How to File an Amazon Reimbursement Claim the Right Way

TL;DR

• Many Amazon FBA sellers miss out on reimbursement claims for lost inventory, damaged goods, and overcharged fees, leading to financial losses.

• You can file claims for lost inventory, damaged goods, incorrect fees, and unreturned customer items.

• To file a claim, identify the issue, determine eligibility, gather necessary documents, submit the claim on Seller Central, track the claim, and receive reimbursement.

• Claims can be rejected if they’re filed late, lack necessary details, or are filed under the wrong category.

• Avoid common mistakes like missing deadlines, submitting incomplete information, and assuming Amazon will automatically reimburse you.

• Regularly review your FBA reports to catch discrepancies and ensure you file claims within the eligible time frame.

Did you know that as an Amazon FBA seller, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars each year due to unclaimed reimbursements?

Whether it's for lost inventory, damaged items, or overcharged fees, many sellers overlook these opportunities, leaving money on the table. Filing a reimbursement claim correctly is your right, but it can be tricky if you’re unsure how to go about it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to file an Amazon reimbursement claim the right way. We’ll cover how to determine when you’re eligible, why your claims may be rejected, and how to ensure you’re submitting everything correctly. 

We’ll also share common mistakes to avoid so you can maximize your chances of getting reimbursed. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to recover the money Amazon owes you and avoid missing out on valuable reimbursements. Let’s dive in and get you the reimbursements you deserve!

Understand when you're eligible for reimbursement

Understanding when you’re eligible for an Amazon FBA reimbursement claim is the first step in getting your money back. You can file a claim if Amazon has made a mistake with your FBA inventory or fees. Common situations where you may be eligible include:

• Lost inventory: If Amazon loses your products during the fulfillment process, you can request reimbursement for those items.

• Damaged goods: If your products are damaged while stored or handled by Amazon, and they can’t be resold, you may be entitled to reimbursement.

• Incorrect fees: Sometimes Amazon charges incorrect fees, such as storage or order handling fees. If you spot an overcharge, you can claim that money back.

• Unreturned customer items: If customers return items but they aren’t properly checked in, you might be able to claim for those as well.

To stay on top of these claims, you should regularly check your FBA reports to spot any discrepancies.

Why your Amazon reimbursement claim may be rejected

There are several reasons why your Amazon FBA inventory reimbursement claim may be rejected. Understanding these can help you avoid mistakes and increase your chances of getting reimbursed.

• Missing information: If your claim doesn’t include the necessary details, like the ASIN, order ID, or a description of the issue, Amazon may reject it. Be sure to provide all required information.

• Late submission: Amazon has a strict time frame for filing claims usually up to 18 months. If you wait too long to submit your claim, it will likely be denied.

• Incorrect claim category: If you select the wrong category for your claim (like choosing "damaged" when the item is lost), Amazon may reject it. Make sure you're filing under the correct reason.

• Restocked damaged items: If Amazon decides to restock a damaged item instead of marking it as unsellable, they won’t reimburse you.

• Seller-related issues: If Amazon thinks the damage was caused by you (poor packaging or handling), your claim may be denied.

By following the right steps and double-checking your claims, you can improve your chances of getting reimbursed.

How to file an Amazon reimbursement claim

Filing an Amazon FBA refund reimbursement claim is a straightforward process, but knowing how to do it the right way can help you recover money Amazon owes you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re filing the right claim and getting reimbursed correctly.

1. Identify the discrepancy

The first step in filing a reimbursement claim is identifying the issue. You need to spot discrepancies in your inventory or fees that Amazon has either lost, damaged, or overcharged you for. This could include missing inventory, damaged goods, or incorrect fees for FBA services like storage or handling.

Make sure to regularly review your FBA reports, such as the inventory adjustments report and reimbursement report, to catch any discrepancies early.

2. Determine the type of reimbursement claim and eligibility

Once you’ve identified the issue, determine the type of claim you need to file. Common Amazon FBA reimbursement claims include:

• Lost inventory: If Amazon lost your product during the fulfillment process.

• Damaged goods: If your products were damaged while in Amazon’s warehouse and can’t be resold.

• Incorrect fees: If you were overcharged for storage, handling, or other FBA services.

Check Amazon’s guidelines to ensure your claim is eligible for reimbursement. For example, Amazon usually gives you up to 18 months to file a claim for lost or damaged inventory.

3. Compile the necessary documents

To file your claim, you will need certain details to support your request. 

• ASIN: The product’s Amazon standard identification number.

• Order ID: The order number of the transaction.

• Photos or descriptions: For damaged items, provide evidence such as photos or descriptions showing the damage.

• Inventory adjustments: Any relevant reports or documentation showing that the product was removed from inventory or marked as unsellable.

The more detailed and organized your claim is, the higher the chances of approval.

4. Submit your claim

Once you have all the necessary documents, go to Seller Central and file your claim. Navigate to the help section, choose Get Support, and select Fulfillment by Amazon. Choose the relevant issue, fill out the form, and submit your claim. Be clear and concise in your explanation to ensure Amazon understands your request.

5. Track your claim

After submitting your claim, it’s important to track its progress. You can monitor the status of your claim in Seller Central under the case log section. Amazon usually responds within a few days, but it’s a good idea to follow up if you don’t hear back.

6. Receive reimbursement

If your claim is approved, Amazon will reimburse you for the lost or damaged inventory or any overcharges. The reimbursement will appear in your Amazon account balance. You can use this money as credits for future fees or withdraw it to your bank account, depending on your preferences.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Amazon lost inventory reimbursement claims are filed properly, and you get back the money you're owed. Keep track of your FBA reports and act quickly to recover lost funds and protect your profits.

Avoid common mistakes

• Missing the filing deadline

• Incomplete or incorrect information

• Failing to track your claims

• Not reviewing reports regularly

• Assuming Amazon will automatically reimburse you

• Ignoring small claims

Final thoughts

Filing Amazon reimbursement claims is a crucial part of protecting your profits as an FBA seller. Many sellers miss out on money they’re owed because they fail to identify discrepancies, track their claims, or file them properly. 

By following the correct steps such as identifying issues, gathering the necessary documentation, and submitting your claims on time you can recover funds for lost inventory, damaged goods, or incorrect fees.

To make the process even easier, you can rely on tools like Refunzo, which automates the tracking and filing of reimbursement claims, saving you time and reducing errors. Avoid common mistakes like missing deadlines or submitting incomplete information, and ensure you’re always reviewing your FBA reports regularly. 

If you’re unsure or need expert help, an Amazon reimbursement specialist can guide you through the entire process and help maximize your reimbursements.  Don’t let unclaimed money slip through the cracks take control and start recovering what’s rightfully yours today!