AOL Email Feedback Report for IP xx.xx.xx.xx

From a legit customer?

[jake66]

I recently signed up for the AOL feedback report, for when people mark my messages as "Spam".

I just got my first notice today, which was reported by a legit customer.

Although I find this odd, I cannot say I'm very surprised..

But I am wondering, do I have to tell AOL this is simply a mistake on the customer's part, or do I just ignore it?

I've already contacted the customer and explained to them that they entered their email address on my website to receive this message. Do I call it a day after this?

[lorax]

What was the customer's response?

[Receptional Andy]

I recommend unsubscribing anyone on AOL that reports spam (include a reference in the report email that AOL won't strip out) and including very obvious references in the email to the source and reason for any email correspondance. AOL are so finnicky, and their thresholds so low that reliable deliverability is a real pain.

[lorax]

>> their thresholds so low that reliable deliverability

Makes me wonder why bother? At least for proactive marketing emails...

[Receptional Andy]

why bother?

That depends on what you're bothering with: an example I handle is an email discussion group where bored AOL subscribers hit the 'spam' button rather than unsubscribe. The result can be that a single AOL user can prevent anyone with an @aol.com subscribing. I wonder why I bother sometimes too ;)

[lorax]

>> bored AOL subscribers hit the 'spam' button

Precisely. As a legitimate business owner, you're up against the momentary whim of some inconsiderate user who - just because they have the power and couldn't be bothered with a second thought to consider the impact of their decision - decided to label a legitimate email as 'spam.'

[Wlauzon]

AOL has "issues".

We have even gotten order verification emails for customer orders from our ecommerce site blocked as spam, with the result that we get email from the customer that they never got a confirmation.

[jake66]

What was the customer's response?

They never gave a response, nor did I get a bounce. :)

I recommend unsubscribing anyone on AOL that reports spam

That was my first move before I even thought of replying to them. I searched any input where a customer's email is referenced and deleted them.