Read-Only Memory

Challenge

ROM’s publishing cycle creates intense operational challenges:

• Large spikes in pre-orders during book announcements
• Long production times, making it essential to manage pre-order status carefully
• Global customer base, producing highly varied courier charges
• Complex multi-item orders with both in-stock and pre-order items
• Inventory transparency requirements to prevent overselling small batches

Shopify offers no native tools capable of handling these workflows at the level required.

Additionally, the ROM team and EP-GL needed a system that could scale effortlessly—even during release weeks with thousands of simultaneous orders.

Solution

We deployed an enhanced version of our Shopify integration for ROM, fully tailored to their campaign-driven publishing model.

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1. Accurate, Real-Time Courier Pricing

ROM previously suffered unpredictable courier fees due to Shopify’s limited pricing engine. Our custom app:

• Queries DHL and FedEx via EP-GL
• Returns live pricing including all hidden surcharges
• Ensures every order is priced correctly for its destination, weight, and shipping method

This is especially important for customers ordering from remote or unusual international locations—a common pattern in the videogame community.

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2. Twice-Daily Automated Order Import & Processing

The system connects directly to Shopify and:

• Downloads all new orders
• Groups them by fulfilment type
• Automatically generates shipping labels for ready-to-ship items
• Organises and queues pre-orders until stock is received

For books with long production lead times (sometimes 3–12 months), this automation prevents confusion around when items should ship and ensures EP-GL never accidentally dispatches items early.

Mixed orders (e.g., one in-stock title + one pre-order) are managed intelligently:

• The system can split shipments
• Or delay dispatch according to ROM’s chosen rules
• Ensures every fulfilled parcel is accurate

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3. Complete Stock & Pre-Order Synchronisation

Our integration ensures Shopify is always aware of the real stock situation:

• Post-fulfilment stock levels are pushed back automatically
• Pre-order status is updated based on EP-GL’s inventory system
• Shopify reflects true availability in real time

For ROM, with tightly controlled print quantities, this prevents one of the biggest risks: overselling and disappointing fans.

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Results

With the new system in place, Read-Only Memory now operates a refined, automated fulfilment operation:

• Accurate, transparent shipping prices for customers worldwide
• Rapid dispatch thanks to auto-generated labels and workflows
• Smooth handling of pre-order spikes, reducing stress during major book launches
• Far fewer customer service queries, especially on stock and shipping costs
• Clear visibility across EP-GL, ROM, and Shopify, enabling smoother campaign planning