What is a remainder? Remainders are first quality books usually still in their original cases. These titles no longer sell fast enough to meet the publishers accounting needs, and they go up for bidding. Remainders are titles which publishers are looking to liquidate entirely. At times, the publisher will look to reduce a portion of their inventory by selling "overstocks"; also called "excess inventory". The remainder business is a great opportunity for booksellers to individualize their stores, increase profit margins, and build customer loyalty all in one transaction.
What is a "hurt" or "return"? Hurts and returns are front list titles returned by bookstores which were purchased from publishers on a returnable basis. Publishers sell these returns to wholesalers, rather than sorting them out and putting them back into circulation. Unlike remainders, hurts/returns are often still in print and may include current best sellers. Most returns are actually in very good condition, although some may show minor signs of shelf-wear and/or may have store stickers on them.
What is a remainder mark? Publishers mark remainders and hurts with a black line or dot on the bottom spine edge to prevent the books from being re-returned in error by retailers. While not all remainders are marked, most returns are.
What is a skid? The publishers usually pack the hurts and returns as they receive them from the various retailers. Since they usually receive them piecemeal, they get packed with many different titles together until one skid or gaylord (a large 4’x4’x4’ carton) is packed to its capacity. Usually the publisher doesn’t sell one skid at a time to wholesalers, they wait until they have a truckload of skids then market them. The wholesalers many times break down these skids and sell the books by the title. Occasionally, the wholesaler will sell the skids “raw”. What that means is that they are selling the skid the exact way they are getting it from the publisher. Usually raw skids have no inventory and no guarantee as to the quantity per book or condition of all the books. If you purchase a “raw” skid it will be less expensive, however you must let us know if you have the capacity to receive gaylords at your location, if not these pallets can be repacked in smaller cartons for a nominal fee.
What is an assortment? An assortment is when the wholesaler takes the books he has broken down from the “raw” skids and makes up different assortments where they can guarantee a small number in quantity per title and make sure that all books in poor condition have been removed. Assortments can be tailor-made to order. For example, you might want a 500-book assortment of coffee table books, with a maximum per title of 3 books; or you might want a 1000-book assortment with a max per title of 10. Discuss with us your needs and preferences with regards to the categories and quantities you require.
Personal customer service is our main objective, so always feel free to call us at 724-547-7002 or email at elizabeth@elizabethkessler.com.
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