Marketers today face a paradox: consumers expect deeply personalized experiences, but they are more protective of their data than ever. As third-party cookies disappear and platforms tighten privacy controls, brands are losing the data streams they once relied on.

But there is one data source that remains strong — the most powerful of all:

👉 Zero-party data — information customers proactively choose to share.

This form of data is becoming the backbone of modern personalization, loyalty, and conversational commerce. And thanks to platforms like BuyerFy.global and BuyChat.me, brands can now collect and activate zero-party data ethically, transparently and at scale — particularly through WhatsApp.

In this article, we unpack four real-world examples of zero-party data and show how brands can apply these strategies inside WhatsApp-first shopper journeys.

What Exactly Is Zero-Party Data?

Zero-party data is information that customers willingly, proactively and intentionally give to brands.

This includes:

• personal preferences

• shopping habits

• communication preferences

• lifestyle details

• product interests

• purchase intentions

• quiz responses

• loyalty profile updates

It differs from first-party data because zero-party data is volunteered, not observed.

As Forrester Research described it:

“Zero-party data is information customers share because they trust the brand — and because they receive value in return.”

This value exchange is key. Consumers share only when the experience feels beneficial, transparent, and respectful.

Why Zero-Party Data Matters More Than Ever

✔ Third-party cookies are disappearing

Google, Apple, Meta — all shifting to opt-in data models.

✔ Privacy laws are getting stricter

GDPR, CCPA, DMA, EU AI Act — the pressure increases yearly.

✔ Consumers expect personalization — but only with consent

Relevance increases loyalty; over-collection damages trust.

✔ Zero-party data unlocks real personalization

Because it is:

• accurate

• compliant

• transparent

• based on direct consumer intent

And when activated through WhatsApp — where consumers already spend hours a day — it becomes even more powerful.

4 Real-World Zero-Party Data Examples (Reimagined for BuyerFy + WhatsApp)

Below are four industry examples, rewritten to show how modern brands can apply the same techniques through BuyerFy.global and BuyChat.me to build smarter, more ethical personalization journeys.

1. Preference Centers Reborn: Interactive Profiles via WhatsApp

In the original example, Yelp used a preference center where users entered dietary, lifestyle, and accessibility needs.

BuyerFy reimagines this as a WhatsApp Preference Journey:

Consumers scan a QR code or enter a campaign keyword to launch a chat flow. They are asked — conversationally — about:

• dietary preference (e.g., vegan, keto, gluten-free)

• favorite product categories

• spending range

• preferred retailer

• lifestyle goals

Instead of hiding non-matching products, the system highlights why specific items align with their preferences.

On WhatsApp, this becomes:

✔ “These three products match what you told us.”
✔ “This retailer carries the dairy-free version you prefer.”
✔ “Here’s a discount based on your lifestyle preferences.”

This is personalization without intrusion — pure zero-party data.

2. Relevance Over Repetition: Smart Email/SMS/WhatsApp Cadence

Mecca’s example shows how asking consumers what type of shopper they are (beauty novice vs beauty expert) helps avoid annoying, repetitive emails.

BuyerFy brings this to WhatsApp:

Consumers answer short questions like:

• “How often do you want offers?”

• “Are you browsing or ready to buy?”

• “Do you prefer beginner tips or advanced product info?”

From there, BuyerFy orchestrates:

• weekly update flows

• monthly inspiration

• purchase-triggered messaging

• advanced content for experienced users

This ensures messaging cadence matches customer expectations — reducing spam, increasing relevance.

3. Collecting Zero-Party Data Over Time: Journey-Based Personalization

Mockingbird asked users for due dates to personalize stroller recommendations.

BuyerFy enables this at scale through progressive profiling on WhatsApp.

For example:

1. Day 1 → “Which product are you researching?”

2. Day 7 → “When do you plan to purchase?”

3. Day 14 → “Do you need help comparing options?”

4. Day 21 → “Would you like personalized offers?”

By spacing out questions, brands avoid overwhelming users.

Benefit:

Brands receive timely, contextual data without feeling intrusive — while the consumer receives meaningful value at every step.

4. Transparent Personalization: Explaining “Why You Got This Offer”

Sephora uses zero-party beauty profiles to match customers with complexion, skincare and hair type recommendations — and explains the logic behind every suggestion.

BuyerFy builds on this through WhatsApp:

✔ “You told us you have oily skin. Here’s why this product works best.”
✔ “You selected ‘budget-conscious’. This option fits your range.”
✔ “Based on your preference profile, this retailer is closest to you.”

This clarity increases trust — and trust increases purchases.

It also reminds consumers to update their preferences, keeping the data clean and accurate.

Key Takeaways: The Future of Zero-Party Data + WhatsApp + BuyerFy

🔹 Zero-party data isn’t fast — it’s a long-term trust strategy

Consumers must understand the value they get in return.

🔹 Reciprocity drives participation

“Share something, get something” → rewards, offers, early access, useful content.

🔹 The best zero-party strategies are conversational

And WhatsApp is the most conversational platform in the world.

🔹 BuyerFy.global + BuyChat.me are ideal for zero-party data collection

Because they allow brands to:

• collect data ethically

• automate journeys

• personalize at scale

• validate purchases instantly

• unify interactions across channels

• build first-party + zero-party profiles

• increase loyalty through trust

Conclusion: Zero-Party Data Is the Future — and WhatsApp Is the Bridge

In 2025 and beyond, brands can no longer rely on invisible tracking or third-party data brokers. The future belongs to transparent, voluntary, high-intent data — directly from customers.

Zero-party data powered through WhatsApp creates:

• deeper trust

• better personalization

• higher engagement

• more relevant journeys

• stronger loyalty

• richer customer profiles

And BuyerFy.global is the platform that makes it all possible.