Oh sure, I work in publishing and that sort of thing goes on. In the old days of mass-market distribution, the guy on the truck would be the one putting books i

Oh sure, I work in publishing and that sort of thing goes on. In the old days of mass-market distribution, the guy on the truck would be the one putting books in the racks, and taking back the returns (or the ripped covers). Returns have been a thing for decades. A system of coop payments decides who gets good placement in the store. But in the end, the retailer is paying the vendor for goods sold.