Are QQ email addresses real and what are the delivery challenges?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit states QQ email addresses are real and widely used in China, functioning like any other email service.
Email marketer from Email Hippo suggests validating QQ email addresses for deliverability purposes to ensure that the address exists and is accepting emails.
Email marketer from Mailchimp recommends avoiding spam trigger words and practices in email content to improve deliverability to QQ addresses.
Email marketer from Marketing to China Blog suggests that understanding peak usage times for QQ email users within China can improve engagement rates.
Email marketer from LinkedIn recommends having a local presence or partnership in China to improve email deliverability to QQ addresses.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that QQ email addresses (number@qq.com) are real, though some might not be used by real people, and gives an example of old compuserve addresses as well.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum explains that sending emails to QQ addresses faces challenges due to China's Great Firewall, causing potential filtering or delays.
Email marketer from Deliverability Blog emphasizes that maintaining a good IP reputation is crucial for ensuring emails reach QQ inboxes, as China's filters are strict.
Email marketer from Quora notes that QQ email addresses are primarily used within mainland China, which affects deliverability from outside the region.
Email marketer from GlockApps suggests implementing an IP warming strategy to build a positive sender reputation before sending bulk emails to QQ addresses.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks mentions that QQ email addresses do come with their own set of delivery challenges, particularly due to being inside China and dealing with the Great Firewall.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that navigating the complexities of QQ email delivery often involves some level of registration as a Chinese company and potentially other requirements, such as having someone in China who can speak Mandarin.
Expert from Spam Resource, Halon explains that China's firewall impacts mail delivery substantially, noting that mail is often delayed or never makes it at all, with no recourse for the sender.
Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura mentions that while she refers out to other consultants for specifics, dealing with China requires registration as a Chinese company and potentially ‘greasing the palms.’
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from RFC Editor explains that QQ email addresses, while valid, must adhere to international email standards (RFCs) for proper delivery and handling.
Documentation from MIIT.gov.cn details regulations impacting email deliverability within China, influencing how foreign IPs are treated when sending to QQ addresses.
Documentation from Tencent QQ Help Center outlines the registration process for QQ email accounts, confirming their legitimacy upon successful account creation.
Documentation from DNS Provider Documentation stresses the importance of correct DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to authenticate emails and improve chances of reaching QQ users.