Ah, the AI question! Honestly, we've been waiting for someone to ask. Let’s clear this up once and for all.
Yes, we use AI—wherever it makes sense. Why? Because AI saves us heaps of time. Time saved means lower costs. Lower costs mean fewer overheads. Fewer overheads mean you get books cheaper. Pretty good deal, right?
But you're probably wondering what's actually real around here, and what's AI-generated smoke and mirrors. Let's dive in.
What’s Real?
We’re real humans. We sell real books. We have over 1,300 real customers who've left genuine reviews on Google and Bobshop (you guys are the best, by the way). And yes, we sponsor five very real penguins at the East London Aquarium (adorable but notoriously camera-shy).
That’s the heart of ReadMatter—real books, real service, real people. We personally pack your orders, answer your questions, and carefully handpick every title. AI doesn't get to claim credit for that one.
What’s AI?
The graphics? Yep, those slick, professional-looking images of our penguin mascots? Guilty as charged.
Honestly, I wish I looked half as put-together as my AI-generated avatar. And our penguins? If only they were as photogenic as their AI counterparts. But in reality, they prefer hiding in their burrows rather than posing. (Sorry, Aquarium staff—we really do appreciate your patience.)
AI also saves us from having to hire a full-time graphic designer or marketing team. More savings, more books!
The AI You Don’t See
Beyond the pretty graphics, AI quietly makes things run more smoothly behind the scenes:
- Sales Analysis: AI scans through mountains of sales data, highlighting trends. If thrillers are flying off the shelves, AI nudges us to stock more. If fantasy novels gather dust, AI gently suggests we ease up. Tough decisions, made smarter.
- Pricing Optimization: AI tirelessly compares our prices to market standards, ensuring we remain ultra-competitive. After all, nobody likes paying more than they should.
- Stock Purchasing Decisions: AI categorizes books based on our sales data and current Google trends, identifying fast movers and slow movers. It helps us prioritize purchases smartly. The price we offer for books isn't based on their original cost or nostalgia—it’s driven entirely by data. AI evaluates how long a book previously sat on our shelves, how often its price was reduced, and the final selling price. This ensures we're always making informed, realistic offers. Tough? Maybe. Fair? Absolutely.
And to be crystal clear—we absolutely don’t share your personal info with AI. We're interested in book trends, not your private details.
Where We Hope to Go with AI
Here's where things get even more exciting. Right now, we have over 1,500 books waiting patiently to be listed online. We aim for at least 50 books a day (ambitious, I know), yet the backlog remains daunting.
What slows us down is capturing every single detail—title, author, summary, Goodreads rating, ISBN, condition, size—you name it. AI could handle most of this boring admin way faster than we ever could.
Without giving away all our secrets, our tech wizard Steve is currently developing an AI model designed to streamline this process. The goal is simple: point a camera at a book, and the AI instantly captures all necessary details—from title and author to ISBN and even a concise summary. It will also intelligently assess the condition of each book, quickly spotting wear and tear to recommend fair pricing based on real-world demand. Faster listings, more books available for you, and ultimately, better prices.
Final Thoughts
AI is an amazing tool, but the heart of ReadMatter remains unchanged: real people, real books, and a real urge to make a difference. AI helps us stay efficient and affordable, but the core of who we are is completely human.
Got another burning question? Send it in, and I'll gladly answer it in the next Ask Claire!
Psst—before you go, check out our latest arrivals. I promise, they're worth your time.
