Running an Amazon FBA business is more than just a grind–it’s a strategy-driven operation where every decision counts. When inventory gets lost, damaged, or mishandled by Amazon, those aren’t just small annoyances–they’re threats to your profitability.
Filing reimbursement claims takes time, focus, and a deep understanding of Amazon’s policies, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s a step-by-step guide to demystify the process and get you back what you’re rightfully owed by Amazon.
Common Reimbursable Cases
First, let’s look at possible scenarios that might warrant a reimbursement. Sellers need to constantly monitor their inventory and transaction reports to find these issues. Common discrepancies include:
- Lost Inventory: Items that have disappeared within Amazon’s warehouses.
- Damaged Inventory: Items that are damaged during storage.
- Disposed Inventory: Items that are wrongfully disposed of within Amazon’s warehouses.
- Customer Returns: Items that customers have failed to return, but were refunded for.
- Overcharged Fees: Incorrect FBA fees due to miscalculated dimensions or weights.
- Shipment Issues: Inventory lost or damaged during the shipping process to Amazon.
Step 1: Identify Eligible Claims
Log in to Seller Central and review the following areas to spot common discrepancies:
Inventory Ledger Reports
Take note of any unexpected changes in inventory levels or unexplained shortages.
- Lost Inventory: Check for events with unreconciled quantities that have Reason 'M' or '5' and Disposition 'SELLABLE' or 'WAREHOUSE_DAMAGED'
- Damaged Inventory: Check for events with unreconciled quantities that have Reason '6', '7', 'E', 'H', or 'U'
- Disposed Inventory: Check for rows that have Reason 'D' and Disposition 'SELLABLE' or 'WAREHOUSE_DAMAGED'
Shipping Queue
Check for closed shipments with received quantity less than the expected quantity.
Transaction Reports
- Orders: Look for orders that were charged higher fulfillment fees than expected.
- Refunds: Take note of all refunds issued back to your customers.
Customer Return Reports
Check for orders where customers were refunded or received replacements for orders that were never returned or had damaged items when returned.
FBA Reimbursement Report
Check if Amazon has failed to automatically reimburse you for any of the issues above.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Collect as much relevant evidence you can to support your claim. Below is a list of documentation that pertains to each scenario.
Lost Inventory
• Affected MSKU
Damaged Inventory
• Affected Transaction ID
Disposed Inventory
• Affected Transaction ID
Customer Returns
- Affected Order ID
- Affected MSKU
Overcharged Fees
- Correct product information and expected fulfillment fees
- Affected Order ID and MSKU
- Charged fees per affected Order ID
Shipment Issues
- Proof of Inventory Ownership
- Proof of Delivery
- Shipment Tracking ID
Step 3: Submit the Claim
For Lost Inventory, Damaged Inventory, Disposed Inventory, Customer Returns, and Overcharged Fees, navigate to the ‘Help’ section in Seller Central. From there:
- Open a New Case: Select ‘Case Log’ and fill out the form with specifics of your claim.
- Provide Detailed Information: Clearly describe the problem and attach all gathered documentation.
- Submit the Case: After filling out the required information and uploading the supporting documents, submit the form.
NOTE: You can also submit claims using Seller Central's widgets for each discrepancy type. Find a widget by searching for the discrepancy type on the search bar in Seller Central.
For Shipment Issues, navigate to the ‘Shipping Queue’ page in Seller Central. From there:
- View Shipment Details: Go to the shipment detail page and head to the ‘Contents’ tab.
- Select Actions: From the list of products, select ‘Research missing units’ for each dropdown on the ‘Status’ column.
- Upload and Enter Required Information: Upload necessary documents and describe the problem.
- Submit the Case: After filling out the required information and uploading the supporting documents, submit the form.
Step 4: Monitor Your Claim
Regularly check the Case Log in Seller Central to track the status of your claim. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information to expedite the process.
Step 5: Review the Outcome
Once Amazon processes your claim, review the resolution to ensure it aligns with your expectations. Confirm that the reimbursement was processed on the FBA Reimbursement Report and that you were paid on the Transaction Report. If the reimbursement amount seems incorrect or the claim is denied without sufficient reason, consider appealing the decision with additional evidence.
Streamline the Process
We know, running an Amazon FBA business is already a full-time job. Keeping track of every inventory discrepancy, damaged product, or incorrect fee while filing reimbursement claims can quickly become overwhelming. If this is the case for you, consider taking advantage of a third-party service to do all the heavy lifting for you.
Think about it: Instead of spending 10-15 hours each week on manual claims, you can focus on scaling your product line or outpacing your competition.
Most Amazon FBA reimbursement services are free of charge until you get your money back from Amazon and keep a 25% fee on each reimbursement. This means there’s no risk of paying out-of-pocket for subscriptions or other fees–you only pay when you get paid.
Why Refully is a Game-Changer
Refully is an Amazon FBA reimbursement service built from the same strategies that have made Spigen one of Amazon’s top sellers year after year. With real seller experience, Refully has the insider knowledge that only a seasoned Amazon seller can have regarding the ins and outs of the FBA process.
Refully’s goal is for fellow Amazon sellers to thrive: by offering a competitive 18% fee on reimbursements and additional corporate discounts, you and your business can focus on what matters most: making your business grow.
Conclusion
By following these steps and considering professional help from reputable services like Refully, you can effectively manage and maximize your Amazon FBA reimbursements, safeguarding the financial health of your business and focusing on its growth.
