a central computer which then provides various forms of inventory readout to the user entity. More particularly, the invention utilizes a form of identifier ticket adapted for gummed adhesion and tear-off from the product, and the removed identifier ticket is then processed in a sorting and reading apparatus to provide recorded as well as instantaneous output for input to an associated computer or other peripheral equipment.