Refunds: If you see a line item listed as "refund to buyer," it means that the customer's credit card company reversed the charge, or the customer was refunded for some other reason deemed reasonable by Smashwords.Epic Fail!
So it seems every distributor thinks they have the right to determine for themselves whether "your" book should be returned. They should only have this right if you tell them they can have it. This is never stated anywhere on Smashwords. These are ebooks. There is no reasonable reason for a return. At least 20% of the book can be previewed before purchase. And even at that, the distributor shouldn't be the one deciding whether the reason is good enough. Even at that, most ebooks cost less than $5.00
GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on Smashwords! Break the mold! EGADS!
Yes. I would like to think that but since they didn't say I'm afraid that probably isn't the case. If it were they should just provide the purchaser with a copy that does work. IMO!!!
ReplyDeleteFor any other reason they should default the decision to the publisher.
It is in the interest of both parties for Smashwords to give a viable book to the buyer. We have done our part short of buying them dinner and taking them to the movies..."No I will not go to a 'chick-flick' just so they will buy my books...popcorn maybe...but that is all!" Buy our books...we have done our homework. Little Susie needs some new shoes! :) We are reasonable people so we expect the same in return.
ReplyDeleteI've had one refund that was provide four months after the book was purchased. As I understand it, the only time they have to refund it is if the individual claims the charge was erroneous. That's the law, apparently. Although I think the book being refunded after 4 months (i.e., it taking 4 months for someone to claim the charge was fraudulent) is a load of crap. But whatever. I have larger issues with Smashwords, like the unequal coverage given some authors while others are completely passed over. We're back to edging toward elitism here.
ReplyDeleteYep Jon. I agree. There's probably even a time limit when fraudulent purchases can be reclaimed. But I don't think we're edging toward elitism. Apparently the publishing industry, has set up by the large publishers, has always been like this.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it should be up to a publisher, big or small or ebook or traditional, to promote some authors with interviews while neglecting others. It's bad relationship management and bad for business.
ReplyDeleteWhat I'm saying is that I've done lots of marketing angles, held events and so forth, and I haven't seen it yield one marked result in sales. Why some books succeed and others fail is still a mystery that eludes me. But in any case, I still think publishers being involved in the promo of some authors over others is a load of crap.
I second your "loads of crap" theories!!!! LOLROFL
ReplyDeleteTake that CBA!!! Crap, crap and more crap!!!!! ;D