E-Commerce Strategies
Apr 4, 2025
Damaged inventory can hurt your profits, but you can file claims to get reimbursed by Amazon. If you're an FBA seller, here's what you need to know:
What is it? File a claim when items are damaged in Amazon's fulfillment centers or during shipping, and Amazon is at fault.
Steps to file:
Check Inventory: Use Seller Central to identify damaged items.
Gather Evidence: Collect invoices, photos, and shipment details.
Submit Claim: File the claim with proper documentation.
Monitor Status: Track your claim and respond to Amazon promptly.
Avoid mistakes: Submit claims on time, ensure your documents are complete, and don’t file duplicates.
Regularly review your inventory and organize your documents to streamline the process. For large inventories, consider professional help to manage claims efficiently.
Step By Step Amazon FBA Reimbursement (Get Money Back ...
4 Steps to File FBA Damaged Inventory Claims
Filing claims for damaged inventory takes careful attention to detail and proper documentation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and improve your chances of getting reimbursed.
1. Check Inventory Status
Start by logging into Seller Central and navigating to Reports > Fulfillment. Generate an Inventory Adjustments Report to identify items marked as damaged. Focus on these key status codes:
DAMAGED_BY_FC: Damaged at the fulfillment center
DAMAGED_IN_TRANSIT: Damaged during shipping
CUSTOMER_DAMAGED: Damaged by the customer but still eligible for a claim
Run these reports at least every two weeks to catch issues early. Before filing a claim, cross-check the Reimbursement Reports to avoid submitting duplicates.
2. Gather Necessary Documents
Make sure you have these documents ready before you file:
Original product invoices showing the cost
FBA shipment ID and tracking details
Inventory placement records
Clear photos of the damaged items
Notes describing the product's condition
Organize your files in a digital folder using a format like: [ASIN]_[Document Type]_[Date]. This will help you quickly access what you need if Amazon asks for more information during their review.
3. Submit Your Claim
Head to the Claims Portal, select Reimbursement, and then choose Damaged Inventory Claim. Follow these steps:
Enter Product Details: Include the ASIN or SKU, quantity damaged, original condition, date the damage was discovered, and the fulfillment center location.
Upload Documentation: Submit all supporting files as PDFs (each under 10MB).
Once submitted, keep an eye on the claim's progress to ensure it moves along smoothly.
4. Monitor Your Claim
Check the status of your claim in the Case Log. Amazon usually processes claims within 5–7 business days, but more complex cases might take longer. Check the status every 48–72 hours.
If Amazon requests additional details, respond within 24 hours with clear and accurate information. Keep all correspondence for your records.
For claims over $500, you may want to work with an Amazon consulting service like eStore Factory. They can help ensure your documentation is complete and follow up on your behalf, which can make the process faster and more efficient.
Top Claim Filing Mistakes
Getting your claims processed smoothly isn't just about following the right steps - it’s also about steering clear of common mistakes. These errors can cause delays or even lead to claim rejections.
Late Submissions
Amazon has strict deadlines for filing claims. Missing these deadlines can cost you. A smart move? Set up monthly reminders to review and file claims on time.
Documentation Errors
Incomplete or unclear documentation is a frequent reason claims get rejected. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
Missing Key Information
Product cost records that are incomplete
Missing or unclear ASIN/SKU references
Vague or absent damage descriptions
Forgetting to include the affected fulfillment center's location
Image Problems
Blurry or low-quality photos
Photos that don’t clearly show the damage
Images without proper item identification
No scale references when they’re required
Make sure your documents are thorough and your images are clear to avoid unnecessary delays.
Double-Filing Claims
Submitting duplicate claims can create confusion and waste time. To avoid this:
Check your Reimbursement Report in Seller Central.
Search your case history using the ASIN or SKU.
Keeping a simple log with product IDs, discovery dates, and claim numbers can help you stay organized and avoid duplicate submissions.
Current Amazon Claim Policies
Amazon often updates its claim policies, which can impact deadlines, required documentation, and processing times. Staying informed is key to keeping your FBA operations running smoothly.
Check the latest updates directly on Amazon Seller Central. Keeping up with these changes allows you to adjust your processes and avoid unnecessary delays in claims.
If you need expert advice, consider reaching out to eStore Factory for assistance.
Claim Management Tips
Managing your claims effectively is key to getting reimbursements on time. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on top of the process.
Monthly Inventory Checks
Make it a habit to review your Inventory Adjustments Report every month. Focus on these key areas:
Damaged inventory reports
Warehouse transfer records
Reconciliation reports
Inbound shipment confirmations
Adding bi-monthly checks can help you catch potential problems well before Amazon’s 18-month claim deadline.
Organizing Your Documents
Set up a well-structured digital system to keep all your claim-related files in order. Divide them into these categories:
Active Claims: Documents for claims still in progress
Shipping Records: All transport-related paperwork
Inventory Reports: Monthly inventory data
Resolved Claims: Files for completed claims
Use secure cloud storage with backups to ensure quick and reliable access whenever needed.
Consider Professional Assistance
If managing claims feels overwhelming, services like eStore Factory’s FBA reimbursement program can simplify the process. They handle tasks such as:
Daily inventory monitoring
Preparing and filing documents
Tracking claims and managing appeals
Verifying reimbursements
They also provide regular updates and monthly performance reports, making them a great option for businesses with large inventories or frequent claim needs.
Conclusion
Key Steps Summary
Handling FBA damaged inventory claims becomes much simpler with the right process. Keeping a close eye on your inventory and submitting claims on time can make all the difference. Proper documentation is also key to resolving claims successfully.
Here are the most important steps to keep in mind:
Check your inventory status within Amazon's 18-month window.
Keep all shipping records organized and accessible.
Regularly follow up on the status of your claims.
Use a reliable digital filing system to store and manage your records.
Next Steps
The next move is straightforward: Set up a monthly schedule to review your inventory. Mark the 1st of every month on your calendar to check your Inventory Adjustments Report and spot any claim opportunities. Consider using a cloud-based system to keep your records in order.
If you’re managing a large inventory, eStore Factory’s FBA reimbursement program can simplify the entire process. Their team takes care of everything - from daily monitoring to resolving claims - so you can focus on growing your business and ensuring you’re compensated for damaged inventory.
