A headless webshop that replaces your existing stack, without months of build time
Afosto delivers an API-first commerce engine with a Next.js frontend. Retailers with 1 to 50 locations run faster pages, connect more systems and scale without a platform upgrade.
What is a headless webshop?
A headless webshop is an e-commerce platform where the frontend (what the customer sees) and the backend (orders, inventory, pricing) are technically decoupled from each other. Communication runs through APIs. The result: the frontend can be built in any technology, and Afosto uses Next.js by default, while the backend stays stable and scalable.
Traditional platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce tie the frontend and backend tightly together. That works up to a certain size. As soon as you want to serve multiple channels (webshop, app, point of sale, B2B portal), or you need faster load times and custom design, those tight couplings start to slow you down.
Why retailers make the switch:
- Page speed: Next.js delivers statically generated pages that load significantly faster than server-rendered Shopify or Magento themes.
- Channel independence: the same backend feeds your webshop, PWA, point of sale and B2B portal, without duplicating data.
- Custom work without platform lock-in: design and interactions are fully separate from the CMS or the template engine.
- Unified commerce: orders, inventory and point of sale live in the same system, not in separate plugins.
Afosto is built as a headless-first platform. The commerce engine was not decoupled after the fact. It was designed for API use from the start.
Where the Afosto headless webshop stands out
Next.js frontend out of the box
Afosto delivers a proven Next.js storefront as your starting point. Statically generated pages, server-side rendering where needed, and a Lighthouse score that consistently beats standard webshop themes.
API-first commerce engine
Every feature, from product catalog to discount rules, is accessible through REST or GraphQL. Connect your own PIM, ERP or CMS without workarounds or paid plugins.
Unified order management
Webshop orders, point of sale transactions and B2B orders all land in one order management system. No exports between systems, no inventory discrepancies caused by data silos.
Multilingual and multi-currency
Serve customers in multiple languages and currencies from a single product catalog. DiamondsByMe uses this for seven languages and an interactive diamond configurator on the same engine.
B2B and B2C on one platform
Personal price lists, account portals and advanced quote flows for business buyers, alongside a standard consumer webshop. No separate installation required.
Who is a headless webshop right for?
A headless architecture delivers the most time savings for retailers who are running into the limits of their current platform. Specifically:
- Retailers with 1 to 50 locations who want to bring inventory, orders and point of sale together in one system.
- Shopify or WooCommerce users who notice that theme changes are too slow, or that every extra feature requires a paid app.
- B2B and B2C combinations where customer-specific pricing, account management and quotes all need to work on the same webshop.
- Teams without a large development department that still want custom work: Afosto's Next.js storefront speeds up the build compared to a fully custom frontend.
Who benefits less:
A headless setup requires technical maturity. If you do not have a developer in-house and do not want to manage API integrations, a headless setup is more overhead than you need. In that case Afosto fits better as a managed platform where you use the standard storefront without further customization.
How does the Afosto headless webshop work?
- Set up the backend: products, categories, inventory settings and pricing rules live in Afosto's commerce engine.
- Connect the frontend: the included Next.js storefront pulls data through the Afosto Storefront API. Prefer your own frontend? Connect it through the same API.
- Add channels: point of sale, B2B portal or mobile app all talk to the same backend, with no data duplication.
- Activate integrations: connect your ERP, PIM or marketing stack through REST. Common integrations (Exact, AFAS, Bol.com) are available by default.
- Go live: no platform migration that takes weeks. You import existing product data through CSV or API, and orders keep flowing.
Time savings in practice: because orders, inventory and point of sale live in one system, the daily export rounds between systems disappear. Retailers report less manual work on order management and inventory monitoring once the integration is in place.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Afosto headless webshop
Clear answers to the most common questions about setup, cost and technical requirements.
What does a headless webshop with Afosto cost?
Afosto works with a subscription model that scales with your usage. There is no fixed project price for the headless storefront: you pay a monthly platform subscription. The exact rates depend on the number of locations, order volume and connected channels. Request a demo for a price indication that fits your situation. You can try it free for 14 days without a credit card.
Do I need a developer to get started?
For the standard Next.js storefront you need a front-end developer for the initial setup and brand-specific adjustments. You manage the commerce backend (products, orders, inventory) yourself through the Afosto dashboard, without code. Want a fully custom frontend? Then you need a developer or agency that works with Next.js. Afosto provides the API documentation and a starter kit.
Can I migrate from Shopify or WooCommerce?
Yes. Afosto has import tools for product data (CSV and API) and supports migrating existing order history. A migration from Shopify or WooCommerce typically has three phases: data import, frontend setup and go-live with domain redirection. The duration depends on the size of your catalog and the number of custom integrations. Book a demo for a tailored migration estimate.
Which systems can I connect through the API?
Afosto's API-first architecture lets you connect to almost any external system. Integrations available by default include Exact Online, AFAS, Bol.com, PostNL, DHL and common payment providers. You build additional integrations through the REST API or GraphQL. Extensive API documentation is available for developers.
Does Afosto support multiple languages and currencies?
Yes. The Afosto commerce engine supports multilingual product catalogs and multiple currencies from a single backend. DiamondsByMe uses this for seven languages with an interactive diamond configurator. You manage translations per product, category and content block. Currency conversion happens automatically based on configured exchange rates or fixed price lists per market.
Does Afosto also work for B2B sales?
Yes. B2B functionality is built in, not an add-on. You can set up customer-specific price lists, activate account portals and configure quote flows, on the same webshop as your B2C channel. Orders from both channels land in the same order management system, with the same inventory monitoring.
See in 14 days whether a headless webshop speeds up your operation
Create a free account and explore the commerce engine, the Storefront API and the order management system at your own pace. Prefer a guided tour first? Book a demo and get a tailored migration estimate.