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Originally Posted by SteveEisenberg
I have a question.
What is the effect on authors and publishers of physical book shoplifting?
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Since the bookstore is unable to return the cover from the shoplifted book, they end up paying for it. You know, the bookstores—in the USA at least—that are mostly one step ahead of bankruptcy? For the publishers and authors, the effect is negligible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveEisenberg
There also are times when paper book shoplifting results in an additional copy being stocked by the bookstore. Who is helped and hurt then?
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Again the bookstore pays for the stolen copy. How many copies do they need to sell to break even? Assuming a 35% gross margin on a book that costs $20 retail, the bookseller would need to sell 2 books to recover the cost of the stolen book. Please note this leaves nothing for paying staff, rent, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveEisenberg
I realize that sometimes "the bookseller" is an individual/family/partnership, where other times it is the holders of stocks and bonds.
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It doesn't really matter who "the bookseller" is. Theft is not going to help their bottom line.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveEisenberg
Of course, my thinking on the issue is that the morality has nothing to do with who is helped and hurt. Book piracy is always wrong except when done to circumvent government censorship, and book shoplifting is always wrong, period. But, still, I'm wondering about how the system works.
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Pretty much the same as any other retailer. Your shrinkage rate gets too high and you are looking at laying off your IT consultants, laying off floor and stockroom staff, closing your doors, etc.