Amazon Reimbursements for FBA Sellers: How to Get Your Money Back in 2025

A good Amazon reimbursement service catches all cases.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) enables savvy entrepreneurs to earn money as an e-commerce seller, even without their own logistics setup, extensive experience, or formal training. However, like any great business opportunity, it comes with its challenges – most notably, the process of claiming every Amazon reimbursement you’re entitled to. The good news? With the right strategy, these processes are manageable. Here’s a fact: Amazon owes money to most FBA sellers due to errors like incorrect inventory counts, but it does not automatically issue refunds.

According to a Forbes report, Amazon was able to transport 2.5 billion shipments annually. Some of these items were, for example, lost, stolen, or destroyed during inbound shipment, in picking and packing, or during transit. 

What Are Amazon FBA Reimbursements?

If you use Amazon FBA as your fulfillment service, there’s a good chance Amazon owes you money. Anytime Amazon makes a mistake during the FBA process – such as when your item is damaged in the warehouse, in transit, or during a return – you’re entitled to file a reimbursement claim. While Amazon strives to keep sellers informed, the reimbursement process is far from optimized, often requiring sellers to take the initiative. 

Why Do FBA Sellers Need Reimbursements?  

Although a single reimbursement may not significantly impact your margins, these claims can add up over time, potentially amounting to as much as 3% of your annual revenue. Drawing from experiences SELLERLOGIC has had in the past, this can amount to a few thousand dollars for small businesses and up to 500k for businesses with larger product portfolios.

Who Qualifies for Amazon Reimbursements?

Not all sellers are qualified for an Amazon FBA refund. You can use the following list to assess whether you qualify or not:

  • Only undamaged items are eligible for an Amazon refund.
  • Sellers are required to enter the proper shipment plan, which details the components and features of your goods.
  • Sellers using the Amazon FBA program must follow Amazon’s procedures to address orders that include damaged or missing items.
  • Products can only be reimbursed by Amazon if they adhere to its rules and specifications.
  • The goods must also adhere to FBA inventory criteria.
  • You cannot ask Amazon to discard your product and then ask for a refund.
  • You cannot be reimbursed for an item if Amazon has the right to dispose of it (due to expiration, for example).
  • Your item will not be compensated if a consumer damages it and then returns it.
  • Some products are principally not reimbursable. These include, for example, food and pet food, medicine, cosmetics, glassware, etc.

You may be qualified to get Amazon FBA compensation in any of the aforementioned ways. Let’s take a look at how to file a reimbursement claim in detail.

The best Amazon reimbursement service handles everything from claim to communication.

How Do I File a Claim With Reimbursement From Amazon?

It’s a common question we hear. You can ask Amazon for the money you think it owes you due to inventory discrepancies and errors by filing an Amazon reimbursement claim. For example, if a customer receives a refund even though they didn’t return the item, Amazon can owe you money. More on the reasons later.

The Amazon FBA Refund Procedure

You must submit an inventory report for every individual claim if Amazon has lost, damaged, etc. any of your goods and did not reimburse you proactively. You will be required to submit the following data for this report:

  • The seller ID for Amazon.
  • The ASIN of each misplaced item.
  • The total amount of each lost product.
  • What caused the loss? (The item is damaged, missing, or destroyed.)
  • Following your completion of the Amazon inventory report, Amazon will examine it and decide if you qualify for reimbursement.
  • If one of their associates made a mistake or accidentally lost your item, Amazon will handle the Amazon FBA seller’s claim for that loss of product.
  • You may file a complaint if Amazon rejects your claim.
  • To ensure that you receive compensation for your product loss, you must adhere to Amazon’s specific Amazon reimbursement process.
  • To ensure that you receive payment, always read Amazon’s instructions carefully and complete the Amazon FBA reimbursement report.

Types of Amazon FBA Reimbursements

There are different types of FBA errors that entitle you to a reimbursement claim. Here is a list of the most common errors. 

Inbound Shipment

  • You have shipped the goods, but they haven’t fully arrived at the Amazon warehouse.
  • Amazon deducts from your stock after the shipment is marked as closed. 

Inventory or Stock Discrepancies

  • Inventory goes missing, and Amazon does not automatically reimburse you.
  • Amazon damages your items in their warehouse and fails to provide proactive reimbursement.
  • Amazon destroys sellable items without your permission and before the 30-day period ends

Overcharged FBA Fees

  • Amazon overcharges you because of incorrect measurements of your package’s size and weight.

Items Are Missing Upon Return

  • The customer has initiated a return and already received a refund, but Amazon has not credited you back the corresponding amount

Items Are Lost in the Amazon Warehouse 

  • Items get lost in an Amazon warehouse when a customer return is scanned upon entry but doesn’t make it back to your inventory. Amazon does not automatically reimburse you.
  • Your items are not listed in the inventory despite being returned to the warehouse, due to a missing scan.
There is no question that using Amazon FBA offers you significant advantages as a seller. But you should always keep your eyes open, as not everything runs smoothly in the multi-stage and complex FBA processes. Before this backdrop, knowing what’s what in r…

Recent Changes to Amazon’s FBA Reimbursement Policies [2024]  

Shorter Time Window for Your Amazon Reimbursement Claim 

One of the most impactful changes to Amazon’s FBA reimbursement policies is the drastic reduction in the claim window for lost or damaged inventory. Previously, you had up to 18 months to file reimbursement claims. However, as of 2024, this window has been shortened to just 60 days. This reduction requires you to be more proactive and vigilant in regularly auditing your inventory and filing claims promptly when you see a discrepancy. While the shorter timeframe aims to expedite the reimbursement process, it also adds pressure on sellers to closely track their shipments and inventory status.

Automated Reimbursement Processes: What to Expect

Amazon has introduced proactive reimbursements for certain situations involving lost or damaged items. Since 2024, Amazon automatically issues reimbursements for inventory losses or damages occurring within their fulfillment centers, which is designed to reduce the need for sellers to manually file claims. This change is designed to minimize your manual effort. However, it’s important to note that this automation only applies to specific circumstances; issues like removal claims or customer return mishandling still require manual claim submissions.

Increased Transparency for Fee Overcharges

Amazon now features increased transparency and stricter requirements for claims related to incorrect FBA fees. When filing a claim for overcharged fees, be prepared to  include a more detailed fee breakdown and product measurements. These stricter requirements are designed to make the review process for Amazon’s team easier.

New Approach to Reimbursement Based on Manufacturing Costs

Effective March 10, 2025, Amazon will modify its reimbursement calculations for lost or damaged inventory. It will be based on the product’s manufacturing cost, referring to the cost to source a product from a manufacturer, wholesaler, reseller, or produce it if you are the manufacturer. This excludes expenses like shipping, handling, or customs duties. You can either use Amazon’s manufacturing cost estimate, based on an evaluation of comparable products, or state your own manufacturing costs.

Turn Your Amazon Reimbursement Claim Into Revenue Automatically with SELLERLOGIC

Explore SELLERLOGIC Lost & Found Full-Service
Your Amazon reimbursements, handled by us. New all-inclusive service.

SELLERLOGIC Lost & Found Full-Service steps in to handle the entire reimbursement claim process for you, ensuring that the money you’re owed goes directly into your account.

SELLERLOGIC sets itself apart with real expertise. Unlike fully automated solutions, our service is handled by professionals who are flexible, compliant, and tailored to meet your specific needs. Our efficient internal processes ensure that your case is addressed within 24 hours, providing quick and effective resolutions.

Transparency is key at SELLERLOGIC. You can stay informed with easy access to every refund transaction in Seller Central, keeping you updated effortlessly. We offer comprehensive coverage, handling a wide range of cases, from stock shortages and damaged goods to returns and delivery issues. This ensures precise and efficient resolutions, giving you peace of mind.

One of the standout features is our extended reach. You can claim FBA errors up to 105 days in the past (this does not include lost or damaged items, for which the time window of 60 days applies). Additionally, our platform allows you to manage multiple accounts from one centralized location, enabling you to scale your business seamlessly.

SELLERLOGIC provides support on a global level. Our service covers every Amazon marketplace, allowing you to expand globally with ease, while we handle the complexities for you. And with our performance-based pricing, you only pay a 25% commission on successful claims – no hidden costs, no minimum contract term.

Designed to accommodate the unique needs of programs like PAN-EU or virtual warehouses like Seller Flex, SELLERLOGIC Lost & Found Full-Service ensures that our solution meets the specific requirements of your marketplace. Turn reimbursement claims into revenue with zero effort and focus on growing your business while we handle the rest.

FAQs

What is an Amazon reimbursement report?

An Amazon reimbursement report is a detailed list showing all the reimbursements you’ve received from Amazon for things like lost or damaged items. This helps you keep track of the money Amazon has paid back to you.

What are Amazon reimbursement services?

Amazon reimbursement services are special services provided by companies or tools that help you find, file, and manage reimbursement claims. These services help you get back money you are owed for inventory issues and errors.

How can an Amazon reimbursement specialist help me?

An Amazon reimbursement specialist like SELLEROGIC is an expert who helps you with the reimbursement process. They find problems, file claims, and talk to Amazon to make sure you get your money back. In SELLERLOGIC’s case, we take care of everything.

What is an Amazon reimbursement audit?

An Amazon reimbursement audit is a thorough check of your inventory records to find where Amazon might owe you money. This check ensures that you file all eligible claims and get back the money you deserve.

How does Amazon reimbursement software work?

Amazon reimbursement software automates the process of finding and filing claims. It scans your inventory records to spot problems and automatically files claims for you. This makes the reimbursement process quicker and easier.

What is an Amazon reimbursement tool?

An Amazon reimbursement tool is a software program that helps you manage and track your claims. It features tools for finding issues, filing claims, and generating reports to keep track of your reimbursement status.

What are the different types of Amazon reimbursements?

There are different types of Amazon reimbursements, such as money back for lost or damaged items, wrong fees by FBA, shipment mistakes, and return issues. Each type fixes a specific problem that affects your inventory and causes a loss of money.

Image credits: ©Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com / ©auc – stock.adobe.com / © Sirichat. Camphol – stock.adobe.com

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