What is the M3AAWG recommendation for bounce reporting?

M3AAWG recommends processing bounces promptly and using them to maintain list quality. Hard bounces should be suppressed immediately. Soft bounce patterns should trigger appropriate handling, whether suppression, frequency reduction, or investigation.

Their guidance emphasizes that high bounce rates indicate list quality problems requiring attention beyond simple suppression. Investigate why bounces occur: acquisition quality issues, list aging, or data hygiene problems.

M3AAWG also recommends monitoring bounce rates as key performance indicators. Sudden increases signal problems requiring immediate attention. Gradual increases suggest list aging or acquisition changes needing review.