I'm currently developing a website that isn't live yet, and I really need Amazon SES for transactional emails to launch properly. I've applied for full SES access since I'll be sending out welcome emails upon user registration and confirmation emails. However, my request was denied with a pretty generic response. I suspect the reason is that my site is still under construction and hasn't officially launched yet. Should I bother appealing this decision or try to get more information? I've found other email services, but they seem to cost a lot more annually compared to SES's model. Are there any alternative pay-as-you-go options out there?
3 Answers
You’re not alone—AWS won't give you exact reasons for denial either. There are so many factors at play, some of which you might not even think about, like having some billing history or other AWS services linked to your account. New domains might raise eyebrows, especially if they don’t have a solid background. You could be right that the construction status of your site plays a part, but they just won't say. It's a bit of a mystery!
It seems like they rarely approve requests on the first few tries. Showing them the specific emails you plan to send, your opt-in process, and user management details is crucial. I ended up sending about 22 inquiries before I got the green light! But it really varies; others have had success quickly. Maybe try simplifying your communication next time and clearly stating your needs for transactional emails only. It might help!
That’s good to know! I think it depends on how they interpret your communication style. You definitely don’t want to come off as a spam account from the get-go!
The SES approval process can feel really puzzling! Unfortunately, AWS keeps their criteria pretty secret. It's definitely worth trying again; just make sure to detail how you'll handle bounce rates and opt-out requests to show them you mean business. From my experience, it looks like having a solid history with AWS helps too. If your account's brand new with no reputation, the chances of approval drop significantly. Meanwhile, stay on the lookout for cheaper email providers that fit your low pre-launch volume; you might find a good deal!
Interesting! I had a smooth experience with just one ticket, simply explaining I needed it for transactional purposes. But I didn't include extra details about tracking bounces, so maybe less is more at times.