Check the readiness inputs
A ready inbox needs more than an email address. The read model checks whether the inbox status is active or warming, whether it has a managed MTA assignment, whether SMTP and IMAP connection metadata exists, and whether credential hash/encryption metadata is present.
- Confirm status is active or warming for the intended workflow.
- Confirm SMTP host, port, and username are present.
- Confirm IMAP host, port, and username are present.
- Confirm encrypted credential and password hash metadata exist without exposing secrets.
Interpret smoke tests safely
SMTP and IMAP smoke tests are operational connectivity checks. An SMTP result of message accepted means the SMTP server accepted a controlled test message. It does not prove inbox placement, spam-folder placement, or campaign safety.
- Use SMTP smoke tests for authentication and submission checks.
- Use IMAP smoke tests for mailbox access checks.
- Use seed placement, not smoke tests, as launch-gate evidence for prospect traffic.
Block unsafe export rows
Exports should continue for ready inboxes and fail only the not-ready rows. Persist blocked rows with redacted failure reasons so operators can remediate without leaking SMTP passwords, encrypted values, hashes, provider secrets, or raw upstream payloads.