I removed the barcode/price stickers from two hardback books published by Pan Macmillan as they are Christmas gifts. But they tore the covers and left a sticky residue. I cannot reasonably be expected to send these these as gifts now. The books cost nearly £20 from The Guardian Bookshop but it says the stickers are applied by the publishers and not meant to be removed. It would not issue a refund or a replacement.

I don’t think it unreasonable to remove price stickers from books meant as gifts.

SB, Bristol

We have to declare an interest. The Guardian Bookshop was sold to two former members of staff in November 2016 but retains the support of The Guardian and Observer.

It tells us that the publisher confirmed the stickers look as if they can be peeled off, but it is difficult to do, so it plans to develop a less sticky variety. “Since the lady has damaged the books they won’t be suitable for resale and we wouldn’t automatically offer a refund.”

That is its standard practice but it has now offered a refund or replacements which – it stresses – will still have the offending stickers. The publisher has also separately offered free replacements. And you don’t have to send the old ones back.

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