Zero-party data is information that a customer intentionally and directly provides to a business, usually by explicitly sharing their preferences, interests, needs, or other information. Unlike behavioral data inferred from customer activity, zero-party data comes directly from the customer.

Examples include:

• Product preferences: A customer tells a store which products they prefer.
• Interests: Customers select topics or product categories they want to receive information about.
• Purchase intentions: A customer indicates what they plan to buy.
• Communication preferences: Customers choose how and how often they want to be contacted.
• Personalization information: Customers provide details to receive more relevant recommendations.
• Surveys and questionnaires: Customers answer questions about their needs or preferences.
• B2B requirements: A business customer specifies preferred products, order quantities, industries, or purchasing needs.

Example: A B2B supplier asks a new customer to select their industry, preferred product categories, typical order size, and preferred communication channel. The customer’s answers are zero-party data.

Zero-party data can help businesses personalize marketing, product recommendations, catalogs, and customer experiences while reducing reliance on inferred information. Businesses should still collect and use it transparently, respect customer choices, and follow applicable privacy and data-protection requirements.

B2B eCommerce (Business-to-Business electronic commerce) is the online buying and selling of products or services between businesses. It allows manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers, and other organizations to conduct business transactions through websites, portals, marketplaces, or dedicated B2B platforms.

B2B eCommerce can support:

• Bulk ordering: Businesses can purchase large quantities of products.
• Customer-specific pricing: Buyers can receive negotiated, contract, or volume-based prices.
• Digital catalogs: Suppliers can provide detailed product information, SKUs, specifications, and availability.
• Purchase orders: Businesses can create and manage formal purchasing documents.
• Approval workflows: Orders can be reviewed and approved by authorized employees.
• Payment terms: Customers may use invoicing or terms such as Net 30 or Net 60.
• Account management: Companies can manage multiple users, locations, and permissions.
• Order tracking and reordering: Buyers can monitor shipments and quickly repeat purchases.
• Business integrations: eCommerce systems can connect with ERP, CRM, procurement, accounting, and logistics systems.

Example: A retailer purchases 2,000 units from a manufacturer through the manufacturer’s B2B website. The retailer receives its customer-specific price, submits the order for approval, receives an invoice, and tracks the shipment online.

B2B eCommerce helps businesses digitize purchasing and sales processes, reduce manual work, improve transaction visibility, and manage complex business relationships more efficiently.

B2B eCommerce is used across many industries where businesses purchase products or services from other businesses. It is especially common in industries with repeat purchasing, bulk orders, complex product specifications, or established supplier relationships.

Common B2B eCommerce industries include:

• Manufacturing: Machinery, components, tools, and raw materials.
• Wholesale and distribution: Consumer goods, electronics, clothing, and general merchandise.
• Construction: Building materials, equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Automotive: Vehicle parts, accessories, equipment, and maintenance supplies.
• Healthcare: Medical equipment, supplies, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory products.
• Food and beverage: Ingredients, packaging, commercial equipment, and supplies.
• Agriculture: Seeds, fertilizers, machinery, equipment, and agricultural supplies.
• Electronics: Components, hardware, industrial electronics, and accessories.
• Chemicals: Industrial chemicals, materials, and related supplies.
• Hospitality: Hotel, restaurant, and catering supplies.
• Office and workplace supplies: Furniture, stationery, technology, and equipment.
• Apparel and textiles: Fabrics, garments, accessories, and manufacturing materials.
• Professional services: Software, consulting, training, and business services.

Example: A restaurant purchasing ingredients and packaging from a food distributor through an online B2B portal is participating in B2B eCommerce.

The specific features required vary by industry. For example, manufacturers may need technical specifications and RFQs, while wholesalers may prioritize bulk ordering, volume pricing, and fast reordering.