Should I process one-click unsubscribe requests faster than the CAN-SPAM 10-day requirement?
Summary
What email marketers say12Marketer opinions
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that implementing one-click unsubscribe doesn't negate the requirement to honor it within 48 hours. Senders should prioritize user experience by processing unsubscribe requests promptly to avoid users marking emails as spam. Irrespective of specific legal requirements and deadlines, it's a best practice that good senders already follow.
Email marketer from Sender explains that email marketing law requires that all unsubscribe requests are honored within 10 business days of receiving them, but they advise that the most effective and sender-friendly approach is to promptly deal with it as quickly as possible.
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign Blog shares that processing unsubscribe requests well within the 10-day limit demonstrates respect for subscribers and improves sender reputation. Faster processing reduces the risk of being marked as spam.
Email marketer from HubSpot Blog notes processing unsubscribe requests promptly improves sender reputation. Delaying this results in lower engagement and increased spam complaints.
Email marketer from Neil Patel Blog advocates for regularly cleaning email lists, which includes honoring unsubscribe requests as quickly as possible. He says it improves overall campaign performance and prevents sending emails to uninterested recipients.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum shares that quick unsubscribe processing positively impacts deliverability. ESPs note how promptly you respond to user requests, and it reflects in your sender score.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that given CASL's "without delay" requirement, who wants to use an ESP that deliberately coded things with a 10 day delay? It is implied that a shorter time frame is beneficial.
Email marketer from Mailjet Blog explains that while CAN-SPAM allows 10 business days for processing unsubscribe requests, promptly removing subscribers who opt-out is a best practice. They emphasize that respecting user preferences and maintaining a clean list improves deliverability and sender reputation.
Email marketer from Campaign Monitor explains that despite the 10-day allowance in CAN-SPAM, striving for quicker unsubscribe processing is crucial for user experience. Subscribers expect immediate action, and delays can lead to frustration and spam complaints.
Email marketer from Sendinblue notes that honoring unsubscribe requests quickly is a key factor to ensure better sender reputation and avoid spam filters
Email marketer from EmailToolTester explains that a part of ensuring better email deliverability is ensuring that all unsubscribe requests are taken care of promptly. Users who are still receiving email after unsubscribing will quickly flag your emails as spam.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that users expect nearly immediate unsubscription after requesting it. Delaying the process, even within the CAN-SPAM timeframe, often results in negative feedback and spam reports.
What the experts say2Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that while the law provides a window for unsubscribing, people expect that they will stop receiving mail immediately, and so it's always best practice to ensure that all unsubscribe requests are processed as quickly as possible. This helps reduce the chances of being marked as spam.
Expert from Spam Resource emphasizes that while CAN-SPAM provides a 10-day window to process unsubscribe requests, prompt handling is crucial for maintaining a positive sender reputation and avoiding spam complaints. They highlight that recipients expect immediate action when unsubscribing, and delays can lead to negative consequences.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from RFC 2369 describes the List-Unsubscribe header and best practices. While it doesn't mandate a specific processing time, it highlights the importance of respecting the user's request to unsubscribe, implying that it should be done promptly.
Documentation from Microsoft explains that to ensure email communications are delivered to the inbox and not sent to the junk folder, they specify that the sender should honor all requests to unsubscribe from marketing emails promptly
Documentation from FTC.gov clarifies that CAN-SPAM Act requires honoring opt-out requests within 10 business days. While this is the legal requirement, it does not explicitly encourage immediate processing.
Documentation from Google Support highlights that bulk senders must make it easy to unsubscribe and honor requests promptly. Google doesn't specify a strict timeframe but implies faster processing aligns with best practices for maintaining deliverability to Gmail users.