How to authenticate Aftership with am-sns.com to pass SPF and DKIM for DMARC?

Summary

Authenticating AfterShip with am-sns.com involves a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, recognize that am-sns.com likely uses SendGrid behind Cloudflare, and direct SPF/DMARC validation might not be applicable. The core steps involve domain verification via DNS records (TXT, CNAME) as per AfterShip's documentation. Ensure correct CNAME setup, proper DNS propagation, and include AfterShip's sending servers in your SPF record. For dedicated IPs, a valid PTR record is vital. Actively monitor DMARC reports, and use a subdomain to isolate reputation if needed. If challenges persist, engage AfterShip support. Consider the impact of shared IP reputation, and monitor authentication results closely to avoid deliverability issues. Check exact Aftership's IP Addresses.

Key findings

  • Infrastructure & Association: am-sns.com connects to SendGrid via Cloudflare, but direct authentication may not be relevant.
  • DNS Verification: Domain verification through TXT/CNAME records per AfterShip's guidelines is critical.
  • Common Errors: CNAME errors are common, including typos or proxy issues; verify setup carefully.
  • DNS Propagation Time: DNS changes might take up to 48 hours to propagate, causing temporary failures.
  • PTR Records: PTR records are crucial for dedicated IPs, mapping IPs back to your domain.
  • SPF Configuration: SPF records must include AfterShip's sending servers to authorize email sending.
  • DMARC Monitoring Importance: Active DMARC report analysis is essential to spot and fix any authentication problems.
  • Impact of shared IPs: Shared IPs reputation is impacted and deliverability will be impacted as a result.

Key considerations

  • Support Contact: Contact AfterShip support for exact IP details and assistance with configuration.
  • DMARC Analysis: Use a DMARC analyzer to routinely review and act on deliverability data.
  • Subdomain Reputation Isolation: Consider routing tracking links via a subdomain to isolate deliverability reputation.
  • Initial report: Why is the report being generated?
  • Dedicated IP cost: Assess the costs of Dedicated IP

What email marketers say
9Marketer opinions

To authenticate AfterShip with am-sns.com for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC compliance, it's essential to follow AfterShip's domain authentication documentation. Key steps include adding DNS records (TXT and CNAME) to your domain, ensuring correct CNAME setup, and allowing sufficient time for DNS propagation. For dedicated IPs, a PTR record pointing back to your domain is crucial. Use a DMARC analyzer to monitor authentication results and address any failures. Employing a subdomain for tracking links can isolate reputation issues. Ensure your SPF record includes AfterShip's sending servers. If issues persist, contact AfterShip support for assistance.

Key opinions

  • Authentication Method: am-sns.com is linked to AfterShip and uses domain authentication.
  • DNS Records: Proper TXT and CNAME record setup are essential for authentication, especially with no typos and not proxied.
  • DNS Propagation: DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours and is a common reason for initial authentication failures.
  • PTR Record: A valid PTR record is required for dedicated IPs, pointing the IP back to the domain.
  • DMARC Monitoring: DMARC analyzer tools are useful for monitoring authentication results and identifying issues.
  • SPF Inclusion: The SPF record must include AfterShip's sending servers.

Key considerations

  • Subdomain Usage: Using a subdomain for tracking links can isolate reputation problems.
  • Support Contact: If problems persist, contacting AfterShip support is advised.
  • CNAME Errors: Incorrect CNAME Record Configuration
  • IP Addresses: Check Aftership's IP Addresses
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that a common error is incorrect CNAME record setup. They recommend double-checking the hostname and value provided by AfterShip and ensuring there are no typos when entering the records in your DNS settings. Also check it is not proxied.

July 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow explains the importance of the PTR record for dedicated IPs used with AfterShip. The PTR record should point the IP address back to your domain or a subdomain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com) to establish a valid reverse DNS lookup.

January 2025 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks identifies am-sns.com as being related to Aftership and provides a link to Aftership's documentation for domain authentication.

October 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from AfterShip Forums suggests that if you are still facing issues, reach out to AfterShip support as they are the experts in their systems and will be able to diagnose the problem

October 2023 - AfterShip Forums
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailOnAcid suggests using a DMARC analyzer tool after setting up SPF and DKIM with AfterShip. These tools can help monitor DMARC reports and identify any authentication failures or misconfigurations that need to be addressed.

March 2022 - EmailOnAcid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet describes using a subdomain (e.g., tracking.yourdomain.com) specifically for AfterShip's tracking links and email sending. This can help isolate the reputation of your main domain from any potential issues with AfterShip's email sending practices.

November 2021 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from Shopify Community suggests that after adding the DNS records to verify the domain in Aftership, wait for DNS propagation to complete. This can take up to 48 hours, and emails might fail authentication until propagation is finished.

February 2025 - Shopify Community
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailGeeks Forum suggests contacting AfterShip support to confirm the exact IP addresses or domain names they use for sending emails. This information is crucial for correctly configuring your SPF and DKIM records.

July 2021 - EmailGeeks Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from GMass explains ensuring that your SPF record includes AfterShip's sending servers. The AfterShip documentation should provide the correct SPF include statement (e.g., include:servers.aftership.com) to add to your SPF record.

February 2024 - GMass

What the experts say
5Expert opinions

Authenticating AfterShip with am-sns.com involves understanding that the domain is linked to SendGrid and might be behind Cloudflare. SPF and DMARC failures on am-sns.com itself are expected. Essential steps include implementing valid reverse DNS (PTR) records for dedicated IPs, monitoring the impact of shared IP reputation (if applicable), and closely reviewing DMARC reports to address authentication failures and ensure proper email handling.

Key opinions

  • Domain Infrastructure: am-sns.com is likely associated with SendGrid and may be behind Cloudflare.
  • Expected Failures: SPF and DMARC failures on am-sns.com itself are not necessarily an issue, as the domain may not be intended for direct sending.
  • Reverse DNS: A valid PTR record is critical for dedicated IPs, ensuring proper resolution and authentication.
  • Reputation Impact: Shared IP reputation can impact deliverability; monitoring and potentially switching to a dedicated IP is advisable if issues arise.
  • DMARC Monitoring: Consistent monitoring of DMARC reports is necessary to identify and address authentication problems.

Key considerations

  • Purpose of am-sns.com: Clarify why DMARC reports are being generated for am-sns.com in the first place.
  • PTR Record Implementation: Ensure the PTR record is correctly configured for the sending IP, pointing to a valid subdomain.
  • Deliverability Monitoring: Continuously monitor email deliverability and sender reputation, especially if using shared IPs.
  • Shared vs. Dedicated IPs: Consider the implications of using shared IPs versus dedicated IPs and implement a dedicated IP address when needed.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that the domain am-sns.com appears to be something behind Cloudflare. Further investigation reveals a connection to SendGrid IPs, suggesting the domain is used for outbound mail by a service utilizing SendGrid.

October 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource warns that If AfterShip is using shared IPs, your email deliverability can be affected by the sending practices of other users on those IPs. They suggest monitoring your sending reputation and considering a dedicated IP if issues arise.

July 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource emphasizes that a valid reverse DNS (PTR record) is essential, especially when using a dedicated IP with a service like AfterShip. The PTR record should map the IP address back to a domain or subdomain under your control, and it must resolve correctly for email authentication to pass.

February 2025 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise advises that after implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for AfterShip, closely monitor your DMARC reports to identify any authentication failures or configuration issues. These reports provide valuable insights into how your emails are being treated by receiving mail servers.

August 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that am-sns.com failing for SPF and DMARC is expected because it basically doesn’t exist. He raises the question of why the user is even seeing DMARC reports for that domain.

August 2023 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Authenticating AfterShip for improved deliverability involves verifying your sending domain through DNS records (TXT and CNAME), setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and considering a dedicated IP for enhanced reputation control. AfterShip's documentation provides detailed guidance on each of these steps.

Key findings

  • Domain Verification: Adding DNS records (TXT and CNAME) provided by AfterShip is necessary to verify your domain ownership.
  • Email Authentication: Setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for improving email deliverability.
  • Dedicated IP Option: Using a dedicated IP address offers benefits for reputation management and deliverability.

Key considerations

  • DNS Record Accuracy: Ensure accurate entry of TXT and CNAME records as provided by AfterShip.
  • Authentication Implementation: Follow AfterShip's guidance for configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings within their platform.
  • Dedicated IP Investment: Evaluate the cost and benefits of a dedicated IP based on your sending volume and deliverability needs.
Technical article

Documentation from AfterShip explains the steps to verify your sending domain for delivery notifications. This involves adding DNS records (TXT and CNAME) provided by AfterShip to your domain's DNS settings to confirm ownership and allow AfterShip to send emails on your behalf.

August 2024 - AfterShip
Technical article

Documentation from AfterShip explains the importance of email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for improving email deliverability. They provide guidance on how to set up these authentication methods for your sending domain within the AfterShip platform.

July 2023 - AfterShip
Technical article

Documentation from AfterShip describes the option of using a dedicated IP address for sending emails, highlighting its benefits for reputation and deliverability. They explain how to configure the dedicated IP in your AfterShip account and set up the necessary DNS records, including PTR records.

January 2022 - AfterShip

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