Hi ezynes,
I happen to know just what you need. This is not free (except the free
trial), but it is extremely reasonable for all the tracking services
they provide. I'm confident you will find this service VERY useful!
ReadNotify
http://www.readnotify.com/
Besides email tracking, specifically, check out their "Document Tracking Service"
http://www.readnotify.com/readnotify/pmdoctrack.asp
..."We not only let you know when your document or PDF was opened, but
we will also endeavor to let you know:
? Date, time, location, ISP, etc regarding each reading
? Recipient / reader details
? When applicable, details showing when your document was Printed out
(on paper) or Saved (a copy made to disk)
? Details on whether or not it was forwarded (and where possible; to whom)
? Which pages of your PDF were read
? Length of time read
? How many times it was opened and re-opened (with optional instant
notifications each time)..."
Check this out:
Select a ReadNotify Plan
http://www.readnotify.com/readnotify/payment.asp
All this for $24.00-or-$36.00/year OR up to 2000 emails. Peace of mind
is indeed cheap. You can monitor the PDF files in detail, and
selectively contact those folks that are having a hard time with the
attachments. As you solve each case, you can develop a set of
instructions to cover each scenario and over time, reduce the number
of recipients that need assistance.
I trust this is exactly what you are looking for, if not, please use
the clarification feature and tell me where I went wrong...
~~Cynthia
Search strategy: --None, I use this service. |
Request for Answer Clarification by
ezynes-ga
on
26 Mar 2006 05:50 PST
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
I went thru the site you've referenced. I'm not able to find a promise
from them that they will insure delivery of my email that carries
download instructions (or whatever) to my clients. They only assure
that, if my mail reaches my clients, I would know lots of details
about the receipt. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I have found another simple way to do this thru PayPal itself. So, in
effect, I know if my client makes a refund claim after having received
download instructions. But the fact is there are quite a few customers
who don't receive my emails. How do I make sure every customer
receives my 'download instructions' mail?
|
Clarification of Answer by
cynthia-ga
on
26 Mar 2006 13:53 PST
Thanks for the clarification. I love ReadNotify and got carried away
with the many services which could be of use to you.
...How about "Certified Email?"
GOODMAIL - CertifiedEmail
http://www.goodmailsystems.com/certifiedmail/
Here's the whitepaper:
http://www.goodmailsystems.com/news/goodmail_facts.pdf
If I'm on the right track and you'd like a couple more options, let me
know. If this still isn't what you want, let me know and I'll try
again.
~~Cynthia
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
ezynes-ga
on
29 Mar 2006 17:48 PST
Hi again,
Thanks for your clarification. And thanks for your patience. Broadly,
you're along the right lines, subject to my comments below.
The specific issues with this solution are that there are too may
conditions, collectively making this an impractical solution, as
below.
QUOTE
In order to meet the strict qualifying criteria, an organization must,
among other things:
have at least one year of business history, as verified by a
commercial identity verification service
have business headquarters located in the United States or Canada
if a non-profit organization, verify non-profit status as a 501(c)(3),
government agency, or educational institution
have a six-month sending history using a dedicated IP addresses to
transmit messages, even if sending email through an email service
provider (ESP), and must have at least a 6 month mailing history from
that IP
apply for the AOL whitelist program--this is highly recommended--any
organziation can apply so that AOL will have a history of your
organization's sending behavior
have a prior complaint threshold within bounds established by Goodmail
with partner ISPs
be able to comply with Goodmail?s Acceptable Use and Security Policy
including that CertifiedEmail will be used only for permission-based
messages to existing members or customers; no prospecting or member
acquisition campaign
Agree to and sign the Token Purchase Agreement
UNQUOTE
While I can understand non-spam, US base, and credentials verification
conditions, the business for which I need doesn't meet the 1 year
business history criterion (though I have other businesses, with other
partners, for 5 years). Also, there are conditions like this applies
ONLY to partner email ids of my clients (which no one can fulfill).
Do I have a solution along these lines, but more pragmatic, down-to-earth?
Thanks again.
|
Clarification of Answer by
cynthia-ga
on
29 Mar 2006 22:33 PST
Hi again ezynes,
Check out my next findings, I think I have a better understanding of
your needs, and this round of possible solutions are more in line with
your needs...
==============================================================
BONDED SENDER PROGRAM
http://www.bondedsender.com/
This is not free, and it's very expensive, but it does what you want.
From their FAQ page:
..."How does BSP work for senders of email?
If you are sending legitimate email with a negligible complaint rate
AND you want to ensure your email isn?t blocked or put into the bulk
folder, the Bonded Sender Program is for you. Visit the application
page for more information and registration instructions.
Do I have to bond all my email?
No. You can bond one, two or all your outbound email IP addresses.
Then channel only that email that has guaranteed customer interest
through the bonded IP addresses. We recommend a content sender using a
new list send a mailing once on a non-bonded IP address to verify the
quality of the list. If it has negligible bounce and complaint rates,
it would be a good candidate for bonding subsequent mailings.
What happens if I don?t bond my email?
You?re rolling the dice and taking your chances with spam filters,
black lists and bulk folders. Some days all of your email may be
delivered; other days 30-50% could be blocked.
How long does it take to apply and become a Bonded Sender?
With complete information and no major issues, it usually takes about
two weeks after submission of an application to determine approval or
rejection. You will then be asked to post a bond, which takes about
another two weeks. If there is incomplete information provided, or
your application requires additional investigation of potential abuse
issues, additional time may be required..."
==============================================================
EmailReach Delivery AuditTM
http://www.emailreach.com/
..."A solution for legitimate email marketers who need to ensure that
their opt-in email gets delivered through the myriad of email blocking
software used by ISP's, business networks and consumer desktop
machines.
Designed by email marketers to allow customer service teams, email
publishers, and email marketing specialists to ensure that their
customers get their email; Delivery Audit provides a full progress
report on which filters will wrongly assign an email as spam. In
addition to auditing the email it provides the user with guidance on
how to fix the problem, all before the email is sent..."
==============================================================
Here's a company that might work for you, this excerpt is from their
"Services" page:
SP Relations and Delivery Services
http://www.emaillabs.com/services.html
..."EmailLabs' Director of Delivery and ISP Relations is dedicated to
ensuring that messages sent through the EmailLabs system attain the
highest possible deliverability. The Director of Delivery and ISP
Relations is also responsible for enforcing EmailLabs? anti-spam
policies and monitoring the usage of the EmailLabs system by its
clients. EmailLabs works directly with ISPs to make sure that
transmission is not interrupted and any email delivery issues are
handled with utmost expediency. We also provide consulting services to
clients advising them on ways to modify the content and design of
their email messages to increase delivery and open rates. Read more
about our ISP Relations and Delivery Policies and Services..." <----
on that link is this:
ISP Relations
EmailLabs works directly with ISPs to make sure that transmission is
not interrupted and any email delivery issues are handled with utmost
expediency. EmailLabs maintains relations with ISPs that include:
AOL/Time-Warner, MSN/Hotmail, Yahoo, Earthlink, Cable & Wireless,
Hurricane Electric, Roadrunner Cable Networks, and Juno/Netzero.
Anti-Spam Community Monitoring and Involvement
http://www.emaillabs.com/ISP_relations.html
EmailLabs? servers are routinely checked against public blocklists,
and delivery tests are conducted with all major ISPs. All complaints
regarding EmailLabs customers are investigated, and customer-mailing
practices are routinely audited to ensure compliance with EmailLabs?
usage and anti-spam policies. EmailLabs also has memberships in the
Spamcon (www.spamcon.org) foundation, allowing access to anti-spam
community resources and discussion groups.
CHECK OUT THEIR WHITEPAPER ON:
EmailLabs Delivery Issues, Best Practices and Services
http://www.emaillabs.com/pdf/Email_Delivery.pdf
THIS IS A MUST READ.
==============================================================
Check this out, not sure how this would work for you:
EDENTITI - Guaranteed Email Delivery
http://m.fasfind.com/edentiti/m/1920.cfm?x=0&rid=1920
..."Edentiti provides mailing list administrators with guaranteed
email delivery. Every email recipient is given a unique relay edentiti
email address and the email is delivered via that address.
Depending on the level of service requested Edentiti will ensure how
reliably the emails are delivered to the desktop of the recipient.
Problems that arise in the delivery of mail from Edentiti to the
desktop are handled by Edentiti. Edentiti handles:
-all bouncing emails
-Spam filters
-changes of email addresses
-network breakdowns
-all the other reasons for the non delivery of messages
Edentiti works with the email recipient to resolve problems so
relieving list administrators of the tedious task of maintaining
communications..."
==============================================================
Guaranteed Email Delivery at a Cost
http://www.surfsecret.com/products/snews/issues/121102.html#news4
..."One company is trying to offer a service of first class email
delivery to make sure Spam filtering software doesn't eliminate
legitimate email before reaching it's intended target. Lost email
hasn't been a problem with current filtering techniques so far, but it
could become an issue as filters become finer..."
==============================================================
Then there's services like this:
WebServio - Mailbagging
http://www.webservio.net/
Protecting inmportant emails from getting bounced. Not what you want,
but good to know.
==============================================================
This company offers an email platform that specifically addresses this issue:
RealNetworks Selects StrongMail as New Email Delivery Platform
http://www.strongmail.com/company/press_032806.html
..."StrongMail integrates a complete set of delivery, tracking and
management capabilities into a single platform that is optimized for
high-deliverability. StrongMail has the most sophisticated bounce
management technology in the industry, providing granular visibility
into delivery rates with clear, actionable steps to correct erroneous
ISP blocks or failures. Because deliverability parameters are
constantly changing, StrongMail continually pushes updates to its
software installations, including the latest throttling limits, bounce
codes and other ISP rules to keep their customers performing at
maximum efficiency.....Today?s legitimate senders face a tremendous
challenge getting email delivered in an environment where the rules
are constantly changing,? said Frank Addante, founder of StrongMail
Systems. ?The StrongMail platform enables enterprises like
RealNetworks to focus less on the mechanics of email delivery and more
on the value that email can bring to their business..."
==============================================================
This guy is selling a product that he guarantees will work, but he's
developing a new version and is not selling the old one anymore. I
don't trust ads like this, but thought I'd pass it along.
http://www.market-soft.com/bypass/
==============================================================
Seems the more I search, the closer I get. How are these options?
Which one do you like the best?
~~Cynthia
Search strategy used at Google:
legitimate email past spam filters
"guaranteed delivery of email"
"guaranteed delivery" email
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
ezynes-ga
on
08 Apr 2006 23:31 PDT
Thanks for your painstaking research.
First off, let me thank you for all your efforts. It will be unfair of
me to keep stretching you beyond reasonable limits for a small fee.
So, anytime you feel you're unable to go any further, I'll accept your
answer as final and close the question. Just about the only reason I'm
still not closing is that I haven't got the exact answer I need, but
even learning that there's no such answer is a good enough answer. And
you seem to be getting closer to the answer.
So, please feel free to advice me when you think I'm stretching you.
Coming to your suggested answers:
1. http://www.emailreach.com: Delivery Audit (I'm cutting out the
details here) runs your email through all the major anti-spam software
and reports what software flagged your message as spam, why and what
you can do about it. The Pricing is $49/month.
While I have no problems about the fee, it doesn't solve my problem as
this doesn't give me a way guaranteed to deliver ALL my mails to my
clients whoever the ISP/MSP may be; it appears to come closest, if
there's no complete solution.
=========================================
2. email labs: This just sends emails like autoresponders, and only
promises to make a good effort to reach customer's mails, esp to
popular MSP destinations. (Price not given; so, not sure if it is
operational, anyway.)
=========================================
3. Edintity: Not clear how this works; not explained properly.
=========================================
4. http://www.surfsecret.com/products/snews/issues/121102.html#news4
..."trying to offer a service of first class email delivery to make
sure Spam filtering software doesn't eliminate
legitimate email before reaching it's intended target. Lost email
hasn't been a problem with current filtering techniques so far, but it
could become an issue as filters become finer..."
(Only this much is given; maybe the product is not ready. If it
becomes available at a reasonable cost, and delivers on its promise,
it could become the solution.)
=========================================
5. WebServio - Mailbagging: They talk about only email bouncing
problems but not about passing thru SPAM filters.
=========================================
6. http://www.strongmail.com/company/press_032806.html: They also link
to Goodmail for ensuring email delivery. So, this is no solution
either, and not a different solution, anyway.
=========================================
|
Clarification of Answer by
cynthia-ga
on
09 Apr 2006 00:56 PDT
Hi ezynes,
I'll admit I'm stretched, but also challenged. It's not about the fee,
it's about the chase. I absolutely love searching and compiling
results. My exchange with you is fun for me. Frankly, the fact I
haven't found the solution means I wioll always be on the lookout for
it. This question will accept clarifications and comments for a year
before it becomes archived (read only). --I do agree that it's
unlikely there is a perfect solution right now, but I believe it is
very close. In fact, I have a similar problem [technology not *quite*
there] and am looking for a solution for my brother:
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=716677
If you have an idea, please let me know!
The last group of suggestions I made for you came about as a change in
search terms. Luckily I included them above so I can try again, maybe
tweak them a bit. If I remember correctly, I recall being surprised at
the number of hits, and tried several that looked good at a glance to
see what you thought.
I'm unpacking from a move and just got back online yesterday, I have
to catch up on my day job, but I'll certainly give it another go.
I'll also take another look at "Edintity" - I must have seen something
that made me include it.
TTYS,
~~Cynthia
|
Clarification of Answer by
cynthia-ga
on
09 Apr 2006 01:07 PDT
I forgot to mention, that it would be nice if you remembered to rate
my answer. I don't remember the sequence and if you still can, but
most Researchers appreciate being rated, and although it's not
expected, we also appreciate being tipped, if you're so inclined!
|
Clarification of Answer by
cynthia-ga
on
13 Apr 2006 20:27 PDT
Hi! I rechecked all the links, edentity won't work, it's for Australians only.
You didn't comment on this one:
BONDED SENDER PROGRAM
http://www.bondedsender.com/
This is not free, and it's very expensive, but it does what you want.
They don't specifically guarantee delivery, but your message is sent
from a server that is extremely trusted by filters:
..."Improve deliverability rates. The Bonded Sender? Program ensures
that messages from Bonded Senders get delivered to Hotmail, MSN,
RoadRunner, and over 34,000 ISPs, corporations and universities
(representing over 240 million mailboxes). The Bonded Sender? Program
is currently preventing half a million legitimate messages a day from
accidentally being sent to the bulk folder..."
From their FAQ page:
..."How does BSP work for senders of email?
If you are sending legitimate email with a negligible complaint rate
AND you want to ensure your email isn?t blocked or put into the bulk
folder, the Bonded Sender Program is for you. Visit the application
page for more information and registration instructions.
Do I have to bond all my email?
No. You can bond one, two or all your outbound email IP addresses.
Then channel only that email that has guaranteed customer interest
through the bonded IP addresses. We recommend a content sender using a
new list send a mailing once on a non-bonded IP address to verify the
quality of the list. If it has negligible bounce and complaint rates,
it would be a good candidate for bonding subsequent mailings.
What happens if I don?t bond my email?
You?re rolling the dice and taking your chances with spam filters,
black lists and bulk folders. Some days all of your email may be
delivered; other days 30-50% could be blocked.
How long does it take to apply and become a Bonded Sender?
With complete information and no major issues, it usually takes about
two weeks after submission of an application to determine approval or
rejection. You will then be asked to post a bond, which takes about
another two weeks. If there is incomplete information provided, or
your application requires additional investigation of potential abuse
issues, additional time may be required..."
Those keyword phrases weren't as good as I had hoped. I'm coming up
empty, but still poking around!
|
Clarification of Answer by
cynthia-ga
on
31 Dec 2006 02:48 PST
Hi!
I've been using LogMeIn, a remote access program that has "file share"
as a feature. You could feasibly name each file like this:
samefile01
samefile02
samefile03 --etc, one per customer.
Share the file using LogMeIn, and set the # of allowed downloads to
ONE per customer/file name. It loggs the date and time the file was
taken, and notes the IP Address.
~~Cynthia
|
