What the heck is a Remainder Mark?

If you're an avid book collector or simply someone who loves wandering through second-hand bookstores, you might have come across books with strange marks on their edges. Sometimes these marks are in marker, pen, spray, logo stamp or some other marking variant. These are called "remainder marks." While they might seem like random blemishes, these marks have a distinct purpose and an interesting history. This blog post delves into what remainder marks are, their history, and examples of these intriguing bookish features.

What is a Remainder Mark?

A remainder mark is a mark placed on a book by the publisher or bookseller to indicate that the book is being sold at a significantly reduced price. These marks are typically found on the book's edges—either on the top, bottom, or side—and can be dots, slashes, stamps, or even letters. They serve as a visual cue that the book was part of a publisher’s overstock and is now being sold at a discount.

The Purpose of Remainder Marks

The main reason for remainder marks is inventory management. When a publisher prints more copies of a book than the market demands, they eventually need to clear out the excess stock. Instead of letting these books take up valuable space in warehouses, publishers sell them to discount booksellers at a fraction of the original price. To prevent these discounted books from being returned to publishers as full-price items, a remainder mark is applied.

A Brief History of Remainder Marks

The practice of marking remaindered books has been around for many decades, dating back to the early 20th century. As publishing and bookselling industries grew, the need for efficient inventory management became more critical. The introduction of remainder marks provided a simple and effective solution to manage overstocked books.

Early Practices

In the early days, publishers used various methods to mark remaindered books. One of the most common methods was the use of a rubber stamp with the word "Remainder" or a symbol. These marks were often placed on the inside cover or the bottom edge of the book.

Modern Practices

Today, the methods have evolved, and the marks have become more discreet. Modern remainder marks include a dot or a line made with a marker or a stamp on the book’s edge. Some publishers even use a combination of methods to ensure the mark is not easily removed.

Examples of Remainder Marks

Dots: One of the most common types of remainder marks is a dot on the bottom edge of the book. This dot is usually made with a black marker or ink.

Slashes: Another common mark is a slash or a line, often found on the bottom or top edge of the book. This mark is typically made with a marker and can vary in length.

Stamps: Some publishers use stamps that might have a symbol, a word, or even a letter. These stamps are usually found on the bottom edge or the inside cover of the book.

Collectors' Perspective on Remainder Marks

For book collectors, remainder marks can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they indicate that the book was purchased at a discounted price, which might affect its resale value. On the other hand, remaindered books can be an affordable way to obtain rare or out-of-print editions. Collectors generally prefer books without remainder marks, but those who focus on the content rather than the book's condition might not mind the marks at all.

Conclusion

Remainder marks serve an essential function in the book publishing and selling industry, helping manage overstock and prevent financial losses. While they might deter some collectors, these marks offer a fascinating glimpse into the lifecycle of a book. Next time you come across a book with a remainder mark, you'll know that it's not just a blemish but a part of the book's unique history.