How to Track Lost FBA Shipments

Lost Amazon FBA shipments can cost sellers thousands of dollars in lost inventory, damaged goods, and missed reimbursements. Amazon loses about one-third of FBA shipments during fulfillment center transfers, and sellers often miss out on reimbursements because they don’t track shipments or file claims on time.

Key Takeaways:

• Common issues: Damaged items, misplaced inventory, labeling mistakes, theft, and reconciliation errors.

• Claim deadlines: File within 45 days (domestic) or 75 days (international) of shipment delivery.

• Tracking essentials: Monitor Shipment IDs, Tracking Numbers, and FNSKUs to identify discrepancies.

• Amazon tools to use:

  • Inventory Ledger Report: Tracks lost or misplaced inventory.

  • Shipment Reconciliation Report: Compares shipped vs. received quantities.

  • Removal Reports: Tracks removal orders for lost or mishandled items.

• Automation tools: Platforms like Refunzo automate tracking, flag discrepancies, and increase reimbursements by up to 25%.

To avoid losing money, stay proactive with tracking, use Amazon’s built-in reports, and consider automated tools for faster, more accurate reconciliation.

Read on for step-by-step guidance on tracking, filing claims, and preventing future shipment losses.

How to Reconcile your Amazon FBA Shipments with Lost Products

How FBA Shipments Work

Knowing the steps involved in FBA shipments can help you catch problems before they cut into your profits. From the moment you create a shipment to when your products are available for sale, there are multiple stages where things can go wrong - products can get lost, damaged, or miscounted. Let’s take a closer look at the process and identify where potential issues might arise.

Main Steps in FBA Shipments

The FBA shipment process follows a structured path, but each stage has its own risks. Here’s what happens to your inventory at each step:

• Shipment Creation: This starts in your Seller Central account using the "Send to Amazon" workflow. Mistakes like sending shipments to the wrong location or entering incorrect quantities can lead to rejections and costly return fees.

• In Transit: Once your shipment leaves your location, it’s on its way to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. During this phase, delays, damage, or loss can occur. Using accurate tracking from your carrier is crucial to avoid unnecessary processing delays.

• Delivered and Receiving: When your shipment arrives at Amazon’s fulfillment center, the boxes are scanned. During peak seasons, processing delays are common, which can hide issues like missing or mislabeled items. As Amazon scans and updates inventory counts, this is often where discrepancies are first noticed.

• Closed: Once processing is complete, the shipment is marked as "Closed." However, problems like missing or damaged items can still surface after this stage. Even if your shipment is marked as closed, you should monitor tracking details for signs of lost inventory that may require follow-up.

To resolve any issues, you must report them within 45 days for domestic shipments or 75 days for international shipments from the "delivered" status. Many sellers miss this deadline simply because they aren’t keeping a close eye on their shipments.

Now, let’s look at the tracking numbers that play a key role in identifying and fixing inventory problems.

Important Tracking Numbers

Tracking numbers are essential for keeping tabs on your inventory and flagging discrepancies early. There are three key identifiers you need to understand and monitor:

• Shipment ID: This is Amazon’s internal reference number for your shipment. You’ll find it in your Shipping Queue, and it’s the first thing Amazon support will ask for if you report missing items. It links all the products in a single shipment and helps you keep everything organized.

• Tracking Number: Provided by your shipping carrier (e.g., UPS, FedEx), this number allows you to follow your shipment’s journey to Amazon’s warehouse. If a shipment is delayed or lost in transit, this number becomes critical for verifying delivery and filing reimbursement claims for carrier-related issues.

• FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit): This is Amazon’s unique barcode for each of your products. It ensures accurate scanning and inventory tracking. Every item you send needs the correct FNSKU label, and you’ll need to cover any existing manufacturer barcodes to prevent scanning errors. Without proper labeling, items can get lost in the system or mistakenly credited to another seller.

Each box in your shipment also requires a unique FBA shipping label. These labels are scanned at Amazon’s warehouse to identify which products are in each box. Missing or damaged labels can cause delays or even rejection of your shipment.

You can monitor all these details through the "Shipment events" tab in your Seller Central account. This feature shows the full journey of your shipment, from creation to completion. While delays are common during busy seasons, it’s important to keep detailed records of all tracking numbers and shipment dates to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

How to Use Amazon's Built-in Tools to Find Lost Shipments

Amazon offers several built-in tools to help sellers track and identify missing inventory. Knowing which reports to use and how to interpret them can make a big difference in recovering lost shipments.

Inventory Event Detail Report

Amazon has streamlined its inventory tracking with the Inventory Ledger report, which replaced the older Inventory Event Detail Report. This report provides a complete history of your inventory, including adjustments that highlight misplaced or lost items.

To access it, log in to Seller Central, go to the Inventory tab, select Inventory Reports, and choose Inventory Ledger. You can view a Summary or a Detailed View by clicking View Online.

The Detailed View is especially helpful for tracking lost shipments. It shows all inventory events at fulfillment centers, including event type, quantity, location, country, and disposition. You can filter the report by Merchant SKU, FNSKU, or ASIN and set a specific date range to narrow your search.

Pay close attention to adjustment entries. These rows detail inventory changes due to issues like misplaced items, ownership corrections, or recovered inventory. Look for codes such as "Lost" or "Adjustment" to spot discrepancies. If something seems off, expand the date range to get a clearer picture of inventory movements. Use the FNSKU field to track individual products through the system.

When discrepancies are identified, the report may include links to reimbursement transactions or reconciliation adjustments. Additionally, the Shipment Reconciliation Report can help you compare shipped versus received quantities to pinpoint missing inventory.

Shipment Reconciliation Report

The Shipment Reconciliation Report is another valuable tool for identifying lost inventory. It provides a direct comparison between the quantities you shipped and what Amazon received.

To access it, navigate to Inventory > Manage FBA Shipments in Seller Central. In the Shipping Queue, click on the specific Shipment Name, then select Reconcile. This will show you a detailed breakdown of expected and received quantities.

Focus on the "View Discrepancies and Request Research" section. If the shipped quantity exceeds the received quantity, flag it as "Missing – Please Research" to investigate potential losses. Conversely, if the shipped quantity is lower than the received quantity, flag it as "Unexpected – Please Research" to uncover potential attribution errors.

It's crucial to reconcile shipments within 45 days. For shipments older than 60 days, you'll need to provide proof of purchase to support your reimbursement claims. This process can lead directly to reimbursements for inventory Amazon confirms as lost.

Removal Order Review

Issues with removal orders can also lead to lost inventory. Items may be incorrectly disposed of or removal shipments may go missing. The Amazon FBA Removal Report is a key tool for uncovering these problems.

This report tracks removal orders, shipments, and fees, helping you match removal requests with actual shipments. Pay attention to key data points like order details, item information, and quantities across statuses such as requested, canceled, disposed, shipped, and in-process.

Use order IDs and SKUs to verify that removal orders were executed properly. Compare requested quantities with actual shipments to identify discrepancies. Long-pending orders could signal processing issues that may impact your inventory counts. Additionally, reviewing billed fees against shipped quantities can help you identify potential billing errors tied to missing items.

For more detailed tracking, the Removal Shipment Detail Report includes carrier information and tracking numbers for completed removal orders. This data can be used to update your inventory records and ensure returned items are accounted for.

Using Automated Tools for Better Tracking

Amazon's built-in tools can provide useful insights, but they require manual effort to stay on top of things. And let's face it - manual tracking has already cost sellers billions in missed reimbursements. This is where automated reconciliation systems step in, offering a faster, more accurate way to track lost FBA shipments. They take the pressure off sellers while boosting accuracy and recovery rates.

Why Automated Reconciliation Systems Are More Effective

67% of Amazon sellers struggle with inventory management and shipment tracking, making automation a game-changer for many businesses.

Here’s why automated systems outshine manual methods:

• Real-time monitoring: These tools constantly scan your account for discrepancies, so you’re always up to date.

• Multi-marketplace sync: If you sell in multiple Amazon regions, you can track all your inventory from one dashboard.

• Historical analysis: Automated tools help uncover patterns in lost shipments, like recurring issues with certain carriers or fulfillment centers.

On top of that, automation can cut operational costs by up to 30% by eliminating the need for hours of manual data reviews. And let’s not forget about accuracy - sellers using reconciliation software report a 25% increase in recovered fees from Amazon. These systems use advanced algorithms to detect subtle patterns and anomalies that human reviewers might overlook.

One tool that stands out is Refunzo, which takes automation to the next level by simplifying every step of the reconciliation process.

How Refunzo Simplifies Lost Shipment Tracking

Refunzo’s reconciliation platform makes tracking lost FBA shipments almost effortless. It performs automated 21-point checks to identify issues like missing inventory, incorrect fees, and undelivered shipments.

The platform’s dashboard gives you a clear snapshot of your account, flagging problems that need attention. Unlike manual tracking, which relies on you remembering to check reports, Refunzo sends real-time alerts when it spots discrepancies. That means you’ll never miss a chance to recover lost money.

What’s even better? Refunzo offers a lifetime free reconciliation service. You can access detailed reports showing potential reimbursements without paying anything upfront. From lost inventory to fee errors, Refunzo identifies discrepancies across multiple categories.

For sellers who prefer to handle claims themselves, Refunzo provides all the documentation you’ll need. If you’d rather let them take care of everything, you can opt for their full-service reimbursement option. They’ll manage case creation, evidence submission, and follow-ups with Amazon - for a 15% commission or a $5,000 maximum fee, whichever is lower. And you only pay after a successful reimbursement.

Refunzo integrates directly with your Amazon account, automatically pulling payment data and transaction records. No more downloading and organizing reports from Seller Central. Plus, the platform updates your reconciliation data regularly and supports multiple marketplaces, making it a great option for international sellers.

How to File Reimbursement Claims for Lost Shipments

If you've identified missing inventory using Amazon's reports or tools like Refunzo, it's essential to file a reimbursement claim quickly. Timing and proper documentation play a big role in whether your claim is approved.

Amazon's Reimbursement Claim Process

Amazon enforces strict deadlines for reimbursement claims, and missing these windows means forfeiting your chance to recover your losses. In August 2024, Amazon updated its FBA reimbursement policy to include more specific timelines that sellers must adhere to.

Key Filing Deadlines:

• Lost or damaged items in fulfillment centers: File within 60 days of the loss or damage report.

• Customer returns: Submit claims between 60 and 120 days after the refund or replacement date.

• Removal claims for items lost in transit: File within 15 to 75 days of shipment creation.

• All other removal claims: File within 60 days of shipment delivery back to you.

• General rule: All claims must be submitted within 9 months of confirmed shipment delivery to Amazon's fulfillment center.

Here’s the process to file a claim:

1. Identify the issue: Regularly review the reports in the Inventory and Payments sections of Seller Central.

2. Gather your documentation: Collect all necessary evidence to support your claim.

3. Submit your claim: Log in to Seller Central, go to "Help", and submit a detailed ticket with your case ID.

4. Monitor your claim: Use the case ID to track its status and respond promptly if Amazon requests additional information.

Amazon typically resolves claims within a few days to a week, though some cases might take up to two weeks. If approved, the reimbursement will either be credited to your account or issued as a payment adjustment.

For lost units, use the Contents tab in Seller Central to file your claim. For damaged units, submit your claim through the Contact Us page.

Documents You Need for Claims

Having the right documentation ready can make the approval process much smoother. The exact documents required depend on the type of shipment and the nature of your claim.

Essential Documentation for All Claims:

• Proof of inventory ownership: This can be an invoice from your supplier, a receipt from another seller, or a signed packing slip if you’re the manufacturer.

• Proof of delivery: Provide confirmation from the carrier showing Amazon received your shipment.

• Shipping plan details: Ensure the shipment contents match what you originally planned.

For LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) or FTL (Full-Truckload) Shipments: You’ll need a stamped proof of delivery that confirms the box count and total weight. This document must include Amazon’s stamp to be valid.

For Small-Parcel Shipments: Provide tracking IDs for every package in your shipment. These tracking IDs must be active and verifiable by the carrier.

It’s also helpful to check the Contents tab in Seller Central for any discrepancies between your shipping plan and what the fulfillment center received. Additionally, review the Reimbursements report to confirm you haven’t already been reimbursed for the missing items.

In some cases, Amazon might request more information, particularly for complex claims. If you’re disputing a fee, include a detailed explanation with a breakdown of the fees and supporting invoices to strengthen your case.

How to Prevent Future Shipment Problems

It's always better to prevent shipment issues than to deal with the fallout of lost or rejected inventory. By carefully selecting dependable shipping partners and sticking to Amazon's detailed preparation rules, you can significantly lower the chances of encountering problems at fulfillment centers.

Choosing Reliable Shipping Companies

The shipping company you partner with has a huge impact on whether your shipments arrive securely and on time. Picking the right carrier is a cornerstone of running a smooth operation.

Start by assessing carriers based on their strengths. Look for those offering reliable tracking, sufficient insurance coverage, and flexible scheduling options. For Amazon FBA shipments, you'll need a carrier equipped to handle both LTL (less-than-truckload) and FTL (full truckload) shipments, depending on the size of your inventory.

Each major carrier brings its own advantages. UPS is ideal for time-sensitive deliveries, ensuring packages arrive by specific deadlines. USPS often offers lower rates for smaller shipments, making it a good choice for single units or small batches. FedEx stands out for its excellent handling and security, which is especially valuable for fragile or high-value items. If you're shipping internationally, DHL's global logistics network is hard to beat.

Beyond the big names, dig into each carrier's track record. Check how long they've been in business, the condition of their fleet, and any unique services they provide. A company with years of experience and a solid infrastructure is typically more reliable than a newer, less established competitor.

While cost is important, don't let it be the sole deciding factor. A cheaper carrier with poor reliability can end up costing more in the long run if shipments are lost or delayed. Instead, prioritize transparency, clear policies, and strong reviews from other sellers. It’s worth paying a bit more for peace of mind.

When comparing quotes, don’t just look at the base price. Include factors like insurance, tracking options, and extra fees for special handling. If you ship large volumes regularly, negotiate directly with carriers - you might secure better rates through volume discounts.

Once you’ve chosen a trustworthy carrier, the next step is ensuring your products meet Amazon’s strict preparation standards.

Adhering to FBA Prep Guidelines

Choosing the right carrier is only part of the equation. Properly preparing your shipments according to Amazon’s FBA guidelines is just as important. These rules are designed to ensure smooth processing at fulfillment centers, and ignoring them can lead to delays, extra fees, or even outright rejection of your inventory.

The financial consequences of non-compliance are no joke. Sellers who outsource to professional FBA prep services often report saving as much as $1,000 per pallet by avoiding penalties like excessive storage fees or charges for incorrect labeling.

Start by reviewing Amazon’s FBA Seller Central resources. These guidelines outline the specific preparation requirements for different product categories. Whether you’re sending case-packed or individually packed items, understanding the rules for your inventory is essential.

Labeling is another critical step. Make sure each item has a scannable barcode, the correct FNSKU, and clear product details. Missing or incorrect labels are one of the most common causes of shipment delays and added fees.

Implement systems to track your inventory levels, expiration dates, and stock records. This helps you avoid sending expired products or creating inventory imbalances that could lead to extra storage fees.

Before shipping, inspect your products to ensure they meet Amazon’s standards. Check for any damage, confirm that packaging complies with requirements, and verify that all preparatory work is complete.

By combining thorough preparation with the monitoring tools mentioned earlier, you create a system that minimizes shipment issues. Failing to follow FBA prep rules doesn’t just cost you money - it can also lead to long-term account problems. Taking the time to get it right safeguards your shipments and your standing as an Amazon seller.

Lastly, consider using automated tools like Refunzo to keep tabs on your shipments. These systems can flag discrepancies early, giving you the chance to fix problems before they escalate and impact your inventory or account status.

Conclusion: Stay Alert and Use Tools Like Refunzo

Keeping track of lost FBA shipments is a must if you want to protect your profits and the overall health of your business. With millions of products flowing through Amazon's fulfillment centers every day, errors are almost inevitable. The trick is catching those mistakes early and acting fast to reclaim what’s rightfully yours.

Here’s something to think about: sellers can lose up to 3% of their annual revenue due to FBA-related discrepancies. And nearly 40% of reimbursements are tied to inbound shipment errors. These numbers highlight why regular monitoring is so important. Each missed unit or unnoticed fee slowly eats away at your bottom line, making it clear that relying solely on manual processes isn’t enough.

Amazon’s built-in reporting tools are a great starting point for spotting discrepancies. But let’s face it - manually combing through those reports takes a ton of time and effort. Plus, small errors can slip through the cracks, eventually snowballing into bigger problems.

That’s where automated tools like Refunzo come in. Refunzo simplifies the process by automatically reviewing multiple reimbursement criteria and flagging any potential issues that might go unnoticed during manual checks. No wonder it has a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot, based on real seller feedback.

Rob C., a long-time Refunzo user, shared: "They have done a great job finding money which was owed to me by Amazon due to lost and damaged inventory...they have literally recovered thousands of dollars on my behalf."

David Cummings, who’s been using Refunzo for about four years, said: "We have been very pleased with their service. They are extremely easy to work with and charge less than most refunds services around while getting more back in refunds than our last service."

Acting quickly is crucial. Amazon’s reimbursement policies have strict time limits, and older claims often require more documentation, making them harder to resolve. Regular monitoring ensures you catch issues while they’re still manageable.

Detection is only half the battle - prevention matters too. Even with the best preventive measures, some errors will still happen. That’s why having a reliable system for tracking and recovery is essential for any serious FBA seller. Combining Amazon’s native tools with automated services like Refunzo creates a strong safety net, helping you recover lost funds while you focus on scaling your business. Don’t leave money on the table - stay proactive and prepared.

FAQs

What should I do if I think my FBA shipment is lost?

If you think your FBA shipment might be lost, the first step is to check its status in Amazon Seller Central under the Shipping Queue. Look for any updates or delays in the tracking information to confirm if the shipment is indeed missing.

Once you've confirmed the issue, gather all the necessary documents to back up your case. This could include the carrier's drop-off receipt or proof of pickup. These details will be crucial when reporting the problem. If the shipment is officially marked as lost, you’ll need to open a case with Amazon through Seller Central. Make sure to include all relevant information and documentation when submitting your claim for reimbursement.

After filing the claim, monitor its progress closely. If there are any delays or complications, follow up with Amazon to keep the process moving. Being proactive can help you resolve the situation more efficiently.

How can I track and resolve lost shipments in Amazon FBA?

To keep tabs on and resolve lost shipments in Amazon FBA, start by navigating to the Shipping Queue in Seller Central. Simply click "Track shipment" next to any shipment to see its journey and current status. This tool gives you detailed updates, making it easier to spot potential issues along the way.

For deeper insights, the Inventory Adjustment Report is your go-to resource. It highlights discrepancies like lost or damaged items, helping you identify where problems may lie. Additionally, the FBA Reports offer valuable shipment data and performance metrics, making it easier to reconcile inventory issues.

By using these tools together, you can keep a close watch on your shipments and quickly address any lost items. If you’re looking for a more streamlined solution, platforms like Refunzo can automate reconciliation and reimbursement claims, saving you both time and hassle.

What are the advantages of using tools like Refunzo to manage FBA shipment issues?

Using automated tools like Refunzo to manage FBA shipment discrepancies can make life a lot easier for Amazon sellers. It not only saves time but also reduces the hassle of manual tracking while improving accuracy. Tasks like monitoring shipments or identifying lost or damaged inventory become faster and less prone to human error, giving sellers more time to focus on scaling their business.

With features such as real-time tracking and detailed reports, Refunzo helps sellers quickly detect and resolve discrepancies. This means fewer missed reimbursements, which can directly improve profitability. For small businesses, automation simplifies what might otherwise feel like overwhelming processes, making operations far more efficient.

Related Blog Posts

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• Amazon FBA Inventory Adjustments: Key Reports

• Amazon FBA Transfer Errors vs. Lost Inventory

• How to Spot Shipment Discrepancies in FBA