Filing FBA reimbursement claims isn’t just about spotting discrepancies—it’s about knowing Amazon’s rules and following them to the letter. Amazon has strict guidelines for what qualifies for reimbursement, the evidence required, and the timelines for submitting claims. Missing even a small detail can lead to your claim being rejected, leaving money on the table.
In this blog, we’ll break down Amazon’s guidelines for FBA reimbursements, so you can confidently file claims and recover funds that are rightfully yours without wasting time or effort.
Know what qualifies for a reimbursement
Not all issues are eligible for reimbursement. Amazon allows claims only for specific scenarios, such as:
Lost or damaged inventory while in Amazon’s possession.
Customer refunds where the product was not returned.
Overcharged FBA fees due to incorrect measurements or weights.
Lost inventory during inbound shipments.
Issues with inventory removals or unauthorized disposals.
Tip: Review Amazon’s reimbursement policies regularly to ensure you’re not missing claim opportunities. If you’re unsure, some Amazon FBA reimbursement services specialize in identifying eligible cases.
Understand the required documentation
Amazon requires sellers to provide detailed and accurate documentation to support their claims. Without proper evidence, your claim will be rejected. Here’s what you may need:
Shipment tracking numbers and proof of delivery for inbound shipments.
Invoices showing the value of lost or damaged products.
Product dimension and weight details for fee-related claims.
Detailed descriptions of the issue, including relevant dates and transaction IDs.
Tip: Keep all your shipment records and product data organized. Use spreadsheets or software to track documentation so you can access it quickly when filing claims.
Adhere to claim timelines
Amazon enforces strict deadlines for filing FBA reimbursement claims. Missing these deadlines means forfeiting your chance to recover funds. Some examples include:
Lost or damaged inventory: File within 9 months of the incident.
Customer returns not received: File after 45 days but within 18 months.
Overcharged FBA fees: File within 90 days of the charge.
Lost inbound shipments: File within 6 months of the shipment date.
Tip: Set up reminders for key deadlines and conduct regular audits to ensure you catch discrepancies before they fall outside the allowable timeframe.
Follow the step-by-step claims process
Amazon has a defined process for filing claims, and it’s crucial to follow it correctly. Here’s a general overview:
Identify the discrepancy (e.g., missing inventory or overcharged fees).
Gather all necessary documentation and evidence.
Open a case in Seller Central through the “Contact Support” section.
Clearly describe the issue, provide transaction details, and attach all supporting documents.
Submit the claim and track its status regularly.
Tip: Be polite and concise in your communication with Amazon support. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.
Handle claim rejections professionally
Not every claim will be approved on the first try. If your claim is denied, don’t panic—review the rejection reason and resubmit with additional details if necessary.
How to handle rejections:
Double-check the documents you submitted for errors or missing information.
Provide clearer explanations or more detailed evidence.
Escalate the case through Amazon support if you believe the claim was unfairly denied.
Tip: Persistence is key. Many sellers successfully recover Amazon FBA refunds after refining their submissions.
Conduct regular account audits
Proactively monitoring your account is essential for spotting discrepancies. Amazon doesn’t notify you of all potential reimbursement opportunities, so it’s your responsibility to keep track.
What to audit:
Inventory adjustment reports for lost or damaged items.
Returns reports to identify refunds issued without corresponding returns.
Fee preview reports for incorrect weight or dimension charges.
Tip: If manual audits feel overwhelming, consider using Amazon FBA reimbursement services to automate the process and ensure nothing is missed.
Avoid filing invalid claims
Submitting claims for issues that don’t qualify under Amazon’s policies can result in account warnings or penalties. Examples of invalid claims include:
Filing for inventory that was lost or damaged before it arrived at Amazon’s warehouse.
- Requesting refunds for fees that were calculated correctly.
- Repeatedly submitting claims without new evidence.
Tip: Always double-check your eligibility before filing. Invalid claims waste time and damage your seller credibility.
Final thoughts
Recovering Amazon FBA refunds requires a mix of vigilance, organization, and an understanding of Amazon’s policies. By staying on top of your inventory, deadlines, and documentation, you can maximize your reimbursements without unnecessary hassle.
If you find the process too time-consuming, Amazon FBA reimbursement services can help identify and file claims on your behalf, ensuring you don’t leave any money unclaimed. Whether you choose to go solo or get expert help, knowing the rules is your first step toward recovering every dollar Amazon owes you.
