Amazon Reimbursement Explained: How to Get a Refund Without Returning the Product

TL;DR

• Amazon sellers can recover 1% to 3% of their total revenue through reimbursements, which can add up to significant earnings.

• Returnless refunds enable customers to receive refunds without returning products, potentially affecting sellers if not closely monitored.

• Sellers can claim refunds for lost, damaged, or unsellable inventory without receiving the product back.

• Regularly reviewing inventory and FBA reports helps identify missed reimbursement opportunities and prevents revenue loss.

• Keeping thorough documentation, including invoices, tracking numbers, and warehouse reports, is crucial for smooth claims.

• Using a dedicated Amazon reimbursement service simplifies the process, ensures maximum refunds, and saves time.

• Did you know that Amazon sellers can recover from 1% to 3% of their total revenue through reimbursements? 

It may not sound like much at first, but for a growing FBA business, that can add up to thousands of dollars each year, money that’s literally waiting for you to claim. Yet, many sellers aren’t aware of this opportunity, or they find the process of tracking lost inventory, damaged items, and returnless refunds too confusing and time-consuming.

That’s where a dedicated Amazon FBA reimbursement service becomes a game-changer. By combining smart automation with expert manual audits, it helps sellers spot missed claims, reconcile inventory discrepancies, and file accurate reimbursement requests efficiently.

With the right approach, you can recover lost revenue, protect your cash flow, and focus on scaling your business without worrying about hidden profit losses.

This guide will walk you through the process, show common scenarios where refunds are owed, and explain how to simplify reimbursement claims for your Amazon business. 

Understand the "returnless refund" policy

Amazon’s returnless refund policy lets customers get their money back without sending the product back. 

Sounds unusual, right? 

But there’s a reason for it. This approach is typically used for items that are low-cost, lightweight, damaged, or when return shipping would cost more than the item’s actual value. From a customer’s perspective, it’s a win; they don’t have to deal with the hassle of returning something small or broken. 

For Amazon, it’s also about reducing waste, cutting unnecessary shipping, and moving closer to its sustainability goals. Additionally, it keeps the buying experience smooth and stress-free. But for sellers like you, there’s a flip side. 

If you’re not monitoring these refunds carefully, you could end up absorbing the cost, which can eat into your profits. This policy now also applies to third-party sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), especially for purchases under $75. 

That’s why it’s important to track your return reports and file for reimbursements when you’re eligible. It's the only way to protect your bottom line while keeping customers happy. 

Scenarios where the seller is eligible for a refund without returning the product

1. Lost inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers

One frustrating scenario for Amazon sellers is when inventory goes missing in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Even though you sent your products correctly, items can sometimes get misplaced, damaged, or lost during storage and handling. You don’t need the product back to recover your costs.

When Amazon identifies lost inventory, it usually allows sellers to file a reimbursement claim. The reimbursement amount is based on the manufacturing cost (as per the new Amazon reimbursement policy 2025) or the value you reported when sending it to FBA. To make the process smooth, always keep accurate records of your shipments, including invoices, shipment confirmations, and product costs.

Once you file a claim, Amazon reviews it and, if approved, reimburses you directly, saving you from covering the loss out of pocket. Here, in this case, the automated tool Refunzo can help track missing inventory and automate claim submissions, ensuring you recover money quickly and maintain healthy cash flow.

2. Damaged inventory (during storage or transit by Amazon)

One common scenario where sellers can get a refund without the product being returned is when inventory gets damaged while stored in Amazon’s warehouse or during transit handled by Amazon. As an FBA seller, you don’t have to wait for the item to come back; Amazon takes responsibility for the loss.

Here’s how it works: 

Amazon tracks all items in its fulfillment centers. If a product is reported as damaged during storage or shipping, it will be marked in your inventory reports. Once the damage is verified, you can file an Amazon reimbursement claim. 

Make sure to provide proof of your product’s cost and shipment details. Amazon will review your claim and, if approved, reimburse you for the lost or damaged inventory.

3. Items Amazon marks as unsellable and doesn’t return to the seller

Sometimes, Amazon may mark returned items as unsellable, meaning they can’t be resold due to damage, expiration, or other issues. In such cases, Amazon often doesn’t return the product to you. 

As a seller, this might feel confusing at first, but it’s actually a scenario where you’re eligible for a reimbursement without physically getting the item back.

Here’s how it works: 

When Amazon identifies an item as unsellable and removes it from their inventory, they automatically flag it in your inventory and generate a report. You can then file a reimbursement claim, showing the product details, original cost, and any supporting documentation. Amazon reviews the claim and reimburses you for the lost value of the product.

4. Refunds are issued when customers don’t return items within the return window

Sometimes, Amazon may issue a refund even if the customer doesn’t return the product within the standard return window, usually 30–45 days, depending on the category. This happens because Amazon’s policies prioritize customer satisfaction, and if the return period expires without the item being sent back, the system may automatically process a refund to avoid holding up the customer.

As a seller, this can feel frustrating because you’re effectively losing both the product and the sale amount. It’s important to understand that these refunds are triggered by automated rules in Amazon’s system. The refund is usually equal to the purchase price, including any shipping fees, and Amazon may later adjust inventory records to reflect the missing item.

To manage this, keep a close track of return requests and shipment status in your seller dashboard. Monitoring these reports regularly allows you to identify any gaps or discrepancies early, so you can reconcile your inventory and financial records accurately and minimize surprises.

Monitor and act quickly to claim your reimbursements

#1 Review your inventory and FBA reports regularly

To make sure you don’t miss out on any Amazon FBA missing inventory, it’s important to review your inventory and FBA reports regularly. Start by checking your inventory ledger, FBA reimbursement report, and fulfillment reports for any discrepancies or missing stock. These reports help you spot issues like lost, damaged, or misplaced items that could qualify for reimbursement.

By monitoring these reports closely, you can identify potential reimbursement opportunities early and take action before deadlines pass. This not only ensures you recover the money you’re owed but also keeps your inventory records accurate and your business running smoothly. Staying proactive with regular checks is one of the simplest ways to protect your profits and avoid unnecessary losses.

#2 Don't wait for Amazon to automatically reimburse you in all cases

Don’t assume Amazon will always reimburse you automatically. Even with their automated reimbursement system, there are cases where you need to step in and file claims manually. This is especially true if you’ve chosen specific returnless refund rules or if your inventory experiences unusual losses.

Early reports suggest that the new automated system may miss some reimbursements, meaning eligible claims could slip through the cracks. To avoid losing money, regularly monitor your FBA reports and check for discrepancies in inventory, lost or damaged items, and incorrect fees. Acting quickly allows you to identify missed reimbursements and submit claims before deadlines. 

#3 File claims within the designated timeframes

Filing your FBA reimbursement claims on time is key to getting the money you’re owed from Amazon. Each type of issue comes with its own deadline, so staying aware of these timeframes is crucial. Here, you will find the different types of claims along with their timeframes.

Missing these deadlines can mean losing out on reimbursements, so it’s important to monitor your reports regularly and act quickly. Keep track of any discrepancies between your actual inventory and what Amazon reports. Filing claims promptly ensures you recover your losses efficiently and maintain a healthy cash flow for your business.

#4 Keep thorough documentation

Keeping thorough documentation is one of the most important steps to ensure your Amazon reimbursement claims are approved quickly. Always gather all relevant information, including shipment IDs, tracking numbers, invoices, warehouse reports, and any communication with customers. 

Having these details organized makes it much easier to file claims and provides clear proof to Amazon that the loss or damage occurred. Don’t wait until an issue arises; start documenting from the moment your products leave your warehouse. When discrepancies appear, you can act quickly, submit accurate claims, and avoid delays in reimbursement. 

Staying on top of your records not only helps recover lost revenue but also keeps your inventory and financial reporting accurate. You can save both time and money, and you don’t have to handle all of this on your own. 

With an accurate Amazon reimbursement service, you can simplify the entire process and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. Even with Amazon’s automated system, reports show that up to 40% of eligible reimbursements can be missed. 

It helps sellers easily calculate and track reimbursements for free, identify missed claims, and submit them efficiently. This means you can recover the money you’re owed without the stress of manual tracking, all while keeping your inventory and finances organized.

How to use our Amazon reimbursement service 

1. Hassle-free & convenient reimbursement

Getting your Amazon reimbursements in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With Refunzo, we handle the entire process for you, so you don’t have to spend hours filing claims or chasing missing refunds. We’ll take care of the hard work so you don’t have to.

2. Maximum refunds in minimum time

Our goal is simple: help you recover every eligible dollar as quickly as possible. By combining smart automation with expert manual audits, we ensure that no claims are missed and no revenue is lost. Every discrepancy in your inventory or sales logs is carefully tracked, so you get the maximum refund in the shortest time.

3. A perfect blend of manual & automated expertise

Refunzo uses a unique approach that merges automated scanning tools with thorough manual checks. This ensures we capture all possible refund claims, including those Amazon’s system might overlook.

Why is Refunzo the best Amazon reimbursement service?

• Dedicated refunds manager: You get a professional refunds manager who guides you through the process, from identifying claims to submitting them to Amazon.

• Detailed money recovery process: We carefully review your inventory and sales reports to spot discrepancies and ensure no eligible refunds are missed.

• Fool-proof claim submission: Every claim is double-checked and fully justified to minimize delays and maximize acceptance.

• Commission after refunds: We only charge after you get your refund. Our system carefully times claims to stay compliant with Amazon rules while ensuring you recover what’s rightfully yours.

With Refunzo, you save time, protect your profits, and gain peace of mind knowing your Amazon reimbursements are in expert hands.

Closing thoughts

Running an Amazon FBA business comes with its fair share of challenges, but missing out on reimbursements shouldn’t be one of them. By understanding returnless refunds, tracking lost or damaged inventory, and acting quickly on claims, you can protect your profits and keep your cash flow healthy.

Partnering with experienced Amazon consultants can make the process even easier; they guide you through filing claims, spotting missed reimbursements, and maximizing your recovery. With the right tools and guidance, you can save time, recover lost revenue, and focus on growing your business. 

Don’t let unclaimed reimbursements slip away. Take action today and ensure every eligible dollar comes back to you.