Don’t Lose Money on Lost Packages: Easy Steps to Get your Money Back

TL;DR

• Many Amazon FBA orders get lost due to shipping errors, warehouse mistakes, or courier issues, leading to lost revenue and customer dissatisfaction.

• Sellers can claim Amazon seller reimbursement for lost or damaged inventory if they file claims within the required timeframes.

• Common lost package types include inbound shipments, warehouse mishandling, and lost returns.

• Amazon’s 2025 FBA reimbursement policy calculates payouts based on manufacturing costs, with a maximum limit of $5,000 per unit.

• Timely action, accurate documentation, and monitoring claim status are essential to recover lost funds efficiently.

• Tools like Refunzo or guidance from an Amazon consultant can automate claims, track discrepancies, and maximize reimbursements, saving sellers time and money.

Think every order you send through FBA reaches your customer? Spoiler: it doesn’t, and it could be costing you more than you realize. Amazon sellers lose money to packages that never arrive, whether they disappear on the way to a fulfillment center, get misplaced in a warehouse, or vanish during a return. 

The worst part? 

Many sellers never claim the Amazon seller reimbursement they’re entitled to, simply because they don’t identify the loss or miss the short filing window. 

This blog cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly when you qualify for a lost package refund, what Amazon’s latest FBA rules mean for your payouts, and the fastest way to file a winning claim. You’ll also see how tools like Refunzo can automate the process, catch every missed opportunity, and recover money you didn’t even know you’d lost. 

What is an Amazon lost package? 

An Amazon lost package is any order that doesn’t reach the customer due to shipping errors, misplacement at the fulfillment center, or courier issues. For sellers, this can be frustrating, as lost packages often lead to customer complaints, refunds, and negative reviews. 

According to Amazon, a small percentage of shipments get lost each year, making it a common challenge for FBA sellers. For Amazon sellers, timely action is key. By identifying lost packages quickly, you can file for an Amazon seller reimbursement to recover the lost funds for items that never reached the buyer. 

Using a reliable system or service helps track shipments, submit claims accurately, and maximize recovery. Staying proactive not only protects your profits but also keeps your customers happy and your store’s reputation strong.

Common reasons for Amazon's lost packages?

The impact of lost packages on Amazon sellers 

Lost packages can have a significant impact on Amazon sellers, affecting both revenue and customer satisfaction. When items go missing during shipping or at FBA warehouses, sellers face direct financial losses, as they may need to refund customers or replace the products. 

Frequent lost packages can also hurt your seller metrics, lowering your account health score and reducing the chances of winning the Buy Box. 

For example, imagine you sell 500 units of a product per month, and 2% get lost during FBA fulfillment; that’s 10 units gone. If each unit sells for $50, you’re losing $500 in revenue, not including potential refunds or replacements. Over time, these losses add up, directly affecting your profit margins.

Additionally, lost shipments can create negative customer experiences, leading to poor reviews and decreased trust in your brand. According to industry data, even a small percentage of lost orders can result in thousands of dollars in unrecovered funds annually.

This is where an Amazon seller reimbursement service becomes crucial. By helping identify and claim reimbursements for lost packages, sellers can recover lost revenue, maintain profitability, and focus on growing their business rather than chasing missing shipments. Staying proactive ensures both financial stability and happy customers.

When are you eligible for a lost package refund?

If you’re an Amazon FBA seller, knowing when you’re eligible for a lost package refund can save you from losing hard-earned money. Amazon’s policies allow FBA seller reimbursements for lost or missing inventory in specific situations, if you know what to look for.

Types of lost packages include:

• Inbound shipments – Items you send to Amazon’s fulfillment centers that never get checked in or go missing during transit.

• Warehouse mishandling – Inventory lost or damaged inside Amazon’s warehouses due to errors in handling or storage.

• Lost returns – Customer returns that never make it back to your sellable inventory.

Amazon typically reimburses you based on the product’s average selling price, minus applicable fees. However, you must file claims within the allowed time frame, depending on the issue. The key is to regularly review your inventory reports and reconcile discrepancies quickly. 

Many sellers miss out simply because they don’t track these details. A professional reimbursement service can help catch these cases, file claims on time, and ensure you recover the money you’re owed.

Amazon FBA lost package refund policy

Amazon’s FBA lost package refund policy is designed to protect sellers when inventory goes missing or gets damaged while under Amazon’s control. If you’re using FBA, Amazon takes responsibility for your products from the moment they receive them, covering several scenarios where FBA seller reimbursements may apply.

• Customer order delivery: If a package gets lost after leaving the fulfillment center and the customer never receives it, Amazon will issue a refund and usually cover the cost.

• Customer return processing: When returned items are lost or damaged during the return process, Amazon will reimburse you based on its policy.

The key is to monitor your account and file claims within the allowed time frames to avoid losing money.

#1 Reimbursement calculation (2025 policy update)

In 2025, Amazon updated its FBA lost package refund policy, and it’s a big change for sellers filing an Amazon reimbursement claim. Now, reimbursements for lost or damaged inventory are based on the manufacturing cost of the product, not the selling price.

This means Amazon will only pay you what it costs to make the product, excluding expenses like shipping, handling, customs duties, and other related costs. Sellers can submit their own “sourcing cost” for each ASIN through a specific page in Seller Central. 

Providing this data is crucial because if you don’t, Amazon will estimate the cost on its own, and its estimate may be lower than your actual manufacturing cost, leading to smaller reimbursements. To avoid losing money, sellers should keep accurate records of manufacturing costs and update them regularly in Seller Central. 

Being proactive ensures your Amazon reimbursement claim reflects the true value of your inventory, helping you recover the maximum amount possible under the new policy.

#2 Reimbursement limits

Amazon’s FBA lost package refund policy includes clear reimbursement limits that every seller should know. For any single FBA unit, Amazon caps the maximum reimbursement amount at $5,000. This means that if your product is worth more than this limit, Amazon will only reimburse you up to $5,000, even if the item’s actual value is higher.

For high-value products like luxury watches, premium electronics, or collectibles, this limit can leave a coverage gap. That’s why Amazon recommends, and many experienced sellers agree, to invest in third-party insurance for items priced above this cap. Insurance can protect you from potential losses beyond Amazon’s reimbursement limit.

It’s also important to note that reimbursement values are calculated based on the product’s average selling price, not necessarily the price of your last sale. By knowing these rules, you can make smarter decisions about which products to send into FBA, how to insure them, and how to safeguard your profits in case of loss or damage.

#3 Timeframes for filing claims

Amazon’s FBA lost package refund policy now comes with tighter deadlines, meaning sellers must act fast to avoid losing reimbursement opportunities. If your inventory is lost or damaged inside a fulfillment center, Amazon generally gives you 90 days from the date of the incident to file a claim.

• For FBA customer returns that never make it back to your inventory, the window is often 45 days after the refund is processed.

• Removal claims, when you request inventory to be returned or disposed of and it goes missing, typically must be filed within 15 days of the removal being marked complete.

Missing these deadlines means you could lose money you’re rightfully owed. Amazon reimburses based on your product’s average selling price, but only if claims are submitted within the allowed timeframe. To stay compliant and maximize your recovery, regularly review your FBA reports, track all inventory movements, and file claims promptly. 

Easy steps to get your money back on lost packages

1. Identify the lost package

The first step to getting your money back is to identify the lost package. Check your Amazon FBA reports for inventory that’s missing, damaged, or not returned after a refund. Look for shipment discrepancies, warehouse losses, or returns that never arrived. Spotting these issues early helps you file claims within Amazon’s time limits and increases your chances of a successful reimbursement.

2. File a reimbursement claim in Seller Central

To get your money back, log in to Seller Central and go to the Help section. Search for “FBA reimbursement” and choose the right category, like lost or damaged inventory. Provide order details, shipment IDs, and any supporting evidence. Submit the claim and track its status. Filing promptly increases your chances of approval and ensures you don’t miss Amazon’s reimbursement deadlines.

3. Provide required documentation

To get your Amazon FBA reimbursements approved, you must provide the right documentation. This can include shipment IDs, proof of inventory sent, invoices, and any relevant Amazon reports. Clear, accurate details make it easier for Amazon to verify your claim quickly. Missing or incorrect documents can delay or even reject your refund, so double-check everything before submitting to speed up the process and secure your money.

4. Monitor the claim status

Once you file an Amazon FBA reimbursement claim, don’t just forget about it; keep an eye on its status. Regularly check Seller Central to see if Amazon has approved, denied, or requested more information. Prompt follow-ups can speed up payouts and prevent delays. Monitoring your claim status ensures nothing gets stuck and helps you get your money back as quickly as possible.

5. Follow up if the claim is denied

If Amazon denies your claim, don’t give up right away. Review the reason for denial, gather any missing proof like shipment IDs or inventory records, and resubmit with complete details. Sometimes claims get rejected due to incomplete information or simple errors. Be polite but persistent; following up can often turn a “no” into a reimbursement, helping you recover money you might have otherwise lost.

6. Take proactive steps to prevent future losses

To prevent future losses and keep your Amazon earnings safe, track your inventory regularly, reconcile reports, and file claims as soon as you spot discrepancies. Keep detailed records of shipments, returns, and removal orders. Stay updated on Amazon’s FBA reimbursement policies so you never miss a deadline. Using a professional reimbursement service can also help you catch issues early and recover money faster.

7. Review and adjust your fulfillment strategy

Reviewing and adjusting your fulfillment strategy can help you avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of getting reimbursed. Keep an eye on inventory handling, packaging, and shipping processes to reduce lost or damaged items. Regularly check FBA reports for discrepancies and address issues quickly. By refining your approach, you prevent repeat errors and make it easier to claim the money Amazon owes you.

8. Consider using third-party tools for automation

Using third-party tools is one of the easiest ways to speed up your Amazon FBA reimbursements. A refunds manager FBA solution like Refunzo automates account audits, flags missing reimbursements, and files claims for you, saving hours of manual work. With Refunzo, you get accurate, timely claims and higher recovery rates, so you can focus on selling while the system ensures you get back every dollar you’re owed.

Wrapping up

Lost packages don’t have to drain your profits or disrupt your Amazon business. By staying proactive, tracking inventory, and filing claims promptly, you can recover lost revenue and protect your account health. 

Partnering with an experienced Amazon consultant ensures every eligible reimbursement is identified and submitted accurately, saving you time and stress. Regularly reviewing FBA reports, refining your fulfillment strategy, and leveraging expert guidance make it easier to prevent losses and maximize recoveries. 

Don’t let missing packages go unnoticed, and take action today to claim the money that’s rightfully yours.