In class last week we discussed the daunting topic of returns. *shudder* Did you know that when retail stores like Barnes & Noble purchase books from the publisher to sell in their stores (be it brick and mortar stores or online), they only buy on consignment? The books we see on shelves can be at any moment whisked away and "returned" to the publisher for the full price of what B&N (or Borders, or a wholesaler, or Amazon) initially paid for them.
I can only imagine what this does to the poor publisher's accounting books! They think they've sold 3,000 books to B&N, deal done. Ha! At any time (even though the contract says 90 to 180 days) they can be returned to the publisher with the expectation of a full refund. And often times the actual books aren't even returned. Covers can be ripped off and sent to save on postage. Or they can just claim that they've sent them back, take the credit from the publisher and order something else. Ridiculous!
I don't know how this crazy system got started, but it really is a bit overwhelming now. Especially to small publishers. The returns can send them spiraling into bankruptcy after a single title turns out poorly, and they can do nothing about it. The big stores have joined forces and have no intention of letting this be changed. So instead of buying a book from a retail giant, try to find the actual publisher's website and buy direct. It's just like buying local produce at the grocery store. Don't give your money to the man. Give it to the people that actually produced, edited, wrote, and published that book you're reading.
Down with the dirty dealing conglomerate retailers! Up with those who have to guts to produce good literature!
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