> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.virbe.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.virbe.ai/dashboard-management/conversation-flows/nodes/action-nodes/collect-user-data.md).

# Collect User Data

It provides structured data collection with validation and storage capabilities.

#### Setting up data collection:

1. Define the question to ask the user
2. Choose where to store the collected data (this is a variable that can be used later on in LLM Response node's instruction).
3. Select appropriate input type for validation
4. Configure "Skip if value exists" to avoid repetition

Example: Collect user's email if they requested to be contacted by a human team member: 

```
Question: "What's your email address?"
Store in: user_email
Input type: Email
Skip if exists: Enabled
```

<figure><img src="/files/qIR4L9w6pIFfrGYxgfZr" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of Collect User Data</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Common use cases:

* Contact information
* Order references
* User preferences
* Account details
* Support ticket info
* Survey responses

{% hint style="info" %}
**Important considerations:**

* Use clear, specific questions
* Consider privacy implications
* Check existing values before asking
* Verify data storage
* Plan error handling
  {% endhint %}


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