What is a remainder mark?
#1
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What is a remainder mark?
I'm not really big on books but I was looking into buying some used hardcover books and some sellers list them as "may have a small remainder mark". What is a remainder mark?
#2
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It's a small mark (usually in black, permanent marker) that booksellers usually use to denote bargain-priced books. I'm not totally sure why they do it. I guess they figure if they're selling the book for $4, they might as well mark it up a little so you can't turn around and sell it for a higher price.
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#3
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In the old days, they used rubber stamps. I've seen where both Viking and Random House have stamped the edges with their logo. Much nicer looking than a swash of permanent marker, IMO.
#5
DVD Talk Gold Edition
A remainder mark is made by a publisher when the book has been returned by a dealer due to lack of sales. After the mark has been made, the publisher then sells the books at a discounted price to other dealers.
Remainder marks detract from the value of the book in the eyes of collectors so sale listings should mention any mark. I'm not sure what "small remainder mark" means. In terms of collection value it either has one or it doesn't. Personally, I *love* remainder books.
Remainder marks detract from the value of the book in the eyes of collectors so sale listings should mention any mark. I'm not sure what "small remainder mark" means. In terms of collection value it either has one or it doesn't. Personally, I *love* remainder books.
#6
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Originally posted by immortal_zeus
It's a small mark (usually in black, permanent marker) that booksellers usually use to denote bargain-priced books. I'm not totally sure why they do it. I guess they figure if they're selling the book for $4, they might as well mark it up a little so you can't turn around and sell it for a higher price.
It's a small mark (usually in black, permanent marker) that booksellers usually use to denote bargain-priced books. I'm not totally sure why they do it. I guess they figure if they're selling the book for $4, they might as well mark it up a little so you can't turn around and sell it for a higher price.
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#9
DVD Talk Gold Edition
The equivalent in the long-ago world of vinyl records is the cutout mark, used for the same reason, so that the record could not be returned for credit. This was done in a variety of ways, the least objectionable from the standpoint of collectors is the "BB hole", a small hole punched or drilled in the corner of the album. Other techniques were the "saw mark" and "cut corner". I have seen remaindered CDs done the same way, this usually defaces the paper inserts inside the jewell case.
#10
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I've noticed that not all "remainder" books contain remainder marks.
Generally, the remainder books I buy at stores like Barnes and Noble have no remainder marks at all.
But the remainder books I buy mail-order from places like Edward R. Hamilton, or at the Outlet Mall bookstore will have a remainder mark. It's usually a small -- 1" or so -- line on the bottom edge of he pages. Occasionally, they will be red or marked across the barcode.
Generally, the remainder books I buy at stores like Barnes and Noble have no remainder marks at all.
But the remainder books I buy mail-order from places like Edward R. Hamilton, or at the Outlet Mall bookstore will have a remainder mark. It's usually a small -- 1" or so -- line on the bottom edge of he pages. Occasionally, they will be red or marked across the barcode.
#11
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Originally posted by Josh-da-man
Generally, the remainder books I buy at stores like Barnes and Noble have no remainder marks at all.
Generally, the remainder books I buy at stores like Barnes and Noble have no remainder marks at all.