What tools can send an ARF report test?

Summary

Various methods and tools exist for working with ARF (Abuse Reporting Format) reports and improving email deliverability. These range from manual techniques, such as creating and modifying ARF reports, to automated solutions offered by platforms and services. Key strategies involve setting up and monitoring feedback loops (FBLs), using specialized tools for ARF report analysis, leveraging email analytics and deliverability insights, and proactively monitoring sending reputation. Platforms like Validity's Everest, GlockApps, SparkPost, and Sendgrid offer FBL monitoring and reporting features. Additionally, some ESPs may provide built-in FBL monitoring, while tools like Litmus offer broader deliverability analytics. External resources like GitHub may host tools for generating ARF reports. Furthermore, understanding the ARF specification (RFC 3965) is crucial for properly interpreting ARF reports. Proactive reputation monitoring tools, integrated with FBLs, aid in analyzing data and managing sending reputation effectively. Finally, in some cases, existing codebases and network monitoring tools might be adapted to assist in the ARF analysis process.

Key findings

  • Manual and Automated Methods: Both manual creation/modification and automated tools are available for ARF report handling.
  • FBL Importance: Setting up and monitoring feedback loops is essential for receiving and analyzing ARF reports.
  • Platform Integration: Platforms like Everest, GlockApps, SparkPost, and Sendgrid offer integrated FBL monitoring and reporting.
  • Analytics Insights: Tools like Litmus provide deliverability analytics that can inform ARF-related investigations.
  • ESP Variations: ESPs vary in the FBL monitoring features they offer; some have built-in capabilities.
  • Community Resources: GitHub and other community resources may host open-source or DIY ARF-related tools.
  • RFC Specification: Understanding the RFC 3965 specification is vital for correctly interpreting ARF data.
  • Reputation Monitoring Proactivity: Proactive reputation monitoring helps pre-empt deliverability issues by using ARF data.

Key considerations

  • Needs Assessment: Evaluate your specific needs and resources to determine the best approach (manual, automated, or a combination).
  • Tool Evaluation: Carefully evaluate the features, integration capabilities, and cost-effectiveness of different ARF-related tools and platforms.
  • Integration Complexity: Assess the complexity of integrating FBLs, reporting tools, and analytics platforms into your existing infrastructure.
  • Expertise Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary expertise to interpret ARF reports and implement effective deliverability improvements.
  • Compliance Adherence: Adhere to privacy regulations and industry best practices when handling ARF data.
  • Proactive Strategy: Adopt a proactive approach to deliverability management by continuously monitoring sending reputation and addressing potential issues promptly.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

Several tools and methods can be used to work with ARF (Abuse Reporting Format) reports and test email deliverability. Some email marketers manually create and modify ARF reports for testing, while others leverage services that provide feedback loop (FBL) monitoring. Services like GlockApps offer platforms with FBL monitors that allow users to analyze ARF reports from ISPs to identify deliverability issues. Return Path (now Validity) and Validity's Everest platform offer tools for FBL management and ARF report analysis. While some ESPs (Email Service Providers) may have built-in FBL monitoring features, the capabilities can vary. Additionally, tools like Litmus provide email analytics and deliverability insights, aiding in diagnosing issues reflected in ARF reports. Even network monitoring tools can potentially be configured to analyze SMTP traffic and identify ARF reports.

Key opinions

  • Manual ARF Creation: Email marketers sometimes create and modify ARF reports manually for testing purposes.
  • FBL Monitoring Tools: Platforms such as GlockApps and Validity's Everest offer FBL monitoring that aids in analyzing ARF reports from ISPs.
  • ESP Integration: Some ESPs provide built-in FBL monitoring features, though their capabilities can vary.
  • Analytics Tools: Tools like Litmus offer email analytics and deliverability insights that can help diagnose issues reflected in ARF reports.
  • Network Monitoring Potential: Network monitoring tools may be configured to analyze SMTP traffic and identify ARF reports.

Key considerations

  • Manual vs. Automated: Decide whether to manually create ARF reports or use automated FBL monitoring tools based on your needs and resources.
  • Tool Integration: Consider the integration capabilities of email marketing tools with FBL services for comprehensive ARF report analysis.
  • ESP Features: Evaluate the FBL monitoring features provided by your ESP, if any, and whether they meet your specific requirements.
  • Data Interpretation: Ensure you have the knowledge and resources to interpret ARF reports and take appropriate actions to improve deliverability.
  • Privacy Implications: Be aware of privacy implications when manually creating or analyzing ARF reports and ensure compliance with regulations.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks offers to create a tool from existing code and asks about the ideal workflow.

April 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests signing up for multiple FBL addresses through Return Path / Validity uFBL to have complaint reports go to multiple email addresses.

August 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailVendorSelection.com explains that some email vendor selection tools evaluate ESPs based on their FBL and ARF reporting capabilities, helping users choose platforms that offer these features.

December 2021 - EmailVendorSelection.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Return Path (via Archive.org of their old website) highlights that Return Path (now Validity) offered tools for feedback loop management and ARF report analysis, providing insights into complaint data and deliverability issues.

May 2021 - Archive.org (ReturnPath.com)
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit's r/emailmarketing mentions that some ESPs provide built-in FBL monitoring features that can be used to generate or view ARF reports, although the specific capabilities vary.

September 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailgun shares that Mailgun provides tools for feedback loop handling and reporting, which helps users track complaints. These reports aren't direct ARF tests but give insights into potential issues.

January 2024 - Mailgun.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow notes that while not designed for ARF testing, some network monitoring tools can be configured to analyze SMTP traffic and potentially identify ARF reports being sent back to the sender.

October 2023 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps explains their platform offers a feedback loop monitor that reports complaint rates. This allows you to analyze ARF reports from various ISPs, helping to identify potential deliverability issues. GlockApps also provides email testing features that can help improve overall inbox placement.

May 2023 - GlockApps.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet mentions that while Mailjet doesn't directly send ARF test reports, they integrate with deliverability tools that provide feedback loop data, helping users understand complaint rates. This data can be used to improve email practices.

July 2021 - Mailjet.com
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that in recent tests, the ARF report test was an actual ARF mail that was copied and modified as needed, then put back in the mailbox processing the reports.

March 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus shares that Litmus provides email analytics and deliverability tools. While not directly an ARF report sender, Litmus provides insights into spam filter placement and can help diagnose issues that might be reflected in ARF reports.

April 2024 - Litmus.com

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

Experts suggest a variety of approaches to working with ARF (Abuse Reporting Format) reports. One approach involves searching GitHub for tools that can generate ARF reports for self-testing. Another essential strategy is to set up and monitor feedback loops (FBLs) to receive ARF reports, which are valuable for identifying and addressing deliverability issues related to complaints. Additionally, proactive reputation monitoring tools that integrate with FBLs can assist in analyzing ARF data, managing sending reputation, and identifying sources of complaints before they escalate into major deliverability problems.

Key opinions

  • GitHub Tooling: GitHub may host tools capable of generating ARF reports for testing purposes.
  • FBL Importance: Setting up and monitoring feedback loops (FBLs) is crucial for receiving ARF reports.
  • Reputation Monitoring: Proactive reputation monitoring tools, when integrated with FBLs, aid in analyzing ARF data and managing sending reputation.

Key considerations

  • GitHub Tool Reliability: Assess the reliability and security of any tools found on GitHub before implementation.
  • FBL Setup Complexity: Understand the technical requirements and complexity involved in setting up and maintaining feedback loops.
  • Reputation Tool Selection: Evaluate different reputation monitoring tools to ensure they meet your specific needs for analyzing ARF data and managing sending reputation effectively.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests looking on GitHub for something that generates ARF reports to send yourself tests.

June 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes that proactive reputation monitoring tools can assist in analyzing data from ARF reports by integrating with FBLs. She also advocates for using these tools to manage sending reputation and identifies sources of complaints before major deliverability problems arise.

March 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that setting up and monitoring feedback loops (FBLs) is essential for receiving ARF reports. These reports can then be used to identify and address deliverability issues related to complaints. He also recommends tools that can help with automating the FBL setup and monitoring processes.

March 2022 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

Several documentation sources highlight tools and platforms for managing feedback loops (FBLs) and analyzing Abuse Reporting Format (ARF) reports. Validity's Everest platform and SparkPost provide FBL monitoring and ARF report analysis, enabling users to analyze complaint data, monitor complaint rates, and address deliverability issues. Sendgrid also offers feedback loop integration and reporting to track complaints and identify potential deliverability issues. Additionally, RFC 3965 from RFC-Editor.org details the official specification for ARF, which is crucial for understanding ARF reports.

Key findings

  • Everest FBL Monitoring: Validity's Everest platform offers FBL monitoring with ARF reports from ISPs for analyzing complaint data.
  • SparkPost FBL and Reporting: SparkPost offers tools to manage FBLs and analyze ARF reports, providing insights into email performance.
  • RFC 3965 Specification: RFC 3965 defines the structure and content of ARF reports, essential for proper analysis.
  • Sendgrid FBL Integration: Sendgrid integrates with feedback loops to track complaints and identify deliverability issues.

Key considerations

  • Platform Selection: Consider the specific features and capabilities of platforms like Everest, SparkPost, and Sendgrid for FBL management and ARF report analysis.
  • ARF Understanding: Familiarize yourself with RFC 3965 to properly interpret and utilize the data in ARF reports.
  • Integration Needs: Evaluate how well the platform integrates with your existing email infrastructure and workflows.
Technical article

Documentation from RFC-Editor.org (RFC 3965) details the official specification for the Abuse Reporting Format (ARF). While not a tool, it defines the structure and content of ARF reports, crucial for understanding the data provided by tools that offer ARF report testing.

December 2021 - RFC-Editor.org
Technical article

Documentation from SparkPost.com highlights that their platform provides tools to manage feedback loops and analyze ARF reports, enabling senders to monitor complaint rates and address deliverability problems. SparkPost's reporting features offer insights into email performance and subscriber engagement.

October 2022 - SparkPost.com
Technical article

Documentation from Sendgrid.com details their feedback loop integration and reporting capabilities. Sendgrid processes feedback loops, enabling users to track complaints and identify potential deliverability issues that might trigger ARF reports.

February 2023 - Sendgrid.com
Technical article

Documentation from Validity.com explains that Validity's Everest platform offers feedback loop (FBL) monitoring, which provides ARF reports from participating ISPs, allowing users to analyze complaint data and identify deliverability issues.

October 2023 - Validity.com