Summary
Yahoo's TSS04 deferred status indicates that Yahoo is temporarily refusing messages, often escalating to this status after emails have been consistently directed to the bulk folder without user complaints. The main causes are issues with sender reputation, email content triggering spam filters, or high sending volumes. It's crucial to investigate and rectify the underlying problems promptly to ensure proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), maintain a good IP and domain reputation, and adhere to Yahoo's guidelines. Infrastructure changes at Yahoo have influenced the escalation process, making timely action even more critical.
Key findings
- Escalation Process: TSS04 is an escalation indicating that mail has been consistently going to the bulk folder.
- Reputation Impact: Sender reputation is a critical factor causing TSS04 errors.
- Content Problems: Spam triggers in email content contribute to TSS04 issues.
- Volume Concerns: High sending volumes, especially from new IPs, can lead to deferrals.
- Authentication Needed: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is essential to prevent TSS04 errors.
- Infrastructure Changes: Yahoo's infrastructure changes have impacted the escalation process for deferred statuses.
Key considerations
- Immediate Investigation: Urgently investigate the underlying cause of the TSS04 error.
- Monitor Reputation: Monitor IP and domain reputation using tools like Microsoft SNDS and check against blacklists.
- Review Content: Review email content for potential spam triggers and ensure it meets Yahoo's guidelines.
- Authentication Setup: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured to verify email legitimacy.
- Address Violations: Address any policy violations or reputation concerns to improve deliverability.
- IP Warm-up: Warm up new IPs slowly to establish a positive sending history.
What email marketers say
6 marketer opinions
Yahoo's TSS04 deferred status indicates that Yahoo is temporarily refusing messages, suggesting deliverability problems. These issues are primarily linked to sender reputation, content quality, and sending volume. Resolving TSS04 requires a thorough investigation into these areas to ensure compliance with Yahoo's policies and best practices.
Key opinions
- Reputation Issues: Poor sender reputation is a major cause of TSS04 errors, impacting deliverability.
- Content Problems: Email content triggering spam filters leads to deferred status.
- Volume Concerns: High sending volumes, especially from new IPs, can trigger TSS04 errors.
- Authentication: Lack of proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) contributes to deliverability issues.
- Reverse DNS: Incorrect reverse DNS setup impacts email deliverability.
Key considerations
- Check Reputation: Regularly monitor and maintain a good sender reputation by checking blacklists and feedback loops.
- Content Review: Ensure email content is free from spam triggers by using spam testing tools.
- Authentication Setup: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication protocols correctly to verify email legitimacy.
- IP Warm-up: Gradually increase sending volume from new IPs to establish a positive sending history.
- Monitor and Respond: Actively monitor deliverability metrics and address any issues promptly to minimize negative impacts.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus suggests that Yahoo deferred statuses such as TSS04, may relate to both content and reputation and shares you need to examine both. They suggest senders check that they have appropriate authentication, their content isn't triggering any spam filters and ensure their IP address and domain reputation are in good standing.
24 Oct 2021 - Litmus
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email on Acid highlights that TSS04 errors from Yahoo indicate potential deliverability issues that needs investigation. They advise checking sender reputation, ensuring proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and looking for spam triggers in email content.
14 Oct 2024 - Email on Acid
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
The Yahoo TSS04 deferred status indicates a problem with Yahoo accepting mail, signaling that messages are likely being directed to the bulk/spam folder. This error is an escalation, suggesting mail has been going to bulk for a while without user complaints, prompting Yahoo to take stronger action. Senders need to investigate the cause urgently, especially given infrastructure changes at Yahoo.
Key opinions
- Bulk Folder Placement: TSS04 indicates that emails are likely being delivered to the bulk/spam folder.
- Escalation: The error is an escalation, meaning the problem has persisted over time.
- Infrastructure Change: Yahoo's infrastructure changes might impact the escalation process.
- Lack of Complaints: The escalation may occur because users aren't marking the mail as not spam.
- Requires Investigation: The sender must promptly investigate the cause of the issue.
Key considerations
- Immediate Action: Take immediate action to investigate and resolve the underlying issue causing the TSS04 error.
- Check Bulk Folder: Confirm if emails are indeed landing in the bulk/spam folder.
- Review Sending Practices: Evaluate sending practices to identify potential issues like content, reputation, or authentication.
- Monitor Reputation: Monitor IP and domain reputation to identify potential blacklisting.
- Authentication Setup: Verify that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource shares that a TSS04 error typically suggests that Yahoo is experiencing problems accepting your mail. He shares to investigate the cause and to fix it urgently.
18 May 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that Yahoo's error TSS04 means the mail is going to bulk and the sender needs to investigate. They share that if the mail keeps going to bulk without complaints then Yahoo increases the escalation to TSS04.
1 Mar 2024 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Yahoo's TSS04 deferred status signals a temporary delivery issue stemming from reputation, sending volume, or policy violations. Resolving this requires senders to review their practices, ensure compliance with Yahoo's guidelines, and monitor their sending reputation. Generic deferrals could also be due to temporary server unavailabilities. Monitoring reputation via tools like Microsoft SNDS is advised.
Key findings
- Temporary Issue: TSS04 indicates a temporary delivery problem.
- Reputation Impact: Reputation is a key factor in TSS04 errors.
- Volume Concerns: Sending volume can contribute to deferral issues.
- Policy Violations: Policy violations can trigger TSS04 errors.
- Server Unavailability: Deferred emails may result from temporary server unavailability (general deferral information).
Key considerations
- Review Practices: Carefully review sending practices to identify potential issues.
- Ensure Compliance: Comply with Yahoo's guidelines and policies to avoid deferrals.
- Monitor Reputation: Monitor sending reputation regularly using tools like Microsoft SNDS.
- Check Authentication: Ensure email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is properly configured.
- Address Violations: Address any policy violations promptly to resolve deferral issues.
Technical article
Documentation from Yahoo Postmaster Tools explains that a TSS04 error indicates a temporary issue, often related to reputation or sending volume. It suggests reviewing sending practices and ensuring compliance with Yahoo's guidelines to resolve the issue.
31 Aug 2022 - Yahoo Postmaster Tools
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft SNDS explains that it can be used to monitor email IP reputation. While it doesn't mention TSS04 directly it's information that can be used to resolve any issues with deferrals.
24 Feb 2022 - Microsoft SNDS
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