Opt-in Mailers: Should you still have a bp host / 3rd pty processor?
 

I have a big mainstream monthly subscription site almost ready. This guy, I somewhat know says he is a real big opt-in mailer (legit, no spam). He said he'd promote it, but it'd be in my best interest to not use my real merchant account, and signup with a 3rd party processor + stick the site on one of his secure servers. He said even though hes a legit opt-in mailer, its still best to take those measures because people still complain.

Is this true? I just want to make sure if I commit to this, that I won't get in trouble if he really is indeed a spammer.

interesting thread

Umm if he's a spammer, and you took all these precautions how would you get in trouble?

people are stupid and they will complain.
You wont get a lot of complaints but you will get some.
YOu better email your hosting and processing company and ask them what they think about opt-in mailing.

good response. i'll do that.

Have him host the "landing page" and do a small test send to judge the complaints. 1-2 complaints per million sent is normal.

interesting thread

the host said if they recieve more than 10 complaints per week, they cancel the account.

Why would you get in trouble if the mail is not coming from your server or hosting account? If he's promoting you have him mail it from his server.

I sugest at least a landing page on other networks to help get rid of most of the complaints. Spam cop and some other automatic systems can cause a problem if you are only allowed 10 complaints a week. I would possibly consider maybe even going a step further and having the first few pages of the site hosted somewhere else. Until you know the complaint volume that will be generated you will have to be very careful with that low of a complaint limit.

You dont need bp for an opt-in mailling list.

very interesting thread

hehe

maybe if you own the cage in your datacenter whos gonna complain to who? unless they goto the big boss. so you obviously got the bandwidth. or you are really tight with your host.

With a threshhold of 10 complaints a week I tend to disagree... all it takes is a very few people to send in to spam cop or another automated system and your screwed... with any large list it WILL generate complaints... even if it is opt-in... better to be safe than have your host shut you off...

yeah right.. looks okay to me ! :2 cents: