What volume is needed before using a dedicated IP?

The common threshold is 100,000 to 200,000 emails per month, though recommendations vary by ESP and sending pattern. Some providers set the bar higher for certain mailbox providers; others adjust based on your sending frequency.

The reason is mathematical. Mailbox providers need sufficient data points to evaluate reputation. Sending 10,000 emails monthly spreads thin across recipient domains, generating weak signals. At 100,000+, you create meaningful patterns that providers can assess confidently.

Consistency matters as much as volume. Sending 200,000 emails once quarterly performs worse than 50,000 monthly. Dedicated IPs need regular activity to stay warm. Extended quiet periods let reputation decay.

A lighthouse needs steady fuel to keep the beam bright. Sporadic flashes confuse more than they guide.