Every Amazon seller knows that eliminating errors shouldn’t just be about avoiding negative reviews or stranded inventory, it should also be about recovering money that Amazon owes you. With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), mistakes happen. From lost inventory to fee miscalculations, these errors can quietly erode profits if left unchecked.
That’s where a smart FBA reimbursement strategy becomes essential. Whether you’re handling reimbursements yourself or working with an Amazon Marketing Agency that offers reimbursement recovery services, understanding the most common issues and how to fix them, can protect your bottom line and unlock hidden revenue opportunities.
In this blog, we’ll break down the top reimbursement challenges sellers face on Amazon, explain why they occur, and provide actionable solutions you can implement today.
1. Missing or Misplaced Inventory
One of the most frequent and costly problems Amazon sellers encounter is missing inventory. With millions of products flowing through Fulfillment Centers every day, items can be misplaced, lost in shipment, or miscounted, which leads to discrepancies between what you sent and what Amazon shows as available.
Why It Happens
- Human or scanning errors during receiving
- Inventory routed incorrectly between warehouses
- Items lost in transit before check-in
How to Fix It
- Audit Inventory Adjustment Reports: Amazon’s Inventory Adjustment and Event Detail reports show inventory increases/decreases. Regularly cross-check these against your shipment records to spot discrepancies early.
- File Claims Promptly: Amazon typically gives a limited window (often 60 days) to file a reimbursement claim for lost inventory. Missing this deadline often means losing your right to compensation entirely.
- Use Tools or Services: Software like Refund Genie, GETIDA, or Refunzo can scan Seller Central data and flag missing inventory for review. Many Amazon Marketing Agency partners also offer these tools as part of their service packages.
2. Damaged Inventory and Warehouse Errors
Damage isn’t always obvious until a customer return or warehouse inspection reveals it—but Amazon is responsible for reimbursing sellers when items are damaged while under their care.
Common Damage Scenarios
- Products damaged during storage or organization
- Returned items listed as “sellable” despite damage
- Missing photos or documentation is causing claim rejection
Solution Steps
- Review Return and Adjustment Reports: These show FBA warehouse adjustments and customer return status. Checking them often helps catch damage before it costs you money.
- Document Everything: Claim success often depends on documentation: pictures, shipment receipts, labeling records, and original invoices make claims stronger.
- File Detailed Reimbursement Claims: You’ll need to open a case in Seller Central and provide all relevant evidence to maximize your reimbursement.
If claims are overwhelming, consider outsourcing to an Amazon Marketing Agency that specializes in reimbursements.
3. Incorrect FBA Fees and Overcharges
A surprisingly large percentage of Amazon’s fulfillment fee calculations are incorrect. Many sellers are charged higher fees simply because of misclassified size tiers, wrong dimensional weights, or outdated category assignments.
Why Fee Errors Happen
- Amazon’s automated remeasurement tools misclassify items
- Manual data entry errors at the time of listing
- Incorrect product dimensions on file
How to Resolve It
- Measure Units Accurately: Use precise calipers and postal scales to verify your product dimensions and weight manually, especially for larger items.
- Use Amazon’s Fee Preview Tool: Compare what Amazon is charging to what should be charged. If discrepancies pop up, file a fee dispute.
- Regular Fee Audits: Schedule monthly reviews of FBA Fee Details, storage fees, and referral fees. Over time, these add up.
4. Return Process Issues
Returns create another layer of complexity for FBA sellers. Sometimes Amazon doesn’t update your inventory when a customer returns an item. Other times, an item returned in unsellable condition might not trigger proper reimbursement.
Typical Return Discrepancies
- Returned items were not added back to inventory
- Incorrect refund amounts logged under your account
- Items marked unsellable without inspection
Best Practices
- Monitor Return Reports: The FBA Returns Report and “Manage FBA Returns” page help you track patterns in return issues and missing items.
- Push Back on Misclassifications: If Amazon marks returned items incorrectly, open a case with supporting evidence showing they were sellable.
- Use Documentation Smartly: Photos, return labels, and condition notes give your claim more credibility.
5. Shipping Guarantee Claims
Amazon offers shipping guarantees for certain delivery methods, but sellers often miss reimbursements when deliveries are delayed, lost, or misrouted.
Common Shipping Problems
- Late delivery beyond guaranteed dates
- Orders marked delivered but not received
- Packages sent to the wrong addresses
- Failed delivery attempts
How to Claim These
- Review your shipping manifests, tracking records, and delivery timelines.
- Open a reimbursement case with Amazon, including all evidence showing the delivery failure.
- Track cases closely, shipping claims can take longer to resolve but are legitimate opportunities for compensation.
Tips for FBA Reimbursement Success
- Don’t Rely on Automation Alone: Amazon may reimburse some issues automatically but blindly trusting automated reimbursements can cost you money. Always double-check amounts and classification.
- Know the Deadlines: From loss claims to fee disputes, each type of Amazon reimbursement has a deadline. Missing it means no reimbursement.
- Use Tools and Experts: Whether it’s a trusted tool or you are planning to connect with an Amazon Marketing Agency, professionals can ensure you never leave legitimate reimbursements on the table.
- Stay Organized: Track shipment receipts, return details, fees, and adjustments in a central place. Clear documentation improves the odds of approval.
Conclusion
Amazon reimbursements aren’t just a nice bonus, they’re a necessary part of running a profitable FBA business. From missing inventory and damaged products to fee miscalculations and return issues, many sellers are owed money without realizing it.
The key is consistency: regular audits, accurate documentation, timely claim filing, and smart use of automation or professional partners. Whether you manage reimbursements solo or team up with an Amazon Marketing Agency, staying proactive will help you maximize recoveries and protect your profits.
Start today by reviewing your latest FBA reports, you may be surprised how much money Amazon owes you.
