A scanner system and method for improving capture rate of reading labels with add-ons without sacrificing throughput with respect to non-add-on labels, the scanner including a mode in which the scanner in conjunction with the host (point-of-sale terminal) “learns” over time which base label codes will have associated add-ons. As the scanner successfully reads both a base label and its add-on data, the base label data is stored in a list in the scanner's memory. The required number of reads of base label or the timeout timer value may be adjusted based upon whether add-ons are expected or not corresponding to future scans of a base label corresponding to that of one in the list store. Base label statistics on successful base label and associated add-on reads, as well as ordering and selective storage of base label information based on frequency of base label occurrence may also be provided.