> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://offergrid.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Customer Information Requirements

> What customer details you need to collect

## Required Fields

Every order requires these customer details:

### Full Name

**Format**: First and last name

**Examples**:

* ✅ "John Doe"
* ✅ "Maria Garcia"
* ❌ "John" (last name missing)
* ❌ "J. Doe" (unclear first name)

**Why required**: Provider needs to verify identity and create account

### Email Address

**Format**: Valid email address

**Examples**:

* ✅ "[john@example.com](mailto:john@example.com)"
* ✅ "[maria.garcia@company.com](mailto:maria.garcia@company.com)"
* ❌ "john@" (incomplete)
* ❌ "not-an-email" (invalid format)

**Why required**: Provider communications, account setup, billing

<Warning>
  Use the end customer's email, not your reseller email. Providers may need to contact the customer directly.
</Warning>

### Phone Number

**Format**: Full phone number with country code

**Examples**:

* ✅ "+1-555-123-4567"
* ✅ "(555) 123-4567"
* ❌ "5551234567" (no formatting)
* ❌ "123-4567" (incomplete)

**Why required**: Scheduling installation, service activation, support

### Service Address

**Required components**:

* Street address
* City
* State/Province
* ZIP/Postal code
* Country

**Important details**:

* **Unit numbers**: Critical for apartments/condos
* **Building names**: Helpful for large complexes
* **Gate codes**: Include in notes if applicable
* **Access instructions**: Delivery notes, parking info

**Examples**:

✅ **Good**:

```
123 Main Street, Apt 4B
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States
```

❌ **Bad**:

```
123 Main St
SF
```

(Missing unit number, city abbreviation, no ZIP code)

## Optional But Recommended

### Customer Preferences

Help providers deliver better service:

* **Preferred contact time**: Morning, afternoon, evening
* **Installation preferences**: Specific dates or time windows
* **Special requirements**: Accessibility needs, language preferences
* **Equipment preferences**: Own router vs. provider equipment

### Order Notes

Include helpful context:

```json theme={null}
{
  "notes": "Customer works from home, needs installation scheduled on weekend. Prefers email communication. Building has restricted access Mon-Fri 9-5 only."
}
```

### Metadata

Track additional information:

```json theme={null}
{
  "metadata": {
    "referralSource": "property-listing",
    "propertyId": "PROP-12345",
    "moveInDate": "2025-02-01",
    "unitNumber": "4B",
    "buildingName": "Sunset Towers"
  }
}
```

## Data Privacy

### Handle Customer Data Responsibly

* **Secure storage**: Encrypt customer data at rest
* **Secure transmission**: Always use HTTPS
* **Access control**: Limit who can view customer info
* **Retention**: Only keep data as long as needed
* **Compliance**: Follow GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations

### Don't Share Without Permission

* Customer data is for order fulfillment only
* Don't sell or share customer lists
* Don't use customer emails for marketing without opt-in
* Follow all applicable privacy laws

## Validating Customer Data

### Pre-Submission Checks

```typescript theme={null}
function validateCustomerInfo(customerInfo) {
  const errors = [];

  // Name validation
  if (!customerInfo.fullName || customerInfo.fullName.trim().length < 3) {
    errors.push('Full name is required');
  }

  // Email validation
  const emailRegex = /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/;
  if (!emailRegex.test(customerInfo.email)) {
    errors.push('Valid email is required');
  }

  // Phone validation
  const phoneRegex = /^\+?[\d\s\-\(\)]+$/;
  if (!phoneRegex.test(customerInfo.phone) || customerInfo.phone.replace(/\D/g, '').length < 10) {
    errors.push('Valid 10-digit phone number is required');
  }

  return errors;
}

function validateServiceAddress(address) {
  const errors = [];

  if (!address.street) errors.push('Street address is required');
  if (!address.city) errors.push('City is required');
  if (!address.state) errors.push('State is required');
  if (!address.zipCode) errors.push('ZIP code is required');
  if (!address.country) errors.push('Country is required');

  return errors;
}
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Using your own contact info">
    **Wrong**: Using reseller email/phone

    **Right**: Using customer's actual contact info

    Why: Providers need to reach the customer directly for scheduling and support.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Incomplete addresses">
    **Wrong**: Missing unit numbers, abbreviated city names

    **Right**: Complete address with all components

    Why: Address errors cause order rejections and delays.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Invalid phone numbers">
    **Wrong**: Local number without area code, international number without country code

    **Right**: Full phone number with proper formatting

    Why: Providers can't schedule without valid contact number.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Temporary email addresses">
    **Wrong**: Using disposable or temporary email addresses

    **Right**: Customer's permanent email address

    Why: Customers need ongoing access for account management and billing.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Creating Orders" icon="file-invoice" href="/docs/resellers/creating-orders">
    How to place orders
  </Card>

  <Card title="Order Submission" icon="paper-plane" href="/docs/resellers/order-submission">
    What happens after submission
  </Card>
</CardGroup>