At some point in publishing time, it was decided that people who buy and read books can return them for refunds. If they read a book and decide they don't like it, they can return it and get a refund. Expressing your dismay at such a ridiculous business practice merits only a deep sigh and an "I know, I know" response. I've read where it's called "librarying" - purchasing a book to read, liking it or not, and returning it for a full refund at the store or online.
Bookstores insist on returning copies if/when they've ordered too many. Who's the brainiac that thought this was okay? Good business people decide what they might need and order accordingly. If they make a mistake about the popularity of an item and find themselves approaching inventory time with too many of an item on the shelf, they do what's called "blow them out" and take the hit. Sometimes they can break even by running them for sale at their cost or if the markup was substantial, they might get away with a cost plus 10% sale price. That practice is the only one that should be available to bookstores and any other businesses selling books. Authors and publishers should not have to foot the bill for people who make bad orders, or for people who want to play library with books that are for sale!
How and why did this ever become a practice in bookselling? Can someone give me a logical reason for this?!
Father, you know the answers to all the mysteries of good and bad practices on this earth. You must just shake your head and roll your eyes at us. Thank you for your patience and grace. We're desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.