Why are recipients getting complaints even without DMARC implemented?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from HubSpot points out that irregular sending volumes can trigger spam filters and result in increased complaints, even if DMARC is properly configured.
Email marketer from Neil Patel's Blog explains that feedback loops forward complaints from ISPs. If recipients mark your emails as spam, the ISP sends a complaint back to you (if you've set up a feedback loop).
Email marketer from EmailToolTester points out that misleading subject lines, deceptive content, and failing to honor unsubscribe requests can lead to spam complaints, even if you haven't implemented DMARC or if it's passing.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that even if DMARC is not set up, recipients' email clients may use filters based on keywords or content in your email, leading to it being marked as spam. This is based on the user's personal spam filter settings.
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign notes that if it's difficult for people to unsubscribe from your emails, they're more likely to mark them as spam. This increased complaint rate impacts deliverability regardless of DMARC.
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that Spam complaints are a key factor in determining sender reputation. Even without DMARC, high complaint rates will negatively impact your ability to reach the inbox.
Email marketer from StackExchange explains that if you are on a shared IP address, the actions of other senders on that IP can affect your reputation and deliverability, leading to complaints even if your own practices are good and DMARC is not set up.
Email marketer from Gmass explains that purchased email lists are often full of spam traps and invalid addresses. Sending to these lists can result in high complaint rates, regardless of DMARC implementation.
Email marketer from an Email Marketing Forum states that poor list hygiene (sending to old or unengaged addresses) can lead to increased bounce rates and spam complaints, regardless of DMARC.
Email marketer from SendGrid explains that recipients can still manually mark emails as spam/junk even if DMARC isn't a factor (e.g., DMARC is not configured or passing). These manual actions directly affect your sender reputation with ISPs.
What the experts say7Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks explains that the received-spf wasn't added by Google, it was copied from a previous delivered message. It looks like random spam that copied headers from one of the clients legit messages.
Expert from Email Geeks initially was confused how someone is getting complaints. Steve Atkins (WttW) then explains it is likely due to manual complaints from the recipient or because the 822.From is a role address, so a reply from the recipient would get to them, even without DMARC.
Expert from Email Geeks mentions that implementing DMARC would actually be the solution in this case.
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that spam traps can cause blocklisting and decreased deliverability. Maintaining a clean list is a critical aspect of deliverability even if you use DMARC and other authentication methods. These spam traps trigger spam complaints.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that low engagement is a key factor used in filtering decisions. Even if DMARC is implemented, if users aren't opening or interacting with your emails, they're more likely to be filtered or marked as spam, leading to complaints.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that complaints are a direct feedback loop from recipients to mailbox providers. High complaint rates damage sender reputation, regardless of DMARC. Recipients may be complaining for a variety of reasons, including unwanted content, confusing branding or aggressive sending cadences.
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that sender reputation is crucial for email deliverability, and is directly impacted by user complaints, even if DMARC is not in place. Poor list hygiene and irrelevant content can contribute to complaints.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft explains that a high volume of complaints (even without DMARC) can cause Microsoft to filter your email. User complaints directly impact sender reputation.
Documentation from Google specifies that a spam rate consistently above 0.3% will cause deliverability issues, regardless of DMARC. User-reported spam is a direct indicator of the quality of your email program.
Documentation from SparkPost explains that establishing complaint feedback loops (FBLs) with major ISPs allows you to receive data about which recipients are marking your emails as spam. This can happen regardless of DMARC status. These reports can be used to improve your email practices.
Documentation from RFC Editor clarifies that the 'From:' header field contains the identity of the author(s) of the message. If a recipient replies, it goes to the address(es) specified in the 'From:' header. If that is a role address, complaints can come from that role.