What are email bounces?

An email bounce means an email wasn't delivered. There are two types:

  • Soft bounce: a temporary issue, like a full inbox or a server that's briefly offline.
  • Hard bounce: a permanent issue, like an invalid address or a non-existent domain.

How does Xendy handle this?

You don't have to do anything yourself. Xendy automatically recognizes the type of bounce and immediately takes the appropriate action:

  • Soft bounces: the address is blocked immediately on the first soft bounce and receives the status Bounced. Xendy does not make any new delivery attempts, protecting your sending reputation.
  • Hard bounces: the address is blocked immediately and also receives the status Bounced.
  • Spam complaints: if someone marks your email as spam, the contact is also blocked immediately and receives the status Complaint.

Blocked contacts can be found under Blocked contacts in the left menu. They will no longer receive any emails.

Why does this matter?

A low bounce rate means your emails are seen as more trustworthy by providers like Gmail and Outlook. That increases the chances of your emails landing in the inbox instead of the spam folder.

Frequently asked questions

  • Soft bounce: a temporary issue, like a full inbox or a server that's briefly offline.
  • Hard bounce: a permanent issue, like an invalid address or a non-existent domain.

Xendy automatically recognizes whether it concerns a temporary (soft bounce) or permanent (hard bounce) issue. In both cases, the address is blocked immediately upon the first bounce and the contact receives the status Bounced. In the case of a spam complaint, the contact is also blocked immediately, with the status Complaint. You don't need to do anything yourself.

A low bounce rate means your emails are seen as more trustworthy by providers like Gmail and Outlook, so your emails are more likely to land in the inbox instead of spam.

Joeri Ras

Written by

Joeri Ras

Founder & co-owner @ Xendy

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