How Does Headless Commerce Actually Work? Explained Simply

Ever found yourself nodding along when someone mentions “headless commerce” in a meeting while secretly wondering what on earth they’re talking about?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

As an agency, 2Hats Logic has helped dozens of businesses transition to headless platforms, and we’ve seen that puzzled look more times.

In this guide, let’s break down headless commerce without technical jargon overload, just practical explanations that make sense. Let’s dive in!

What Is Headless Commerce ?

Imagine your online store as a human body. In traditional e-commerce, the “head” (frontend that customers see) and “body” (backend systems managing inventory, payments, etc.) are permanently attached, like, well, a normal human.

Headless commerce essentially cuts off that head, but in a good way!

It separates your website’s frontend (what customers see and interact with) from your backend (all the behind-the-scenes operations).

Think of it this way: Your backend becomes a powerful engine that simply manages all your commerce functions, while your frontend becomes completely independent, free to take any form you need.

Traditional vs. Headless Commerce: A Simple Comparison

Take a look at the comparison table for a better understanding:

How Does Headless Commerce Actually Work?

Let’s break down the mechanics in simple steps:

1. The Separation: The frontend (website/app) and backend (commerce engine) are developed and maintained separately.
   
2. The Connection: APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) serve as messengers between the two parts.
   
3. The Communication Flow: When a customer browses products or places an order, the frontend sends requests to the backend via APIs, and the backend returns the necessary data.
   

The Magic of APIs

APIs are the true heroes of headless commerce. Think of them as digital translators or messengers.

When a customer clicks “Add to Cart” on your website, the frontend sends an API request to the backend saying, “Hey, a customer wants to add this product to their cart.”

The backend processes this request and sends back confirmation through the API.

At 2HatsLogic, we recently helped a fashion retailer implement this approach.

Their mobile app, website, and in-store kiosks all connect to the same backend through APIs, creating a smooth experience regardless of how customers shop.

Why Businesses Are Going Headless

Find out the reason why businesses decide to go headless.

1. Flexibility for Days

With traditional commerce, changing your website’s design often means rebuilding parts of your backend too. With headless, you can completely redesign your frontend without disrupting any backend operations.

One of our clients, a home goods retailer, wanted to launch a seasonal theme for their online store.

With their traditional platform, this would have taken weeks. After going headless, we implemented the new design in just two days.

2. Omnichannel Becomes Possible

The same backend can power multiple frontends, your website, mobile app, smart mirrors, voice assistants, or whatever channel comes next.

3. Speed Improvements

Because the frontend isn’t weighed down by backend processes, pages load faster. And in e-commerce, speed directly impacts conversion rates.

4. Developer Freedom

Frontend developers can use modern frameworks like React or Vue.js without being constrained by backend requirements.

Common Headless Commerce Setups

There are several ways to implement headless commerce:

1. Full Custom Build: Building both frontend and backend components from scratch
   
2. Headless Commerce Platform: Using platforms like BigCommerce headless, or Shopify Plus with custom frontends
   
3. Hybrid Approach: Starting with a traditional platform and gradually moving components to a headless architecture
   

At 2HatsLogic, we typically recommend the hybrid approach for established businesses, as it allows for gradual transition without disrupting operations.

Real Talk: The Challenges of Going Headless

It would be incomplete if we didn’t mention the challenges:

1. Initial Complexity: Setting up a headless architecture requires more technical expertise upfront.
   
2. Potential Cost Increase: While it can save money long-term, initial development costs may be higher.
   
3. Multiple Systems to Manage: You’re now responsible for maintaining separate systems.
   
4. Team Structure Changes: You may need different skill sets on your development team.
   

Is Headless Commerce Right for Your Business?

You might be a good candidate for headless commerce if:

• You’re struggling with the limitations of your current platform
  
• You need to deliver content across multiple channels
  
• Page load speeds are affecting your conversions
  
• You’re planning significant growth or expansion
  
• Your development team feels constrained by your current setup

Headless Commerce Implementation: A Simplified Roadmap

If you’re considering making the switch, here’s a simplified roadmap:

1. Assessment: Evaluate your current setup and define what you want to achieve
   
2. Select Your Stack: Choose your backend commerce engine and frontend technologies
   
3. Plan Your APIs: Determine which APIs you’ll need and how they’ll function
   
4. Start Small: Begin with a limited implementation, like a single product category
   
5. Expand Gradually: Roll out to more products and features as you validate your approach
   
6. Optimize: Continuously refine based on performance data and customer feedback
   

When we helped an electronics retailer transition to headless, they were initially overwhelmed by the scope.

By following this phased approach, they were able to make the switch while maintaining their daily operations.

Tools and Technologies for Headless Commerce

Here’s a quick overview of popular technologies in the headless commerce space:

Backend Commerce Engines:

• BigCommerce
• commercetools
• Shopify Plus (with headless capabilities)

Frontend Technologies:

• Next.js
• Gatsby
• Vue Storefront
• React

Common APIs:

• REST APIs
• GraphQL
• Webhooks

At 2HatsLogic, we’ve found that Next.js paired with either commercetools or Shopify Plus offers an excellent balance of performance and flexibility for most businesses.

The Future of Headless Commerce

The headless approach is rapidly evolving. Here are some trends we’re seeing:

• Composable Commerce: Taking headless further by breaking down the backend into microservices
  
• AI Integration: Using artificial intelligence for personalization across all channels
  
• Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Creating app-like experiences through the web browser
  
• No-Code Headless: Tools that make headless more accessible to non-technical teams

Conclusion: Is Headless Commerce Worth It?

After helping dozens of businesses make the transition, our answer is it depends on your specific needs.

For businesses that need flexibility, speed, and omnichannel capabilities, headless commerce offers tremendous advantages.

For smaller businesses with straightforward needs, the added complexity might not be worth it yet.

The good news is that headless commerce is becoming more accessible every day, with new tools and platforms that reduce the technical barriers to entry.

If you’re considering making the switch, we’d love to help you evaluate whether headless is right for your business. Contact us at 2HatsLogic, We specialize in guiding companies through this transition with minimal disruption and maximum results.