Stinker Email Sample: Learning from the Worst to Craft the Best

We've all received them – those emails that make you groan, sigh, or even roll your eyes. These are the "stinker" emails, and while nobody enjoys getting them, studying a Stinker Email Sample can be incredibly valuable. By understanding what makes an email a stinker, we can learn what to avoid and, more importantly, what to do to ensure our own messages are effective, professional, and well-received.

What Makes an Email a Stinker?

A Stinker Email Sample is characterized by a variety of common pitfalls that detract from its effectiveness and professionalism. These emails often fail to communicate their message clearly, respect the recipient's time, or maintain a positive sender-recipient relationship. The importance of recognizing these flaws lies in our ability to then avoid them in our own communication, thus improving our professional image and ensuring our messages are acted upon.

Here are some common reasons an email might be considered a stinker:

Poor subject line that is vague or misleading.
Excessive length or unnecessary information.
Unclear call to action or no call to action at all.
Unprofessional tone or inappropriate language.
Grammar and spelling errors that undermine credibility.
Lack of personalization or addressing the wrong recipient.
Demanding or entitled requests.

Let's look at some specific examples:

Common Issue	Example of a Stinker Email
Vague Subject Line	Subject: Stuff Hi, Just wanted to follow up on that thing we discussed. Thanks, John

Urgent Request Without Context: A Stinker Email Sample

Subject: Need it ASAP!!!

Hey,

I need the report by end of day. It's super important. Let me know when it's done.

Thanks,

Sarah

Long, Rambling Explanation: A Stinker Email Sample

Subject: Update on Project Alpha

Hi Team,

So, regarding Project Alpha, I wanted to give you all a detailed update. You know, we started this last week and had a few initial meetings, and then the client feedback came in, which was interesting because it was a little different from what we anticipated after the brainstorming session we had on Tuesday. I actually spent quite a bit of time going through the documentation from the Q3 performance review, and it reminded me of a similar situation we encountered with Project Beta back in 2022, where we had to pivot our strategy quite significantly after a late-stage discovery about market trends. Anyway, the current status is that we've encountered a minor… well, it's not really minor, it's a significant roadblock… but we're working through it. I'll send more details later.

Best,

Mark

Unprofessional Tone: A Stinker Email Sample

Subject: You're late!

Listen,

Where is that proposal? I told you to get it to me yesterday. This is unacceptable. Do it now.

Regards,

Manager

Grammar and Spelling Errors: A Stinker Email Sample

Subject: Question about your invoice

Hello,

I got your invoice for the work you done. Their seems to be some mistaks on it. Can you chek it and send a correct one? It's importent that this is right.

Thank you,

Client

No Clear Call to Action: A Stinker Email Sample

Subject: Ideas for the upcoming event

Hi everyone,

I've been thinking about the upcoming company event and how we can make it more engaging. I have a few thoughts on potential themes and activities that might be fun. Let me know your thoughts.

Regards,

Jane

Demanding Tone: A Stinker Email Sample

Subject: Your report is due

To Whom It May Concern,

I require your monthly report immediately. Failure to provide it by 5 PM today will result in disciplinary action. I expect a prompt response.

Sincerely,

Department Head

Vague Request for Information: A Stinker Email Sample

Subject: Information

Hi Bob,

Can you send me that thing we talked about?

Thanks,

Alice

Lack of Personalization: A Stinker Email Sample

Subject: Special Offer Just For You!

Dear Valued Customer,

We are excited to offer you this incredible deal on our latest products. Click here to learn more and save!