Common Mistakes in Amazon FBA Reimbursement Claims and How to Avoid Them

TL;DR

• Missing the 30-60 day window to file reimbursement claims can result in lost reimbursements, affecting cash flow and profits.
• Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation leads to delays or rejected claims. Always provide clear photos, invoices, and shipment receipts.
• Failing to track lost or damaged items in FBA can result in unclaimed reimbursements. Regular monitoring and automated tools can help.
• Not understanding the Amazon reimbursement policy can lead to incorrect claims, lower reimbursements, and wasted time. Stay updated with policy changes.
• Regularly audit FBA returns and damages to catch unclaimed reimbursements and avoid missed opportunities for revenue recovery.
• FBArefunds helps automate tracking, filing, and challenging claims, ensuring accurate reimbursements and saving sellers time and effort.

For Amazon FBA sellers, getting reimbursed for lost, damaged, or returned inventory is crucial, but many miss out on these reimbursements due to common mistakes. From missing deadlines to submitting incorrect documentation, these errors can cost sellers money and affect their cash flow.

This blog highlights the most frequent mistakes in the Amazon FBA reimbursement claim and shows you how to avoid them. We’ll also explain how the Amazon reimbursement service can help sellers track and streamline their claims process, ensuring that no opportunities for reimbursement are missed.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to optimize your FBA reimbursement claims with the right tools and processes, saving time and maximizing your reimbursements.

Mistake #1: Not filing claims on time

One of the most common and costly mistakes Amazon FBA sellers make is not filing reimbursement claims on time. Many sellers miss the crucial 30-60 day window to file claims for lost or damaged inventory, leaving potential reimbursements on the table. 

The reality is that Amazon’s policy is strict about these deadlines, and once the window closes, you forfeit the opportunity to recover those costs. The consequences of missing this deadline can be severe. Not only do you lose out on potential reimbursement for damaged or lost items, but you also risk financial strain. 

Without those reimbursements, it becomes harder to manage cash flow, especially if you’re dealing with multiple reimbursements and high inventory turnover.

How to avoid:

The best way to avoid missing the deadline is to stay on top of your claim tracking. FBA refunds as an Amazon reimbursement service, can help automate the process, ensuring you never miss the reimbursement window. 

These track deadlines, send reminders, and even file claims on your behalf, allowing you to focus on growing your business instead of worrying about lost revenue. By proactively managing your FBA reimbursement claims with the help of automation tools, you’ll ensure timely filings, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your finances on track. 

Mistake #2: Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation

One of the biggest mistakes Amazon sellers make when filing reimbursement claims is submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Whether it’s missing invoices, unclear descriptions of damaged goods, or improper proof of loss, this mistake can lead to major delays or rejection of your claim.

Without solid documentation, Amazon can’t verify your claim. If you don’t provide the right paperwork, like clear photos of damaged products, detailed invoices showing the product’s cost, or shipment receipts, Amazon may reject your claim or drag the process out longer than necessary. 

This not only wastes your time but also delays the reimbursement you need to keep your cash flow healthy. Missing or inaccurate documentation can cost you valuable time and lead to lost revenue. Imagine submitting a claim only for Amazon to reject it because of incomplete proof and having to start the process over from scratch.

How to avoid

• Be thorough: Always include clear, high-quality photos of the damaged inventory. If possible, capture multiple angles and show the extent of the damage.
• Provide detailed invoices: Include invoices that show the product’s cost, shipping receipts, and any other relevant documents that prove the product’s value.
• Work with an Amazon reimbursement specialist: If you’re not sure what documentation is needed, a reimbursement specialist can help you navigate the claim process, ensuring all necessary documentation is included and submitted correctly.

By staying organized and providing all the required documentation upfront, you can streamline your Amazon reimbursement claim process and avoid delays.

Mistake #3: Failing to track lost or damaged items in FBA

One of the most overlooked mistakes by Amazon sellers. It’s easy to assume that Amazon will automatically reimburse you for any issues, but that’s not always the case. Sellers often miss discrepancies when Amazon reports a product as lost or damaged, leaving potential reimbursement claims unfiled.

The problem arises when sellers don’t actively monitor their FBA inventory and claims reports. Without regular checks, you may not notice when an item is marked as “lost” or “damaged” in the fulfillment center, and those losses go unclaimed. 

In the fast-paced world of Amazon FBA, these small oversights can quickly add up, leading to significant financial losses. The consequences of failing to track these issues can be damaging to your business. Unclaimed losses mean unoptimized revenue recovery and missed opportunities to get back what you’re owed. With Amazon’s strict reimbursement timelines, any delays can cost you.

How to avoid 

• Regularly monitor FBA inventory reports: Check your FBA Claims Report in Seller Central frequently. This will help you spot any lost or damaged items and take action before it’s too late.
• Switch to the refund manager tool: Tools like Refunzo help automate the process of tracking lost or damaged items in FBA, making it easier to catch discrepancies early. With Refunzo, you’ll never miss an opportunity to file a claim for an Amazon refund for lost packages.
• Set up automated alerts: Use automated tools that notify you when there’s an issue with your inventory so you can act quickly and stay ahead of potential losses.

By staying on top of tracking and using the right tools, you can ensure your losses are minimized and your Amazon reimbursement claims are filed efficiently, recovering what’s rightfully yours.

Mistake #4: Not understanding Amazon’s reimbursement policies

Many Amazon sellers make the mistake of not fully understanding Amazon’s reimbursement policies. They might not know which products are eligible for reimbursement, how to calculate the reimbursement amount, or how Amazon determines the value of a claim.

These details can make all the difference in getting reimbursed accurately and efficiently. The problem lies in the complexity of the Amazon reimbursement policy 2025, where changes in reimbursement guidelines may affect how and when sellers get paid. 

Without understanding these policies, sellers can end up filing claims incorrectly, which may lead to rejected claims or lower-than-expected reimbursements. This can mean lost revenue that could have been recovered. Incorrect claims not only waste your time but also reduce the chances of getting reimbursed for lost or damaged inventory, directly affecting your cash flow and business profitability.

How to avoid

• Review Amazon’s reimbursement policies: Take the time to thoroughly read through Amazon’s policies to understand what’s covered, how reimbursement amounts are calculated, and how to properly file claims.
• Work with the Amazon reimbursement service: Fit keeps sellers updated on policy changes, ensuring you stay in the loop on important adjustments to the Amazon reimbursement policy. With FBA refunds, you’ll be ahead of the game, always informed about policy updates, and confident that your claims are filed correctly to ensure you’re getting the full reimbursement you deserve.

Mistake #5: Failing to regularly audit FBA returns and damages

One of the biggest mistakes Amazon sellers make is neglecting to regularly audit FBA returns and damages. By failing to perform routine audits, sellers often miss out on Amazon FBA reimbursements they’re entitled to. 

When Amazon loses or damages items in its fulfillment centers, sellers should be compensated. However, without regular checks, these reimbursements may go unclaimed. If you don’t actively monitor your inventory and returns, you won’t notice when Amazon fails to reimburse you for lost or damaged items. 

This lack of attention can result in unclaimed reimbursements, meaning you lose out on money that could have been recovered. Missing out on these reimbursements means lost revenue and missed opportunities to recover profits, which can directly impact your bottom line and cash flow.

How to avoid

• Conduct regular audits: Regularly review your inventory, return reports, and damage claims. Look for discrepancies and issues that may have been overlooked.
• Use the automated Amazon reimbursement tool: FBArefunds offers automated auditing features that help sellers quickly detect discrepancies and ensure they never miss a potential reimbursement. With its real-time auditing system, you can easily identify issues and file claims faster, ensuring you recover any lost or damaged inventory without missing out on your due reimbursement.

By staying proactive and using automated tools for audits, you can easily streamline the Amazon FBA reimbursement process and ensure that no opportunities for reimbursement are missed. 

Mistake #6: Misunderstanding Amazon’s calculation for reimbursements

When filing claims for damaged, lost, or missing inventory, Amazon may calculate the reimbursement amount lower than expected, leaving sellers with less than they’re entitled to. Sellers often accept the reimbursement as-is, without realizing that they may be owed more. 

This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as misinterpreted product values or incorrect cost calculations based on Amazon’s system. Sellers might accept lower reimbursement amounts, which means they lose out on larger claims they’re rightfully owed. Over time, these small discrepancies can add up to a substantial loss in revenue.

How to avoid

• Review Amazon’s reimbursement calculations: Always double-check the reimbursement amounts Amazon offers. Look at the values and ensure they reflect the actual costs of the lost or damaged items.
• Challenge discrepancies: If you believe Amazon’s calculations are incorrect, don’t hesitate to challenge them. File a dispute, provide supporting documentation, and request the correct reimbursement.

By understanding how Amazon calculates reimbursements and staying proactive, you can ensure that you’re not leaving money on the table. 

Final insights

Let’s face it, Amazon FBA reimbursement claims can be a maze, and one wrong move can cost you big. Missing deadlines, unclear documentation, or not challenging low reimbursement amounts? That’s money slipping through your fingers. 

With our refunds manager tools like Refunzo, you can easily track, file, and maximize your reimbursements. No more guessing games, no more lost revenue; just fast, accurate claims and peace of mind.

Take control and let us handle the tricky parts, so you can focus on growing your business.