SendLabs

I cannot stand when I get unsolicited marketing emails, especially ones that are wishy-washy or use language that seem like I've contacted them before. Take this one I received from the eConsulting Network, which I gather handles lead collection and such for small businesses. I have no idea of the accuracy or business practices of that company, but I do know they added my email to their list without permission. However, it's the way they sent it to me that got me upset.

They used an email service provider, one of our competitors in fact. This ESP is 100% legitimate, so it's not really their fault that this company is sending out unsolicited information and using a legitimate service to do it. It's actually kind of crafty as there are clickable links so they even get reporting for this version of spam. I like how it also includes 'Manage Your Subscription' as if I decided to subscribe in the first place. 

Finally, the 'Let me know either way' and 'just a follow up...' was just priceless. I didn't ask to receive email from you, but I'm glad you put the onus on me to respond.

Note to our dear readers: just because you use an ESP doesn't mean you can't be a spammer.