How to File and Get FBA Reimbursements from Amazon

If you’re using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you might have faced a few bumps along the road. Maybe some of your inventory got lost or damaged, or you noticed incorrect fee charges. It’s frustrating, but don’t worry—Amazon has a reimbursement process to help you out. In this blog, we will cover how you can file successful FBA reimbursement claims and get back what you’re owed.

What Qualifies for Reimbursement?

First things first, let’s understand what qualifies for reimbursement:

• Lost or Damaged Inventory: If your inventory gets lost or damaged while in Amazon’s fulfillment centers or during shipping to customers.
• Incorrect Fee Charges: Sometimes Amazon overcharges on FBA fees like storage fees, referral fees, or subscription fees. You can claim those back.
• Customer Returns/Refunds: If Amazon refunds a customer but doesn’t get the product back, you can get reimbursed for that too.

Amazon might automatically reimburse you in some cases, but most of the time, you’ll need to file a claim. Next, let’s break down how to do that.

Step 1: Spotting Reimbursement Opportunities

The first step is to spot when you’ve got a valid reimbursement case. This means regularly checking your inventory reports, shipment records, and seller account transactions for any discrepancies. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Inventory Reconciliation Reports: Look for discrepancies between units received vs. expected.
• FBA Fee Previews and Charges: Check your statements for any incorrect charges.
• Customer Return Details: See if any returns were refunded but not actually returned to your inventory.

Keeping detailed records from the start will make gathering evidence for your claims a lot easier.

Step 2: Filing Your Reimbursement Claim

Found a reimbursement opportunity? Awesome! Here’s how to file your claim:

1. Log into Your Amazon Seller Central Account: This is your main hub for everything.
2. Go to the “Case Log” Under the “Reports” Menu: Here’s where you can see all your past and current cases.
3. Click “Create Case” and Choose the Appropriate Case Type: For example, select “FBA inventory reimbursement” for lost or damaged inventory claims.
4. Provide Clear Details About the Issue: Include dates, shipment IDs, product SKUs affected, and a detailed description of the problem.
5. Attach Any Supporting Documentation: This could be shipping records, invoices, or photos that back up your claim.
6. Submit the Case and Wait for Amazon’s Response: Be patient; it might take a few days to hear back.

Remember, you need to file claims promptly because there are deadlines depending on the issue type.

Step 3: Following Up and Appealing If Needed

Amazon aims to resolve cases within 2-3 business days, but sometimes things take a bit longer. If you don’t get a response or are not happy with the outcome:

• Follow Up with Amazon Seller Support: Provide any additional documentation they ask for.
• Appeal the Decision If Necessary: If your claim is denied, don’t hesitate to submit a new case with more evidence.

With Amazon, persistence is key. Amazon might overturn denials if you present a strong case backed by solid proof.

Tools That Make FBA Reimbursements Easier

Manually handling reimbursement claims can be time consuming and a headache. Thankfully, there are tools and services that can handle the entire claim process from start to finish. 

• GETIDA: Automates auditing of Amazon FBA transactions, identifies discrepancies, and files claims for eligible reimbursements, ensuring you receive all entitled refunds.
• Refunds Manager: Utilizes human auditing to pinpoint areas in FBA data where Amazon may owe refunds, covering inaccurate fees, lost or damaged items, or warehouse mistakes.
• Seller Locker: Offers automated fee analysis alongside FBA reimbursement assistance, with a risk-free option to claim more refunds and support for various reimbursement types.

Staying on top of your Amazon seller account data and filing reimbursement claims promptly is crucial to protecting your profit margins as an FBA seller. By staying vigilant, you can ensure you’re not leaving money on the table and keep your business running smoothly. 

Nonetheless, dealing with reimbursements can be a hassle. That’s where ShipMaestro comes in. We are one of few Amazon Prep Centers that don’t just provide FBA prep services but also stay on top of FBA transactions for our Amazon sellers to proactively identify and file for FBA reimbursements. With our expertise, you can make sure no reimbursement opportunity is missed, and you get back every dollar you’re owed. 

Let ShipMaestro handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on growing your business!