Amazon sellers have a good chance that Amazon might owe their money. Yes, you heard that right! Amazon’s vast Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) network isn’t perfect, and occasionally, your inventory might get lost or damaged under their watch. When this happens, you’re entitled to reimbursement, but many sellers either don’t know how to claim their refunds or overlook the process entirely. This guide will walk you through identifying missing inventory and show you exactly how to file an FBA reimbursement claim. But that’s not all — we’ll also cover an important policy update that could affect your future claims, so keep reading to avoid leaving money on the table!
What is Amazon FBA Reimbursement?
Amazon FBA reimbursement is a program that compensates sellers when their inventory gets lost, damaged, or mishandled by Amazon, either in their fulfillment centers or during shipping. When you send items to Amazon, they are responsible for their safekeeping. But sometimes, due to the scale and complexity of their operations, inventory mishaps happen. The good news? You can recover your losses — if you know how to claim them properly.
How to Identify Lost or Damaged Inventory
To start, you’ll need to check for missing or damaged inventory in your Seller Central account. Follow these steps:
1. Navigate to Your Seller Central Dashboard.
Go to your Inventory tab, and then click on Shipment.
2. Filter for Closed Shipments.
Apply a filter to show only closed shipments, as this will help you spot any discrepancies.
3. Look for Discrepancies in Your Shipment Reports.
For example, if you shipped 140 units but Amazon only logged 139 as received, there’s a problem. Even though one unit might not seem like much, these discrepancies add up over time.
What Can Go Wrong?
There are several reasons why your items might be missing or damaged at Amazon:
- Loss during transit: Sometimes, items are lost while being transferred to or between Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
- Warehouse mishandling: Given the size and scale of Amazon’s operations, it’s easy for items to get misplaced, damaged by forklifts, or lost within their vast warehouses.
For example, if you sent 15 units in multiple shipments and 5 of them went missing, that’s a significant loss that you need to address.
What Does Amazon Say About FBA Reimbursement?
Amazon’s reimbursement policies allow sellers to claim compensation for inventory lost or damaged while under their responsibility. This can occur in transit, at their fulfillment centers, or during customer returns. However, if a customer damages an item, it doesn’t qualify for reimbursement.
It’s essential to read Amazon’s eligibility criteria to make sure you qualify for a refund.
The New Amazon Policy Update (Effective from October 2023)
Here’s the big news for Amazon sellers: Starting on October 23, 2023, Amazon is drastically reducing the timeframe in which you can file a reimbursement claim. Previously, sellers had up to 18 months (or in some cases, 2 years) to file claims. Now, this window is shrinking to just 60 days.
This change applies to three out of the four main categories of claims, meaning sellers will have much less time to get their paperwork in order and file for lost or damaged inventory.
Four Categories of FBA Reimbursement Claims:
1. Shipment to Amazon Claims:
If your products are damaged or lost during transit before reaching Amazon’s warehouse, this claim type applies. The good news is that the window for this type remains the same.
2. Fulfillment Center Operation Claims:
These claims cover items lost or damaged inside Amazon’s fulfillment centers due to warehouse mishandling. This is where the new 60-day rule applies.
3. Customer Return Claims:
Sometimes, a customer returns an item, but it never gets added back to your inventory. You can file a claim if Amazon loses or damages the returned item.
4. Removal Order Claims:
When you request that Amazon return unsold inventory to you, they are responsible for ensuring it arrives in good condition. If the items are damaged or lost in transit, you can file for reimbursement.
Make sure to file your claims promptly for the second, third, and fourth categories, as the deadline has been significantly reduced from 18 months to 60 days.
How to File an FBA Reimbursement Claim
Now that you know where to look for missing inventory and the types of claims you can file, let’s walk through the process of submitting a reimbursement request.
1. Track Your Shipment
First, go back to your shipment screen and click on Track Shipment. From there, select View Contents.
2. Upload Documentation
You’ll need to provide proof of inventory ownership, such as invoices. Upload these documents to support your claim.
3. Submit Your Request
Once your documentation is uploaded, you can fill in the necessary details and submit your request. Amazon will investigate the claim and, if it’s valid, reimburse you accordingly.
Guidelines for Submitting Claims
Be sure to follow Amazon’s guidelines when submitting your claims, or they might get rejected. There are tools available that can streamline the process, but working with an experienced team can make things even easier.
At Ecomclips, we specialize in managing FBA reimbursement claims. We handle everything — from auditing your shipment data to communicating with Amazon — to ensure you get back every dollar you’re owed. Plus, we don’t charge any upfront fees!
Don’t Miss Out on Your Money
The key takeaway is that you shouldn’t wait. With the new 60-day claim window, you must be proactive about checking your shipments and filing claims. Many sellers are understandably upset about this change, but if you stay vigilant, you won’t miss out on your hard-earned money.
Conclusion
In summary, Amazon owes many sellers money for lost or damaged inventory, but if you don’t claim it, you’re missing out. With the new policy update, it’s even more important to stay on top of your shipments and file claims quickly. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that Amazon reimburses you for any mishaps.
For personalized help with your Amazon business, feel free to reach out to Ecomclips at info@ecomclips.com. We’re here to help you succeed!
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