Book Returns :(

Not many people are aware that bookstores have the right to return books to publishers within one year of the date of purchase. I can't think of any other industry where this is done; imagine if grocery stores could return bruised tomatoes, or food long past their sell-by date? It can be a real headache because some bookstores abuse this privilege, but thankfully not many do. Some publishers have reprinted books only to find the first printing coming back in droves; it can be a real guessing game. Several years ago, one large chain bookstore almost took down the Canadian publishing industry when they returned millions of $'s worth of books to publishers.
There are certain rules bookstores must follow before returning books: 1. returns must be in mint, resaleable condition; 2. may be returned between three months and one year of invoice date; 3. invoice number and date purchased must be included; 4. returns are for credit only. It's not unusual for bookstores to ask for money back or to return damaged (shopworn) books, and sometimes return books long after the one year date of purchase. Although I don't issue cheques for returned books, I do normally overlook receiving shopworn books and swallow the loss (hence starting up Gussy Buster Boy's Bargain Basement Books). However, today, I was annoyed enough with one bookstore to actually refuse to issue a credit note to them for the $42.95 book they returned. I faxed them this note:
I'm sorry but we can not issue a credit for this book. It was rec'd in damaged condition and no care was taken to pack it properly for sending it back to us. It was shipped in a used envelope with no padding or protection around it. We take great care in sending our books to you well-packaged, and expect the same in return.
I was amazed when the bookstore faxed this note back: If you do not issue credit to us you will have lost a customer.
Sheesh! My blood pressure is rising and I'm going to call it a day.