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How to Upload Your Existing Contacts for Exclusion

If you are using Webhooks, upload your existing contacts as a CSV so Retention.com doesn't identify people you already have.

If you are using Webhooks, Retention.com does not automatically cross-reference your existing contacts. You will need to manually upload your existing contacts so we don't identify or collect people you already have.


When to use this method

  • You are using Webhooks and

  • You are uploading your existing contacts for the first time on a new account


How to upload your existing contacts

The upload option is found inside your Webhook integration settings:

  1. Log in to Retention.com

  2. Go to Settings → Integrations

  3. Open your Webhook integration

  4. Find the Sync your existing contacts card

  5. Upload your CSV file

Once uploaded, the file is sent to a processing queue. When complete, it will appear listed under the corresponding date in your Sync history.


File requirements

Your CSV must use one of the following formats:

  • Plain text emails: One column labeled email containing plain text email addresses

OR

  • MD5 hashes: One column labeled MD5 containing properly formatted MD5 hashes — check the "File contains MD5 encoded emails" checkbox when uploading

Additional requirements:

  • File must be an Excel .CSV

  • Maximum file size: 500MB — split into smaller files if needed

After uploading: Confirm the number of unique records in your Retention.com dashboard matches the count in your ESP.


How your data is handled

Uploaded contact lists are converted into encoded MD5 hashes for security. Retention.com does not use, share, or resell this data for any purpose other than preventing you from collecting and paying for contacts you already have.


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