Amazon sellers face a range of challenges when managing their inventory through the Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program. One of the most frustrating issues is when products are lost, damaged, or mishandled. Such errors can significantly impact profitability, but many sellers are often not aware of their rights or miss the timeframe to file a reimbursement claim. Failing to claim the money owed to you can leave substantial revenue on the table. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about the Amazon reimbursement claim process in 2025, ensuring that you do not miss out on your refunds when any such error occurs.
In this blog, we will break down the reimbursement claim process, eligibility criteria, common scenarios that qualify for reimbursement, and step-by-step instructions on how to file a claim. We will also share best practices and discuss mistakes to avoid to make sure you get back every penny that Amazon owes you.
Let’s take a look at the different types of Amazon reimbursement claims, eligibility requirements, and how to ensure you do not lose money due to warehouse or logistical errors.
Types of Amazon Reimbursement Claims
Amazon processes thousands of orders daily, and as such, errors are inevitable. Thankfully, a structured Amazon reimbursement policy is in place for addressing these mistakes. Here are the most common situations where you can file a claim:
1. Lost or Damaged Inventory
When inventory is shipped to Amazon, it sometimes gets lost or damaged at Amazon fulfillment centers or during the shipping process to customers. You can file a claim under the FBA inventory reimbursement category if your products never make it to your inventory or arrive in a compromised condition. In most cases, Amazon will automatically issue reimbursement if they identify the problem, but it's important to actively monitor your shipments and file a claim when necessary.
2. Overcharged FBA Fees
Sometimes Amazon miscalculates fees based on incorrect dimensions or weights of your products. In such cases, you are entitled to file a claim for overcharged FBA fees. This is particularly crucial because the fees can quickly add up, with the smallest of errors in logging the correct weights or dimensions resulting in higher fees and thus having an adverse impact on your overall profitability. Ensuring that you are not overcharged means paying only the actual fulfillment cost, allowing you to run your business efficiently.
3. FBA Returns Reimbursement
Returned items are another significant factor that can cause headaches for sellers. If a customer returns an item but it is lost in transit or not restocked into your inventory, you may qualify for a reimbursement. Amazon often handles customer returns, but there are cases when products go missing, are damaged, or are not properly logged back into inventory, warranting a reimbursement.
To learn in-depth about FBA Customer Returns and Refunds, check out this YouTube video by Amazon Seller University.
4. Incorrect Removal or Disposal of Inventory
If Amazon mistakenly removes or disposes of inventory that was intended to remain in storage, you can also claim a reimbursement. In these cases, keeping a close eye on your removal reports and ensuring inventory adjustments are legitimate is vital to making sure you do not lose out.
5. Refund Miscalculations
Amazon may refund customers the wrong amount, resulting in you paying for it. This happens due to technical glitches or errors in calculations. When this occurs, you are entitled to a reimbursement to recover the lost funds.
Eligibility Criteria for Reimbursement Claims
Now that you understand the different types of Amazon reimbursement claims, it is essential to know what makes a product or situation eligible for a claim. Here are the main criteria Amazon follows when processing these claims:
1. Timeframe for Filing Claims
Amazon has strict deadlines for filing reimbursement claims. For instance, for most inventory-related claims like lost or damaged inventory, sellers have a 60-day window from the date of occurrence of any issue. This is why it is crucial to regularly monitor your inventory and shipments to ensure you are able to register a claim, if eligible, within the allowable timeframe.
2. Proof of Shipment and Delivery
When submitting a claim, sellers must provide proof that the inventory was shipped and received. Documentation such as a Proof of Delivery (POD), a Signed Bill of Lading (BOL), and packing slips are typically required. In many cases, you will also need to submit proof of ownership to demonstrate that the inventory belongs to you.
3. Correct Documentation
The supporting documents you submit to validate your claim can make or break the approval process. For example, if your claim involves an FBA inventory reimbursement, Amazon will want to see clear evidence that the products were lost or damaged during fulfillment. In addition, for overcharged fees, sellers may need to provide proof that the actual dimensions and weight differ from Amazon’s records.
4. Inventory Tracking
To qualify for reimbursement, your inventory must be correctly tracked through Amazon’s systems. If tracking numbers are missing or improperly logged, your claim may be denied. Make sure all shipments are logged accurately to avoid this issue.
Looking for a solution to shortage claims on Amazon Vendor Central? Read here for effective strategies to stop or at least reduce them.
Step-by-Step Guide to File an Amazon Reimbursement Claim
Filing a reimbursement claim is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. To ensure a smooth and successful claim submission, follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the Issue
The first step is to identify any discrepancies in your inventory or fees. You can do this by regularly reviewing your reports in Seller Central, specifically under the Inventory and Payments sections.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Collect all necessary documents before filing your claim. You will need proof of shipment, delivery, and inventory ownership. For overcharged FBA fees, have the necessary data ready that points out the discrepancies in the dimensions and/or weight.
Step 3: File Your Claim in Seller Central
Once you have the documentation ready, log in to your Seller Central account and go to the "Help" section. From there, submit a ticket detailing your claim. Make sure to include all the relevant documents and describe the issue clearly. Amazon will assign a case ID to your claim.
Step 4: Track the Status of Your Claim
Once your claim is submitted, monitor its status using the case ID provided. Amazon may request additional information during the review process, so it’s important to respond promptly to any queries.
Step 5: Receive Your Reimbursement
After the claim is approved, Amazon will reimburse the requisite amount. The funds will either be credited to your account or issued as a payment adjustment.
Where Can You Access Amazon Reimbursements?
Through Amazon Fulfillment Reports:
Step 1. Log in to your Seller Central account and go to the "Reports" tab.
Step 2. Select "Fulfillment" from the dropdown menu.
Step 3. On the left panel, locate "Payments" and click on "Reimbursements."
Through the Payments Dashboard:
Step 1. In Seller Central, go to the "Payments" section.
Step 2. Click on the "Payments" tab and choose "Transaction View."
Step 3. Filter the 'Transaction Types' to 'Other.'
Step 4. Choose your desired timeframe by selecting Custom Date Range, Past Number of Days, or Settlement Period, then click "Update."
Best Practices for Maximizing Amazon Reimbursements
Filing an Amazon reimbursement claim is just the beginning. To maximize your chances of success and ensure you are getting the most out of the Amazon reimbursement policy, here are some best practices to follow:
1. Regularly Review Your Reports
Many sellers fail to file claims simply because they are not aware of the issues. Make it a habit to review your inventory reports and payment data weekly or monthly to identify any discrepancies as soon as they occur.
2. Keep Accurate Records
Maintain detailed records of all your shipments, fees, and inventory. This will not only help when filing a claim but also make the process faster and more efficient. Ensure all documentation is stored in an organized manner and is easily accessible when needed.
3. File Within the Claim Window
Remember, Amazon has strict timelines for registering claims. Failing to adhere to these deadlines can result in losing opportunities for reimbursements in legitimate scenarios. Set calendar reminders to review eligible claims regularly to avoid missing out.
4. Outsource Your Claims Management to Professionals
Managing claims can be both a time-consuming and complicated affair. Working with a full service Amazon agency like SalesDuo, which also provides FBA reimbursement service among their offerings, can save you a significant amount of time and effort while ensuring that all eligible claims are filed efficiently and accurately. With professional assistance, you will not miss out on money owed to you.
Want a detailed overview of the FBA program? Check out our Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA): A Beginner's Guide blog and get the answers to all your questions.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for an Amazon Reimbursement Claim
To ensure your claims are successful, it is crucial to avoid some common pitfalls that can cause delays or denials:
- Incomplete Documentation: Submitting claims with missing paperwork is one of the biggest reasons for claim rejections. Always ensure that you provide all necessary documents, such as proof of inventory ownership, proof of delivery, and any other required materials to substantiate your claim.
- Inaccurate Information: Providing incorrect details about your inventory, shipments, or fees can lead to confusion and the rejection of your claim. Double-check all information before submitting your claim to avoid any discrepancies.
- Missing the Claim Window: Each type of claim has a specific window for submission, and missing these deadlines can mean forfeiting your reimbursement. For instance, failing to act promptly when reconciling shipments or when identifying overcharged fees can result in lost opportunities for refunds.
- Not Understanding the Process: The FBA returns reimbursement process can be complicated, and a lack of understanding might cause sellers to overlook the refunds they are entitled to. Ensure you know how to handle customer returns to identify any discrepancies in the returned inventory that could lead to reimbursement.
- Overlooking Fees and Errors: Many sellers only focus on inventory claims and overlook potential refunds for things like overcharged FBA fees or errors related to the dimensions and weights of products. Make it a habit to audit all fee-related transactions regularly to ensure you are not missing out on rightful claims.
By being mindful of these mistakes, sellers can increase their chances of maximizing their reimbursements from Amazon.
Timelines to Follow
Timeframes are critical when it comes to filing Amazon reimbursement claims. Missing deadlines means you may forfeit your right to claim refunds. Keep these important timelines in mind:
- Inventory-Related Claims: For claims related to lost or damaged inventory, Amazon typically allows a window of up to 60 days from the time the issue is first recorded. This means you should act quickly once a shipment is reconciled and any discrepancies are identified.
- Overcharged FBA Fees: Overcharged fee claims usually come with a shorter claim window, often around 90 days. If you notice excess charging in your FBA fees, you should file your FBA inventory reimbursement claim within this timeframe.
- FBA Returns Reimbursement: For returns-related discrepancies, it is crucial to act as soon as possible. Keep a close watch on customer returns and reconcile any inconsistencies with your inventory. The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting your refund.
Amazon Customer Support for FBA Reimbursement Assistance
To improve the seller experience, Amazon has upgraded its support for FBA reimbursements. Sellers can get help from a specialized FBA Reimbursement Support team that can be contacted via phone or email.
This team is dedicated to helping sellers with any questions or concerns regarding reimbursement claims. If you face any challenges or need clarification during the reimbursement process, you can seek assistance from this team.
Conclusion
In summary, having a comprehensive understanding of the Amazon reimbursement policy and effectively filing claims is crucial for maintaining profitability. By staying proactive with claims for lost inventory, damaged products, or incorrect fees, sellers can avoid unnecessary losses and maximize their earnings when selling through FBA.
Do not let Amazon’s errors cut into your profits—ensure you are reclaiming your lost revenue effectively. If managing claims feels overwhelming, consider outsourcing this task to experts. As a full-service Amazon agency with ex-Amazon professionals as part of the team, we can help you navigate the entire Amazon reimbursement claim process, ensuring you never leave money on the table. With us, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of filing and managing claims. Book a call with us today and learn how we can help you take your business to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Meet Sparsha Chatterjee, a seasoned content writer specializing in Amazon businesses, crafting compelling, sales-driven content that boosts visibility and conversions. Beyond work, he enjoys reading storybooks, traveling to new places, and watching captivating movies.
