Bounces refer to events where the sent email does not get delivered. See the different types of bounces that can occur and what can be done about them.
You can find all bounces in the system under Marketing > Email Marketing > Bounces.
A bounce means that the sent email did not reach the recipient. The system receives an automatic error code for the bounce. The error code provides more details on why the message was not delivered.
Bounces are divided into three sections in the system: Bounce, Blocked, Dropped.
There are several error codes, but they can be grouped into series.
Error codes and their explanations
500-series error codes - action required
- The 500-series includes all error codes that start with 550, 551, 552, etc.
- This is a permanent error and requires action.
- The address is incorrect or does not exist. Check and correct the recipient's email address.
- The message will not be automatically retried
400-series error codes - no action required
- The 400-series includes all error codes that start with 450, 451, 452, etc.
- This is a temporary error. The recipient's server has a temporary issue with receiving messages.
- Some receiving email servers will queue the message and attempt to send it again. However, not all servers operate this way.
No error code - may require action
- Sometimes an address is on bounce lists, but no error code has been returned.
- The recipient's email server does not respond.
- The recipient may not exist.
- Verify that the email address is correct.
Why should bounces be checked?
Reviewing bounces helps keep the CRM and contact information up to date.
Especially addresses in the last category should be checked and removed if necessary. If there are many bounces, it can begin to affect the sender's "reputation," meaning that receiving servers are more likely to interpret the messages as spam. Therefore, addresses that repeatedly result in bounces should be checked and, depending on the situation, removed entirely.