First of all, let me start by saying, I read just about every pro and con review before making my purchase (about a month ago). I've purchased just about every email solution out there since 2002. I wish I could have some of that money back now! Anyway, I had an existing list and I was a little nervous as I prepared for my first send.

And no, I didn't use a list-cleaning or verification service. As it turned out, I had enough bounces that triggered an email from MailPoet letting me know. It wasn't threatening or anything like that. They just suggested a list-cleaning service. So, before importing another list, I found a service called KICKBOX. They were more affordable than the others I've found, so that took care of my bad address problems.

That was a month or so ago.

Since that time, I've had higher open rates (29%-49% range) as compared with the other solutions I've used. I've also kept a close eye on the CPU usage. Zero problems. I've yet to experience any issues with database bloat. In fact, most of the existing database bloat is coming from security logs from my security plugin. After clearing the logs, by database went from about 90-megabytes down to 50.

This plugin also works great with Elementor and Beaver Builder. I was a little concerned about the double-optin at first, but the more I think about it, it's not a big deal. List building in 2020 isn't like it was in the past. Today, it's more about quality than it is quantity. Yes, it's easier to say that when you already have hundreds or thousands of people on your list. That said, who wants to build a list of non-responsive people? I'm talking about people who open one or two emails and have no intention of ever buying anything from you?

With client sites, we're only installing the plugin on sites where we personally manage the client's email marketing. That takes care of potential spam issues. So yes, I give MailPoet 5-tacos after my personal experience with using the plugin. Sometimes I have buyer's remorse with AppSumo deals - but not this time.