Contact deletion is an elaborated an sophisticated process. Not due to the number of steps to perform but due to sometimes unforseen repercussions. For example after deleting a Contact you also opt-out that Contact from SMS and Push in the future. Read twice the SFMC documentation prior to deleting Contacts especially in larger batches.
Sample Process for a Batch Contact Deletion
- Read twice (documentation), delete once…
- Document a request for Contacts delete with explicit, legitimate reasons and required approvals.
- Find the target Contacts using SQL and load them to a data extension. If Contacts are in a Child BU, use an intermediary shared data extension and import again to a local data extension in the Parent BU.
- Review random Contacts and make sure you understand consequences for example for Mobile Contacts/Push
- Use an SSJS script to call the Contact Delete API based on the data extension with targeted Contacts. The script can target a local data extension only (not a shared data extension).