#1 How to file a reimbursement claim for FBA inventory errors?
To file an Amazon reimbursement claim for FBA inventory errors, follow these simple steps:
- Identify the discrepancy: Check your FBA reports in Seller Central under Reports > Fulfillment. Look for errors like “DAMAGED_BY_FC” or “LOST_FC” in the Inventory Adjustments Report. Confirm if Amazon has already reimbursed you by checking the Reimbursement Report.
- Gather documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including the purchase orders/invoices for inventory ownership, FBA shipment details, including tracking numbers and packing slips, and photos of damaged items (if applicable).
- File the claim: Go to Help > Contact Us in Seller Central, select Fulfillment by Amazon issues, and submit your claim. Please attach your documents, provide the ASIN/SKU, and describe the issue clearly.
- Monitor the claim: Track your claim’s progress in the Case Log and follow up if needed. Claims must be filed within 60 days of the issue.
#2 What is the best software to track Amazon FBA reimbursements?
When choosing the best software for tracking Amazon FBA reimbursements, it largely depends on your preferences regarding the level of involvement you want in the process. Full-service solutions handle everything for you. They find inventory errors, file claims, and follow up on a commission basis.
This option is ideal if you prefer a hands-off approach, as the agency handles the details. However, keep in mind, you’ll pay a percentage of the recovered funds.
DIY tools that let you track discrepancies and file claims yourself. While these tools give you full control over the process, they require more time and effort on your part to track inventory errors and file claims manually.
Refunzo, as a competitive Amazon reimbursement tool, strikes a perfect balance, offering personalized DIY support for FBA reimbursements. You get the control and low cost of a DIY tool, but with added automation and support that helps save you time.
Refunzo identifies errors and generates reimbursement claims whenever needed, so you’re not left to navigate the process alone. It’s ideal for sellers who want hands-on control with the option of getting expert help when needed. If you prefer to have some assistance without giving up control entirely, Refunzo is the sweet spot, offering automation with personalized support.
#3 How do I check the status of my FBA reimbursement claim online?
To check the status of your FBA reimbursement claim online, follow these steps:
- Log in to Seller Central: Go to your Seller Central and log in with your credentials.
- Go to Case Log: Via the Help Menu: Click on “Help” at the top-right, then select “Case Log.” Or directly navigate to the Case Log page.
- Find Your Claim: Use the search bar or filters (by ASIN, FBA shipment ID, or Case ID) to locate your claim.
- Check the Status: The status of your FBA reimbursement claim will be updated in the Case Log with one of the following: Answered means Amazon has responded, either approving, denying, or requesting more information. Pending Amazon Action indicates that Amazon is still reviewing your claim. Pending Seller action means Amazon requires additional information from you to proceed with the claim. Finally, Resolved means the issue has been closed, and you should check the Payments Report to confirm that the reimbursement has been processed.
By following these steps, you can quickly track your claim’s progress and ensure you’re on top of the reimbursement process.
#4 What documentation is required to support an Amazon FBA reimbursement claim?
To support your Amazon FBA reimbursement claim, you need to provide clear, verifiable documents. Here’s what you typically need:
- Proof of inventory ownership/cost: You must show the product cost, your details, supplier details, and the purchase date. These are especially critical with the 2025 policy changes, where reimbursement is based on your manufacturing or sourcing cost. Purchase Orders (POs): Can supplement invoices but must match the items being claimed.
- Product identification: The ASIN is the Amazon identifier for the product, the SKU is your internal product code, and the FNSKU is Amazon’s barcode used for tracking.
- For Lost inbound shipments: You need proof of delivery (POD) and a signed delivery receipt or Bill of Lading (BOL). The next one is the carrier tracking ID, which is the tracking number showing successful delivery. FBA Shipment ID, which is generated when you create the shipment plan.
- For Damaged inventory: You need to submit photos of damaged items with clear images of the damaged product or packaging.
Be proactive, keep your documents organized, and submit within the 60-day deadline to ensure a smooth reimbursement process.
#5 How do I appeal a rejected FBA reimbursement case?
To appeal a rejected FBA reimbursement case, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Understand the denial: First, check the denial reason in your Amazon Seller Central Case Log. Amazon will provide specific reasons like:
- Insufficient documentation
- Claim submitted after the allowed timeframe
- Customer-damaged item (seller’s responsibility)
- Shipment not received at FC
Step 2: Gather counter-evidence: Don’t resubmit the same documents. Provide new or more detailed evidence to counter Amazon’s reason:
- Insufficient documentation: Clearer invoices/POs
- Past the timeframe: Carrier confirmation showing the delivery date
- Customer damage: Photos proving damage occurred at the FC
- Not received at FC: Signed Proof of Delivery (POD) or Bill of Lading (BOL)
Step 3: Write and submit the appeal
- Acknowledge Amazon’s denial
- State why you disagree and reference new evidence
- Request re-evaluation of the case and attach your documents
Step 4: Monitor and be persistent: Keep an eye on your Case Log for updates. If needed, escalate the case to a supervisor. Stay polite, professional, and persistent throughout the process for the best chance of success.
#6 What are common reasons for FBA inventory reimbursement denials?
- Missing or incomplete documentation: Failing to provide solid proof of ownership and cost. Always include itemized invoices, purchase orders, tracking info, and signed Proof of Delivery (POD).
- Filing after the deadline: Claims filed after the strict deadlines will be denied. File claims within 60 days of the incident, and monitor reports regularly.
- Incorrect data in the claim: Minor discrepancies in data can lead to rejection. Double-check all details, including ASIN, SKU, quantity, and shipment ID.
- Filing duplicate claims: Submitting multiple cases for the same issue. Keep a log of all claims and follow up using the original case ID.
- Wrong Claim Category: Claiming the wrong issue type can lead to an automatic denial. Review Amazon’s policies to ensure you select the correct category for your issue.
- Seller-caused damage: Damage from improper packaging or expired inventory.
- Customer-damaged returns: Losses due to customer misuse are usually the seller’s responsibility.
#7 What tasks does an Amazon FBA manager handle?
An Amazon FBA manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the fulfillment process. Here are the key tasks they handle:
- Inventory management: Monitoring stock levels, managing shipments to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and ensuring products are available for sale.
- Order processing: Overseeing the picking, packing, and shipping of orders to ensure customers receive their products on time.
- Reimbursement management: Ensuring that any inventory errors (such as damaged or lost stock) are properly reported and reimbursed by Amazon.
- Returns management: Handling customer returns, including processing return requests and managing the reintegration of returned items into inventory.
- Product listings: Creating and optimizing product listings for visibility and sales, including keywords, images, and descriptions.
- Performance monitoring: Tracking seller metrics, such as order defect rate, return rate, and customer feedback, to maintain a high seller rating.
Managing reimbursements is a critical part of the role, as FBA managers must ensure that any inventory discrepancies are addressed quickly. This is where Refunzo can be especially helpful. It automates the process of identifying discrepancies in inventory and filing reimbursement claims, streamlining the task of managing lost or damaged inventory, saving the manager valuable time, and ensuring they maximize reimbursement potential.
#8 How long does it take for Amazon to approve and process FBA reimbursement claims?
For common issues like lost or damaged items in the fulfillment center, Amazon often processes reimbursements automatically. Once a loss or damage is identified, Amazon triggers these reimbursements immediately. After the reimbursement is triggered, it is typically processed and appears in your Seller Central account within 1–5 business days.
If you need to file a manual claim, such as for removal orders or if an automated reimbursement didn’t occur, it generally takes longer. Amazon typically requires 7–10 business days to review and investigate a straightforward manual claim.
However, if the case is more complex and requires additional research or documentation, the process can take several weeks or even months. Once the claim is approved, the funds are usually deposited into your account within 1–5 business days.
For Amazon FBA managers, using a tool like Refunzo can help track and automate much of this process, reducing delays and ensuring timely reimbursements.
#9 How to fix lost or damaged inventory claims on Amazon using software?
Refunzo streamlines the claim process, saving you time and ensuring that you receive the reimbursements.
Step 1: Reconcile using Refunzo
- Connect your Amazon account to Refunzo.
- Run a comprehensive check based on over 20 criteria to reconcile your account.
- Receive a detailed report estimating how much Amazon owes you for lost or damaged inventory.
- Create support cases directly through Refunzo to claim reimbursements, or let Refunzo handle the claims for you.
Step 2: Get us to claim reimbursement [Optional]
- Authenticate your credit card (no charge).
- Refunzo will log support cases, substantiate the claims, and follow up meticulously with Amazon on your behalf.
- Once the claim is approved, refunds will be credited directly to your bank account.
- Pay a fee of 15% of the refunded amount (or $5000, whichever is lower).
#10 What are the major changes to the Amazon FBA reimbursement policy in 2025?
In 2025, Amazon made significant changes to how it handles FBA reimbursement claims. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:
- Reimbursement based on manufacturing cost
Starting March 31, 2025, Amazon will calculate reimbursements based on the manufacturing cost of your products, not the retail price. This means you’ll be paid based on how much it costs you to make the product, excluding things like shipping, customs, or packaging fees.
Sellers could see lower reimbursements, especially if they have high-margin products. Payouts might drop by 50% to 75% compared to the old system. Make sure to input your actual manufacturing cost in the “Manage Your Sourcing Cost” section of Seller Central, or Amazon will estimate it for you (which may be lower).
- Shorter claim deadlines
The time to file claims has been reduced. For lost or damaged inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, you now have 60 days to submit a claim. For customer returns, you can file claims within 60 to 120 days after the refund. Removal order claims must be filed within 15–75 days.
- Increased automation
Amazon will process simpler claims automatically, but more complex cases may require extra work from you. If your claim is denied, it’s crucial to follow up with the right documentation. These changes mean sellers need to stay on top of inventory management, keep records organized, and file claims quickly to avoid losing out on reimbursements.