In need of client mailing list service...any suggestions?

For @jime0726 — short, practical advice that builds on @techniner’s “build it yourself” idea and @pulse’s pointers to packaged tools.

Three realistic paths: hosted provider (fast setup, deliverability/bounce handling and unsubscribe built in), a ready open-source package (quicker than coding from scratch), or a custom system (lowest recurring cost but higher development and operations work). Building is reasonable if the team can handle queueing, bounce processing, throttling, authentication (SPF/DKIM), and legal/opt-in requirements; otherwise a hosted service buys that expertise.

Minimal self-hosted architecture and a tiny schema to start:

-- subscribers
id INT PK, email VARCHAR(255) UNIQUE, status ENUM('pending','active','unsub','bounced'),
token CHAR(32), created_at DATETIME

-- suppression_list
email VARCHAR(255) PK, unsub_at DATETIME, reason VARCHAR(255)

-- mail_queue
id INT PK, subject VARCHAR(255), body TEXT, scheduled_at DATETIME, status ENUM('queued','sending','sent','failed')

Workflow: add subscriber → send confirmation (double opt‑in) → mark active only after confirmation. Insert sends into mail_queue; a worker (cron/service) pulls small batches, sends via SMTP, logs successes and bounces, and immediately writes hard bounces to suppression_list. Always include a one-click unsubscribe tokened link and honor it immediately.

Exchange note and deliverability: Exchange is a mail server, not a database host. Keep the DB on a web/DB server and send mail through a reliable SMTP relay or a dedicated sending service if volume or reputation matters — sending large lists directly from an Exchange IP often causes throttling or blacklisting. Configure SPF/DKIM, provide a List-Unsubscribe header, include plain-text alternatives, and throttle sends to avoid ISP blocks.

Operational cautions: treat bounce handling, suppression, segmentation, and testing as core features, not extras. If time or resources are limited, use a hosted or packaged solution to avoid reinventing nuanced deliverability and compliance work. Follow applicable anti-spam and privacy laws and document opt-ins and unsubscribes for auditing.