10 Common FBA Reimbursement Mistakes Sellers Make (and how to avoid them)

TL;DR

• Many sellers lose money because they don’t claim for lost, damaged, or missing items.

• Amazon doesn’t catch every problem you have to check reports and file claims.

• Common mistakes include missing deadlines, giving incomplete information, and trusting Amazon to do it all.

• In 2025, Amazon made its rules stricter. You now need to share product cost and file claims faster.

• Tools or experts can help you track problems, file claims, and save time.

Handling FBA reimbursements might not be fun, but it’s important. Many Amazon sellers lose money every month because of lost inventory, damaged products, or returns that don’t come back. While Amazon does reimburse some of these automatically, many cases need you to step in and file a claim.

The problem is, most sellers either don’t know what to check or don’t have time to do it. And in 2025, Amazon made it even harder now you have to give your product’s manufacturing cost for some claims, and the deadlines to file are shorter than before. So if you're not tracking things properly, you could miss out on money that belongs to you.

In this blog, we’ll go over 10 common mistakes sellers make when it comes to FBA reimbursements and how you can avoid them. Whether you're just starting out or already an experienced seller, these tips will help you catch problems early, stay organized, and recover more of your money.

10 common FBA reimbursement mistakes sellers make

#1 Not checking FBA reports regularly

A common mistake related to Amazon FBA reimbursement is not checking their FBA reports often. These reports show if any of your items were lost, damaged, or returned. Sometimes, Amazon misses these issues and doesn’t give you a refund. If you don’t look at the reports, you won’t know what’s missing. Many sellers think Amazon handles everything, but that’s not always true. 

Checking reports like Inventory adjustments and returns at least once a month can help you catch problems early. This way, you can file claims on time and get your money back. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot.

How to avoid it:

Set a fixed schedule, weekly or bi-weekly, to review key reports like the inventory adjustments report, reimbursements report, and customer returns report. Use spreadsheets or tools to flag discrepancies. Regular monitoring helps you catch issues early and file claims within Amazon’s deadlines.

#2 Miss the deadline to file claims

Another common mistake FBA sellers make is missing the deadline to file reimbursement claims. Amazon has strict time limits for different types of claims. For example, if your inventory was lost or damaged in an Amazon warehouse, you usually have up to 9 months to report it. After that, the window closes, and you can’t file a claim even if you have proof.

Many sellers don’t realize there’s a time limit, or they assume Amazon will reimburse them automatically. But in reality, it’s your responsibility to track issues and take action before the deadline. If you wait too long, you lose the chance to recover your money.

How to avoid it:

The best way to avoid this mistake is to check your reports regularly and set monthly reminders to audit your account. Using a refund tool can also help track time-sensitive cases and alert you before it’s too late. Staying organized means you won’t miss out on money you’re owed.

#3 Rely only on Amazon’s automatic reimbursements

Relying only on Amazon’s automatic reimbursements is a mistake many FBA sellers make. While Amazon does reimburse for some lost or damaged items on its own, it doesn’t catch everything. A large number of reimbursement-worthy issues go unnoticed unless you take action.

This includes return mismatches, items marked as “customer damaged,” and missing units from shipments. If you assume Amazon will handle everything, you’re likely leaving money behind. Automatic reimbursements are limited to what Amazon detects through its system, but the system isn’t perfect. It’s your job to review reports, catch errors, and file claims when needed.

How to avoid it:

To avoid losing money, you should audit your account regularly. Check reports like inventory adjustments, returns, and reimbursements. You can use tools like Refunzo can help by flagging missed reimbursements and automating the process. The key is to stay involved, don't depend entirely on automation to protect your profits. 

#4 Not tracking returns and removal orders

Not tracking your returns and removal orders can lead to missed reimbursements. When a customer returns a product, Amazon is supposed to send it back to your inventory if it’s in good condition. But sometimes the item never makes it back, is damaged, or is marked incorrectly. 

If you’re not checking your return reports, you won’t know what’s missing. The same goes for removal orders. If you request Amazon to send your inventory back or dispose of it, they may mark it as “completed” even if you didn’t receive the items. Without tracking, you might assume everything is fine and lose money without knowing.

How to avoid it:

To avoid this, check your returns report and removal order report regularly. Look for items that are missing, damaged, or not returned properly. If something doesn’t add up, file a claim. Staying on top of these reports helps you catch problems early and get the money Amazon owes you. 

#5 Ignoring lost or damaged inventory

Many sellers miss out on Amazon inventory reimbursement simply because they don’t track lost or damaged items through their FBA reports. Ignoring lost or damaged inventory is a mistake that can quietly cost you money. Amazon handles thousands of products every day, and sometimes your inventory gets lost or damaged in their warehouse. 

While Amazon may reimburse you automatically in some cases, it often misses things. If you’re not checking your reports, you won’t even know something went wrong. You should regularly check your inventory adjustment report to see if any items were marked as “lost” or “damaged.” If you find something and there’s no reimbursement, you need to file a claim. Waiting too long can also mean missing the deadline to claim. Even one or two missed reimbursements a month can add up over time. 

How to avoid it:

Regularly check the inventory adjustments and inventory reconciliation reports in Seller Central. Cross-check units sent vs. available. Set reminders to review and file claims within Amazon’s time limits. 

#6 Not checking product size and weight fee errors

Not checking product size and weight fee errors is another common mistake that can cost you money. Amazon charges FBA fees based on the size and weight of your products. If Amazon measures your product incorrectly, you could be charged more than you should be every time it sells.

Many sellers don’t realize these errors are happening because they don’t check the “fee preview report" or compare Amazon’s data with their actual product dimensions. Even a small difference in size can push your product into a higher fee bracket. 

How to avoid it:

To avoid this, review your product size and weight regularly. If you spot an error, open a case with Amazon and ask for a correction and reimbursement. It’s a simple way to save money and protect your margins. Here you can also opt for the Amazon reimbursement specialist for handling your process. 

#7 Giving incomplete info when filing claims

When you file a reimbursement claim, giving incomplete or unclear information can lead to delays or even rejection. Amazon needs specific details to review your case properly. If you miss things like the ASIN, order ID, date of the issue, or quantity affected, your claim may be denied.

Many sellers rush through the process or don’t include enough proof, like screenshots or report entries. This makes it hard for Amazon to verify the problem.

How to avoid it:

To avoid this mistake, always double-check your claim before submitting. Include all the required details and any supporting documents. The clearer your information, the better your chances of getting reimbursed quickly. Taking a few extra minutes can help you recover the money you’re owed.

#8 Thinking you can only claim once

Many sellers think they can only file a reimbursement claim once, but that’s not true. If your first claim gets rejected or ignored, you can follow up or reopen the case. Amazon sometimes makes mistakes or closes cases without a proper review, so it’s important to double-check.

If you have more information or proof, you can submit it and ask Amazon to look at the case again. As long as you’re still within the time limit, you have the right to appeal or file again.

How to avoid it:

Always keep records of your claims, responses, and supporting documents. If a claim is denied, review the reason, gather complete evidence, and resubmit. Don’t hesitate to follow up multiple times. 

#9 Not comparing refunds with actual returns

A common mistake sellers make is not comparing customer refunds with actual returns. Just because Amazon refunds the customer doesn’t mean the item was returned to your inventory. Sometimes, the item never comes back, or it comes back damaged and unsellable. If you don’t check, you may miss the chance to file a reimbursement claim.

How to avoid it:

Regularly compare your returns report with your refund report and inventory adjustments. If a refund was issued but the item wasn’t returned or added back to your inventory, you can check your Amazon FBA refund reimbursement. This step doesn’t take much time, but it can help you recover money Amazon might owe you. Stay alert and check return data often.

#10 2025 rule changes

In 2025, Amazon made some important changes to the FBA reimbursement process. Now, when you file a claim, you may need to provide your product’s manufacturing cost as proof. This means you should keep clear records of how much each product costs to make or purchase.

Also, Amazon has made the deadlines shorter for many types of claims. If you don’t file in time, you could lose the chance to get your money back even if you’re eligible.

How to avoid it:

To stay safe, make sure you track your inventory regularly, keep all invoices and cost documents ready, and don’t wait too long to file a claim. You can choose tools like Refunzo that help you stay organized and file claims before the deadline.

Final words 

FBA reimbursement mistakes can quietly drain your profits, but most are avoidable with the right systems in place. By regularly auditing reports, tracking deadlines, and giving complete claim details, you can recover money that would otherwise be lost. 

With Amazon tightening its rules in 2025, including requiring manufacturing costs and shorter claim windows, staying organized isn’t optional, it's essential. Using automation tools or expert services can make the process easier and more accurate.

If you're still unsure, choose our best Amazon reimbursement services, offering expert claim handling and maximizing your reimbursements efficiently.