Top Reasons Amazon Denies Reimbursement Claims (and how to fix them)

TL;DR

• File claims within the allowed time (usually 9 months) to avoid denials.

• Make sure to include all necessary proof, like ASIN, order ID, and photos of damage.

• Don’t file claims for items that have been found or returned, check your inventory and returns regularly.

• Ensure the issue is covered by Amazon’s policy don’t claim for customer-damaged or expired items.

• Use the correct claim type and provide all the details to avoid rejections.

• Make sure your automation tools follow Amazon’s rules to prevent claim issues.

Filing reimbursement claims with Amazon can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when they get denied. Whether it’s a lost or damaged item, a shipping error, or an overcharged fee, there are various reasons Amazon may reject your claim. Understanding these reasons is key to ensuring that you don’t miss out on the reimbursements you’re owed.

In this guide, we’ll go over the top reasons why Amazon denies reimbursement claims, such as filing after the deadline, lacking proper proof, or choosing the wrong case type. We’ll also show you how to fix these issues so you can increase your chances of getting reimbursed. 

By being aware of common mistakes and knowing how to address them, you can make the claims process smoother and recover more of your money. Stay proactive, follow the right steps, and ensure your business stays profitable.

Top reasons Amazon denies reimbursement claims

#1 Claim was filed after the deadline

One of the top reasons Amazon denies reimbursement claims is when the claim is filed after the deadline. Amazon typically allows you to file claims for lost or damaged inventory within 9 months from the issue date. If you miss this window, Amazon will reject your claim, and you won't be reimbursed.

How to fix this 

If your claim was denied because it was filed after the deadline, the best way to fix this is to stay on top of Amazon’s filing window. Amazon typically allows up to 9 months to file an Amazon FBA reimbursement claim, but this can vary depending on the issue. 

To avoid missing deadlines, make it a habit to check your FBA reports regularly at least once a month. Set reminders to review your inventory and claims, and track any issues as soon as they arise. If you miss a claim window, you won’t be able to get reimbursed, so being proactive is key to ensuring you don’t lose money.

#2 Not enough proof or missing documents

One common reason Amazon denies reimbursement claims is a lack of proof or missing documents. When you file a claim, Amazon requires specific information to process it, such as order IDs, ASINs, and proof of the issue. If any of this information is missing or unclear, your claim might be rejected.

For example, if you’re claiming lost inventory, Amazon needs to see the tracking details and confirmation that the product was shipped and received. If you don’t provide these, they may deny your claim.

How to fix this 

When Amazon denies a reimbursement claim due to "not enough proof or missing documents," it means you didn’t provide the necessary information to support your case. To fix this, make sure you include all relevant details when filing your claim, such as:

• ASIN and order ID: These help Amazon identify the product and transaction.

• Photos or screenshots: If applicable, include photos showing the damage or lost inventory.

• Receipts or invoices: Provide proof of the original purchase or product cost.

• Inventory and adjustment reports: These show discrepancies in your stock.

By gathering and submitting all the necessary documents and proof, you increase your chances of a successful claim.

#3 Item was eventually found or returned

One common reason Amazon denies a reimbursement claim is if the item was eventually found or returned. Sometimes, items that were thought to be lost or damaged might be located later, or customers might return them after the claim was filed. In such cases, Amazon will reject your claim because they’ve either restocked the item or issued a return.

To avoid this issue, it’s important to regularly check your inventory and return reports. If you notice an item marked as lost or damaged, ensure you have the correct details before filing a claim. If the item is later found or returned, Amazon may adjust the claim status.

To prevent unnecessary claims or rejections, track all your inventory and returns carefully. This helps you file claims only when necessary and ensures you’re not claiming Amazon FBA refund reimbursement for an item that has been returned or restocked.

How to fix this 

If your claim is denied because the item was eventually found or returned, it means Amazon located the lost item or the customer returned it. To fix this, make sure to track your inventory carefully and check the status of the item in your reports.

If you believe the item was missing due to Amazon’s mistake, you can provide evidence, like tracking info or timestamps, showing the product was lost or damaged before being returned. Also, keep an eye on your inventory adjustments report and returns report to catch issues early and file claims promptly if needed.

#4 Issue not covered under Amazon’s policy

One reason Amazon may deny a reimbursement claim is if the issue isn't covered under their policy. Amazon has specific rules about what types of problems are eligible for reimbursement, such as lost or damaged inventory, overcharged fees, or certain return issues. However, not every problem qualifies for reimbursement.

For example, if the damage to an item was caused by the customer, or if the product is expired, Amazon won’t reimburse you. It's important to carefully review Amazon's reimbursement policy to ensure the issue you're claiming fits within their guidelines. If your claim doesn't meet these criteria, it’s best to address the issue directly with the customer or adjust your expectations accordingly.

How to fix this 

If Amazon denies your reimbursement claim because the issue isn’t covered under their policy, it means that the problem doesn’t meet Amazon’s specific rules for reimbursements. For example, damage caused by the customer or expired products aren’t eligible for reimbursement.

To fix this, make sure you fully understand Amazon's reimbursement policies. Check the FBA Policy on their website to see what’s covered. If the issue is outside the policy, you may not be able to file a claim. In the future, ensure your inventory is properly packed and customers are informed of return policies to avoid issues outside the reimbursement guidelines.

#5 Wrong case type or incomplete details

One of the main reasons Amazon denies reimbursement claims is filing under the wrong case type or providing incomplete details. When you file a claim, it’s important to choose the correct category, such as "lost inventory" or "damaged goods." If you select the wrong case type, Amazon may reject your claim because it doesn’t match their system.

Additionally, submitting incomplete or incorrect information, such as missing order IDs, ASINs, or other necessary details, can cause delays or denials. To avoid this, make sure to double-check your claim before submitting it. 

Always provide accurate and complete information to increase the chances of getting your claim approved. By being thorough, you can prevent unnecessary denials and recover the reimbursements you're owed.

How to fix this

If Amazon denies your reimbursement claim because of the wrong case type or incomplete details, it's important to fix this before resubmitting. First, double-check the case type you selected when filing the claim. For example, if you're reporting lost inventory, make sure you choose the "lost inventory" case type, not "damaged inventory." 

Also, ensure you've provided all necessary details, such as the ASIN, order ID, and any supporting documents (like screenshots or receipts). If anything is missing, add it to your appeal. By carefully reviewing your claim and providing complete information, you can increase the chances of Amazon accepting your reimbursement.

#6 The Claim was already reimbursed earlier

One common reason Amazon denies reimbursement claims is that the claim has already been reimbursed earlier. This can happen if you accidentally file multiple claims for the same issue, or if Amazon automatically processed a reimbursement but you didn’t notice. 

To avoid this, always check your reimbursement report in Seller Central to confirm if a reimbursement has already been issued before filing a new claim. If you’re unsure, review your past claims and compare them with your inventory reports. 

By staying organized and tracking your Amazon FBA  inventory reimbursements, you can avoid filing duplicate claims and wasting time. If Amazon denies your claim for this reason, double-check your records and make sure there isn’t already a reimbursement for the issue.

How to fix this

If Amazon denies your reimbursement claim because it was already reimbursed earlier, it’s important to check if the payment was missed or processed under a different case. Start by reviewing your reimbursement report in Seller Central to see if the reimbursement has already been issued. If you find the payment, confirm the amount and date. 

If you still believe the reimbursement was missed, gather the necessary details and raise a case with Amazon for further investigation. Always keep track of previous reimbursements to avoid confusion and ensure you’re not filing duplicate claims.

#7 Pattern of false or excessive claims

One reason Amazon may deny your reimbursement claim is if they notice a pattern of false or excessive claims. If you regularly file claims that are inaccurate or don’t meet their policies, Amazon might flag your account.

This could lead to a rejection of your current claim and even account suspension in extreme cases. To avoid this, make sure all your claims are valid and based on genuine issues. Always provide accurate details and supporting documents to back up your claims. 

How to fix this

You need to make sure that your claims are valid and supported by clear evidence. Only file claims for real issues, such as lost or damaged inventory, and avoid overloading Amazon with unnecessary claims. Keep accurate records and only claim when you’re genuinely owed a reimbursement. Staying honest and consistent will help maintain your account’s good standing.

#8 Ineligible items (damaged by customer, expired, etc.)

One common reason Amazon denies reimbursement claims is if the item is ineligible for reimbursement. This can happen if the item was damaged by the customer, expired, or cannot be resold for other reasons.

For example, if a customer returns a product in poor condition and Amazon marks it as "customer damaged," you might not be able to claim reimbursement.

Similarly, if an item has expired or is no longer sellable, Amazon won’t reimburse you. To avoid this, make sure to check the condition of your items and understand Amazon’s policies on damaged and expired products before filing a claim.

How to fix this

To fix this, make sure to carefully review your returns and check the condition of items before filing a claim. If the item was damaged by the customer or expired, it’s not eligible for reimbursement. You can prevent this by improving packaging, offering clear return instructions, and monitoring return policies to avoid future issues.

#9 Using automation tools that violate Amazon’s TOS 

Amazon may deny reimbursement claims if you use automation tools that violate their Terms of Service (TOS).  Always check the tools you use and make sure they don’t misuse Amazon's systems or data. By staying within Amazon’s guidelines, you’ll avoid issues with your claims and keep your account in good standing.

How to fix this

To fix this, make sure the tools you’re using are compliant with Amazon’s rules. Avoid using any tools that automate actions like bulk claims, scraping, or changing Amazon data in ways that violate their policies. Always read the TOS of any tool you use and ensure it aligns with Amazon’s guidelines to prevent future issues.

Final words

Understanding why Amazon denies reimbursement claims and knowing how to fix these issues is key to getting your money back. Whether it's because of missed deadlines, missing information, or using the wrong tools, addressing these problems quickly can help you get reimbursed.

Stay organized, file claims correctly, and make sure your tools follow Amazon’s rules. If managing claims feels too time-consuming, consider using the best Amazon reimbursement service. Our services can help you track, file, and follow up on claims automatically, making the process easier and ensuring you don’t miss any reimbursements.