Selling on Amazon using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) comes with benefits like hassle-free storage, packing, and shipping. However, mistakes happen—inventory gets lost, damaged, or mishandled, and sellers often don’t realize Amazon owes them money.
Filing FBA reimbursement claims helps recover these losses, but the process can be confusing. Many sellers have questions about how reimbursements work, how long they take, and how to track them effectively. In this FAQ guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about Amazon FBA reimbursements and explain how an Amazon reimbursement app can simplify the process.
-
What is an FBA reimbursement claim?
An FBA reimbursement claim is a request submitted by a seller to Amazon for compensation when:
- Inventory is lost or damaged at an Amazon fulfillment center.
- Inbound shipments go missing.
- Customer returns are not processed correctly.
- Amazon overcharges FBA fees (e.g., storage or weight-based fees).
Amazon automatically reimburses some issues, but many require manual claims from sellers.
-
What types of issues qualify for FBA reimbursements?
Amazon provides reimbursements for specific FBA-related issues, including:
- Lost inventory – Products that go missing inside Amazon warehouses.
- Damaged inventory – Items damaged by Amazon employees.
- Destroyed inventory without authorization – If Amazon disposes of stock without seller approval.
- Incorrect customer refunds – When Amazon refunds customers but doesn’t charge them properly or fails to return the product.
- Overcharged FBA fees – Incorrect fulfillment or storage fees due to wrong weight/dimensions.
- Missing inbound shipments – Products lost during shipping to Amazon.
Amazon does not reimburse seller mistakes, such as incorrect shipments or expired products.
-
How long do I have to file a reimbursement claim?
Amazon has strict deadlines for reimbursement claims:
- Lost or damaged inventory: 18 months
- Inbound shipment issues: 9 months
- Customer return errors: 60 days
- FBA fee overcharges: 90 days
If you miss these deadlines, Amazon will not reimburse you, so it’s crucial to track your claims regularly.
-
How long does it take to get reimbursed?
The processing time for an FBA reimbursement claim depends on the type of issue:
| Reimbursement type | Processing time |
| Lost or damaged inventory | 10-15 days |
| FBA fee overcharges | 15-30 days |
| Customer return disputes | 15-45 days |
| Inbound shipment losses | 30-60 days |
Some complex claims may take over 60 days if Amazon requires further investigation.
-
How do I check if Amazon owes me a reimbursement?
You can manually check for potential reimbursements by reviewing reports in Seller Central:
- Go to Seller Central > Reports > Fulfillment.
- Open the Inventory Adjustments report to see lost or damaged stock.
- Check the Returns Report to find unprocessed customer returns.
- Compare your Inbound Shipments with received inventory to detect missing products.
- If you find discrepancies, file a claim with Amazon support.
- For a faster way to track missing reimbursements, using an Amazon reimbursement app can automate claim detection and filing.
-
How do I file an Amazon reimbursement claim?
If Amazon does not automatically reimburse you, follow these steps to file a claim:
- Gather proof – Collect invoices, tracking numbers, and product details.
- Open a case in Seller Central – Go to Help > Get Support > FBA Issue > Inventory Reimbursement.
- Provide detailed information – Explain the issue and attach supporting documents.
- Submit the claim – Wait for Amazon’s response, which typically arrives within 10-15 days.
If your claim is denied without explanation, you can reopen the case with additional proof.
-
What happens if Amazon denies my claim?
If Amazon rejects your reimbursement claim, don’t give up immediately. Review Amazon’s reason for denial. Gather additional evidence such as updated tracking details or product information. Reopen the case and clarify your request. If Amazon still refuses, escalate the issue by requesting further review. If you’re struggling with denied claims, an Amazon reimbursement app or professional reimbursement service can help appeal rejected claims more effectively.
-
How much will Amazon reimburse me?
Amazon reimburses sellers based on the fair market value of the product, not necessarily the full retail price.
Factors affecting reimbursement value:
- Average selling price over the past 90 days.
- The lowest sales price in your history.
- Amazon’s estimated value is based on similar products.
If Amazon underpays your reimbursement, you can dispute it by providing invoices or pricing records.
-
How often should I check for Amazon FBA reimbursements?
Checking for reimbursements depends on your sales volume:
- Weekly for high-volume sellers.
- Biweekly for mid-sized sellers.
- Monthly for small sellers.
Many sellers lose money by not checking regularly, so using an Amazon reimbursement app can automate tracking and claims submission.
-
Should I use an Amazon reimbursement app or agency?
Manually tracking and filing claims can be time-consuming. An Amazon reimbursement app or agency can:
- Automatically track missing inventory.
- File reimbursement claims on your behalf.
- Follow up with Amazon support to speed up approvals.
For sellers who want to save time and recover more money, outsourcing to a professional reimbursement service can be a smart investment.
Final thoughts
Understanding how FBA reimbursement claims work ensures you don’t lose money due to Amazon’s mistakes. Regularly tracking lost inventory, inbound shipments, and incorrect fees can help you claim missing funds before Amazon’s deadlines expire.
If you want to automate the process and increase claim success, using an Amazon reimbursement app can help recover lost revenue effortlessly. Whether you handle claims manually or use a service, staying proactive about reimbursements can significantly improve your bottom line.
