How to fix SPF failure when return path and sender from addresses are different in SFMC?

Email marketer from Stack Overflow highlights that SPF 'hard fail' (-all) means that if the sending server isn't listed in your SPF record, the email should be rejected. However, many mail servers don't follow this strictly, and may still accept the email.

Email marketer from Mailjet shares that to resolve SPF failures, you must ensure the SPF record for the Return-Path domain includes all authorized sending sources, including third-party email platforms like SFMC. This might involve adding 'include:cust-spf.exacttarget.com' to your SPF record.

Email marketer from Litmus explains that DMARC failures often occur when SPF fails to align. This happens when the domain in the 'From' address does not match the domain that SPF is authenticating (the Return-Path domain). Ensure either SPF or DKIM authenticates and aligns for DMARC to pass.

Email marketer from Reddit user explains that a common setup involves using a separate subdomain for the Return-Path (e.g., bounce.example.com) to handle bounces. The SPF record for bounce.example.com needs to authorize the sending servers. The 'From' domain (e.g., example.com) will have its own SPF record.

Email marketer from SocketLabs explains the importance of including your third-party mailer, in this case SFMC in your SPF. SFMC will likely have documentation on how to add them into your SPF, and how to setup SPF delegation.

Email marketer from Sendgrid explains the common pitfalls when an SPF record fails. One pitfall is that the Return-Path domain does not include the sending server. Ensure the Return-Path SPF includes SFMC.

Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that DMARC alignment requires either SPF or DKIM to pass, and the domain in the 'From' address must match the domain used for authentication. If the Return-Path domain is different, SPF alignment will fail unless the 'From' domain is also authorized to send on behalf of the Return-Path domain.

Email marketer from Postmark describes that setting up a custom Return-Path (or bounce domain) is recommended. This allows you to control the SPF record and ensure it aligns with your sending practices. Make sure the SPF record for your custom Return-Path domain authorizes SFMC's sending IPs.

Expert from Email Geeks states that the return path must be different from the sender.from address for bulk mail to prevent the sender.from address from being mailbombed with bounces.

Expert from Email Geeks shares that there isn't a definitive yes or no answer to the impact of SPF alignment on deliverability, but the chances of negative impact are low.

Expert from Spamresource.com explains that the Return-Path is critical for handling bounces and feedback loops. It is common to use a different subdomain for the Return-Path, and the SPF record for this subdomain must authorize the sending sources.

Expert from Email Geeks suggests putting an SPF record for bounce.em.mybrand.com, which should resolve the issue.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that the 5321.from address is likely the exacttarget address, meaning the user isn't authorized to see data on that domain. Looking at the full headers will show the domain Google uses for SPF.

Expert from Word to the Wise recommends checking your SPF records with various tools to validate the configuration. When using a third-party sender such as SFMC, the SPF record must include them.

Documentation from Salesforce Help explains that SAP helps to build sender reputation. It includes dedicated IP address, branded domain for email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and branded account URL.

Documentation from SparkPost explains that Return-Path (also known as envelope from, 5321.MailFrom, or bounce address) is used to handle bounces. It should be a domain you control. Setting up a subdomain dedicated to bounces helps to manage sender reputation. Using a different domain than the 'From' address is common and doesn't inherently cause SPF failures if configured correctly.

Documentation from Oracle Responsys details setting up SPF and DKIM. SPF should include all services used to send mail. A dedicated bounce domain can improve deliverability.

Documentation from Microsoft details the SPF record syntax, specifically the 'include:' mechanism. This mechanism allows you to reference other domains' SPF records, which is relevant when using services like SFMC (Salesforce Marketing Cloud). You may need to 'include' SFMC's SPF records in your Return-Path domain's SPF record.

Documentation from DMARC.org details that SPF authentication checks if the sending IP address is authorized to send emails for the domain in the Return-Path address (also known as envelope from).