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.
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.
Google, Apple, Meta — all shifting to opt-in data models.
GDPR, CCPA, DMA, EU AI Act — the pressure increases yearly.
Relevance increases loyalty; over-collection damages trust.
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.
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.
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.
✔ “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.
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.
Mockingbird asked users for due dates to personalize stroller recommendations.
BuyerFy enables this at scale through progressive profiling on WhatsApp.
For example:
Day 1 → “Which product are you researching?”
Day 7 → “When do you plan to purchase?”
Day 14 → “Do you need help comparing options?”
Day 21 → “Would you like personalized offers?”
By spacing out questions, brands avoid overwhelming users.
Brands receive timely, contextual data without feeling intrusive — while the consumer receives meaningful value at every step.
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.
Consumers must understand the value they get in return.
“Share something, get something” → rewards, offers, early access, useful content.
And WhatsApp is the most conversational platform in the world.
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
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.