From Legacy to Launch: How I Delivered a Flexible, Self-Managed Shopify Site for Laboratory Notebooks
Introduction
Mitchell’s Laboratory Notebooks is a specialist supplier of scientific lab books used in research institutions and universities across the UK (and globally). Their notebooks are trusted by professionals to securely record experiments and provide legally admissible evidence. The company needed a modern, flexible website to replace their ageing legacy system—one that would support international growth and give them complete control without high ongoing costs.
With a limited budget and tight timeframe, I delivered a fast, scalable solution in Shopify that empowered the business to take full ownership of their digital operations.
The Challenge
The legacy system, while functional, was rigid. The client couldn’t easily update content, add new products, or scale the platform as the business grew. With products that appear simple but include multiple variants and complex pricing models (e.g., economies of scale and scientific-grade specifications), flexibility was essential.
The new system also needed to reflect the critical role these lab notebooks play in scientific research: they are tamper-resistant, cannot be hacked or altered digitally, and are admissible in court. Trust and clarity had to be communicated through the site’s tone and structure, even with limited copy and a highly practical product catalogue.
The Strategy
To meet both the budget and the technical complexity of the product offering, I:
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Built the site in Shopify, allowing the client full control post-launch
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Populated an initial round of content and product listings myself—so the client could review the layout directly in context rather than working off a blank spreadsheet
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Configured products to account for multiple variants and tiered pricing models
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Focused on clear, benefit-led messaging to highlight the scientific and legal importance of the notebooks
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Used this content as the basis for client UAT and QA, training the team through real-world examples and live feedback cycles
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Delivered the entire project to a high standard, fast
This wasn’t just about launching a website, it was about giving the business confidence and autonomy.
The Results
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Delivered a modern, Shopify-based eCommerce site, fully operational and easy to manage
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Built-in support for complex product variants and bulk pricing structures
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Created a smooth UAT and handover process using real content, not placeholders
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Enabled full client self-sufficiency post-launch, with no need for ongoing developer support
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Allowed the client to expand reach internationally, tapping into new markets while maintaining scientific credibility
Conclusion
For Mitchell’s Laboratory Notebooks, I delivered a modern, self-managed eCommerce site that didn’t just replace a legacy system, it unlocked growth. The client can now run their site, adjust products, and serve global customers without external help.
