Should I make my books returnable?

[Ahmed]

I've read both horror stories about it, and good things about it. I really want my book(s) to get into major stores and libraries. I use Createspace for print, but I'm considering IngramSpark for hardcover and returnables. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Thomas]

Bigger stores definitely like to see that "Returnable" option. If you're working with that store personally to get your books on their shelves, you'll have a better time than stores you have no contact with. Having a relationship with the book managers of the stores you're wanting to get in is key to having them not return the books, or if they do you can usually offer to take them off their hands instead of having them ship them back and having Ingram either ship it to you or destroy them (based on whichever option you choose on setup).

Unless you're already selling lots of copies, you're still not likely to see stores put your book(s) on their shelf mainly because they have limited shelf space and they're stocking things they are fairly sure will sell. If you choose the returnable option, you're probably going to be safe from quite a few issues/horror stories. The reason being is that even if one store buys a book and then decides to return it, you're only paying for that 1 book. If a lot of stores start carrying your book on their shelves without your requesting it, you're probably doing well enough that even if there were a few returns, it probably wouldn't break your bank.

The place I can see getting into trouble with the returnable is setting a title up, and then calling all the stores you can to carry it. If enough stores start carrying it but they don't sell, then you get stuck with the bill. My advice is to start out small. Work with one or two stores you really like and build up. It's a marathon, not a sprint!

[Michael]

Keep in mind you can lose a fortune if stores buy a lot of books and then return them.