Lost FBA Inventory: Recovery Steps for Amazon Sellers

Amazon sellers lose thousands of dollars yearly due to missing inventory. With Amazon's new 60-day claim limit (effective October 23, 2024), acting fast is critical. Here's how to recover lost inventory and protect your profits:

1. Understand Amazon’s Rules:

   • Claims must be filed within 60 days for most issues (e.g., fulfillment center losses).

   • Amazon now reimburses based on manufacturing cost, not retail value.

2. Identify Lost Inventory:

   • Use reports like Inventory Adjustments, Reconciliation, and Returns from Seller Central.

   • Compare shipped vs. received quantities, return data, and damage reports.

3. File Claims Effectively:

   • Prepare documents: invoices, shipping records, photos, and communication logs.

   • Submit claims via Seller Central with accurate details and complete documentation.

4. Use Tools for Automation:

   • Software like GETIDA, Sellerboard, or Helium 10 can recover up to 90% of claims, saving time and boosting profits.

5. Prevent Future Losses:

   • Regularly audit inventory, track shipments, and set up alerts in Amazon’s Inventory Performance Dashboard.

   • Improve FBA shipping practices and maintain detailed records.

Pro Tip: Up to 40% of reimbursements are missed by Amazon’s system. Stay proactive to avoid losing money.

Act now to recover lost funds and secure your business growth.

Lost FBA Inventory and Amazon's Refund Rules

Common Ways Inventory Gets Lost

With millions of items moving through Amazon's network daily, the chances of inventory getting lost are higher than you might think. Here’s how it typically happens:

• Inbound Shipments: Items can go missing or be damaged during the receiving process.

• Warehouse Operations: Products may be damaged by equipment or mishandled by staff.

• Customer Returns: Returned items might get misplaced or damaged while being processed.

• Removal Orders: Inventory can disappear when unsellable stock is being retrieved.

These common issues highlight why it’s important to understand Amazon’s updated reimbursement rules.

Amazon's Rules for Reimbursement

As of October 23, 2024, Amazon has introduced big changes to its reimbursement policies. Reimbursements are now calculated using a manufacturing cost-based model, and U.S. sellers must meet strict claim deadlines:

• 60 days for claims related to fulfillment center operations.

• 60–120 days for claims involving FBA customer returns.

• 15–75 days for claims tied to removal orders.

Interestingly, experts suggest Amazon’s automated system might miss up to 40% of potential reimbursements. This makes it even more important for sellers to stay on top of their claims.

Regular Inventory Checks

With only 60 days to file certain claims, keeping a close eye on your inventory is more important than ever. Here’s how you can stay ahead:

• Review weekly reports and compare shipped versus received quantities.

• Track customer returns and removal orders closely.

• Keep detailed records of all inventory movements.

Staying proactive helps you resolve issues before the claim window closes. Remember, Amazon won’t take responsibility for damages caused by expiration, shipping errors, or mistakes during return processing.

Accurate records also give you leverage when disputing Amazon’s manufacturing cost estimates in the Inventory Defect and Reimbursement portal.

Finding Lost Inventory in Amazon Reports

Key Amazon Reports to Check

To file effective reimbursement claims, you need to analyze Amazon's reports carefully. Seller Central offers several key reports to help you locate lost inventory.

Inventory Adjustments Report
Find it under Reports > Fulfillment > Inventory Adjustments. This report helps you track:

• Changes in inventory disposition

• Ownership updates

• Misplaced and recovered inventory

Reconciliation Report
This report compares the inventory you shipped to what Amazon says it received.

Returns Report
This tracks product return details, including return status and processing updates.

Once you've reviewed these reports, compare your shipment records against sales to uncover any discrepancies.

Checking Shipments Against Sales

When verifying shipments, focus on these areas:

• Compare inbound shipping records with Amazon's receipt data.

• Match sales data to inventory deductions.

• Check return orders against processed returns.

Keep detailed documentation, such as shipping manifests, delivery confirmations, supplier invoices, and any relevant communications. These records are crucial for supporting your reimbursement claims.

Regularly monitoring these elements will help you catch issues early.

Important Numbers to Track

Each month, keep an eye on these metrics:

Pay special attention to:

• Sudden changes in inventory levels

• Mismatches between shipped and received quantities

• Patterns of unusual damage

• Discrepancies in return processing

Accurately tracking these numbers ensures you're ready to file claims effectively.

How to File Reimbursement Claims

Documents You Need to Prepare

Before you start your reimbursement claim, make sure you have these documents ready:

• Supplier Invoices: Original purchase receipts showing the cost of items.

• Shipping Records: Details and tracking information for your FBA shipments.

• Inventory Reports: Confirmation from Amazon about received inventory.

• Photos: Clear images showing any damages (if applicable).

• Communication Records: Any correspondence with Amazon Support related to the issue.

Keep digital copies of these documents organized by date and shipment ID for easy access.

How to Submit Your Claim in Seller Central

1. Go to the Claims Section
   

   Log in to Seller Central, open the Help menu, and select "Contact Us." From there, pick "FBA Issue" to get started.

2. Create a Case
   

   Enter all the necessary details, including the Order ID or FNSKU, the date of the incident, the number of affected units, the shipment ID, and a description of the issue.

3. Attach Documents
   

   Upload all supporting documents in PDF format.

Once you've submitted everything, follow the tips below to improve your chances of approval.

Tips to Improve Claim Approval Chances

• Wait 30–45 days after noticing the issue to allow Amazon’s system to resolve it automatically. Keep in mind that claims must be filed within 18 months of the incident.

• Use accurate transaction IDs and FNSKUs.

• Provide specific dates and quantities related to the issue.

• Ensure all required documentation is included when you first file the claim.

Tracking Your Claim

Amazon usually takes 7–10 business days to review claims. Check your case's progress in the Case Log within Seller Central. If you don’t hear back, follow up on the same case instead of opening a new one.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If your claim is rejected, don’t give up. Here’s what you can do:

• Carefully review Amazon’s response to understand why it was denied.

• Submit additional documents or clarify any details Amazon may have misunderstood.

• Reach out to FBA Reimbursement Support for further assistance if needed.

Keeping detailed records and maintaining strong seller metrics can make the claims process smoother.

Recover THOUSANDS from Amazon FBA! Lost & Damaged Inventory Reimbursements (2024 Guide)

Tools for Finding Missing Inventory

Recovering lost FBA inventory can be much easier with software designed to streamline reimbursement claims.

FBA Reimbursement Software Options

Several tools are available to help Amazon sellers recover lost inventory more efficiently:

Each tool offers distinct features, ranging from automated tracking to in-depth auditing. Many sellers find that using these tools can boost profit margins by 1–3% by recovering lost inventory more effectively. This is especially relevant as Amazon plans to base reimbursement calculations on manufacturing costs instead of retail value starting in 2025.

Manual vs. Software Methods

Some sellers prefer manual tracking for its control, while others rely on software for efficiency. Here’s how the two approaches stack up:

Manual Tracking Benefits:

• No extra fees

• Full control over claim submissions

• Ideal for smaller inventory volumes

Software Advantages:

• Automatically identifies reimbursement opportunities

• Tracks data across multiple marketplaces

• Minimizes human error

• Saves time, especially for large inventories

Reports suggest that up to 40% of potential reimbursements may go unclaimed under Amazon's updated program, with some sellers missing out on as much as 60% of recoverable funds.

Why Refunzo Stands Out

Refunzo offers automated 21-point reconciliation checks and charges a capped commission of 15% (up to $5,000), making it an affordable option for larger sellers. It also supports international marketplaces and prioritizes secure data handling. This is a more cost-effective choice compared to services like Refunds Manager and Refund Sniper, which typically charge commissions of 25–30%.

For the best results, consider combining automated tools with occasional manual reviews to ensure your data remains accurate and nothing slips through the cracks.

Reducing Future Inventory Loss

Improving FBA Shipping Practices

Fine-tuning your FBA shipping approach can help cut down on inventory losses. Use Amazon-partnered carriers to take advantage of discounted rates and pack items smartly with lightweight but sturdy materials. Key packaging tips include:

• Use boxes that meet Amazon's guidelines.

• Ensure FNSKU barcodes are easy to scan.

• Reduce empty space to lower dimensional weight costs.

• Apply proper labels to each product unit.

For larger-scale operations, consider spreading inventory across multiple fulfillment centers to minimize risks and expenses. Pair these shipping practices with consistent inventory tracking for better results.

Setting Up Inventory Alerts

Amazon's Inventory Performance Dashboard in Seller Central lets you set up tailored alerts to detect potential issues early, allowing you to act quickly to avoid losses.

"Replenishment alerts eliminate the guesswork, automatically reminding you when it's time to restock, so you don't have to worry about missing important updates." - BetterWorldProducts.org

Gold bell icons highlight alerts that are below the threshold, while red bells signal urgent issues needing immediate attention.

Strengthening Inventory Control

Alerts help you spot problems early, but stronger inventory control measures are key for maintaining long-term stability. By combining regular inventory reviews with advanced strategies, you can better protect your stock.

"Owners of small and emerging businesses would be stunned to see how much help they can get and money they can save by wisely managing their inventory."

Here are some essential steps for better control:

• Keep inventory management and accounting systems separate.

• Assign unique storage areas for similar items to avoid mix-ups.

• Use scalable tools to manage inventory efficiently as your business grows.

• Track product lifecycles to stay on top of changes or trends.

Design control plans that focus on your most critical stock and include detailed shipment reviews. This ensures smoother inventory management and fewer disruptions throughout your operations.

Conclusion

Taking prompt, organized steps is key to recovering lost FBA inventory reimbursements. With Amazon's updated 60-day claim window starting November 1, 2024, acting quickly is more important than ever.

Experts suggest that Amazon's auto-reimbursement system may leave up to 40% of claims unresolved, which could translate to lost revenue if not addressed. Third-party services have proven effective in closing this gap. For instance, Getida has achieved a 63% success rate on claims that were initially denied.

"Dealing with Amazon's confusing reimbursement process alone can be frustrating. Let us at Getida help you with your FBA reimbursement – so you can just focus on growing your business." - Getida

This insight highlights the importance of acting fast and staying informed. Keep thorough, up-to-date records and audit your inventory regularly to catch discrepancies early. Neglecting this process could cost as much as 3% of your annual gross sales.

Here’s a quick summary of steps to streamline your recovery process:

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• 5 Ways to Maximize Your Amazon FBA Reimbursement Claims

• Understanding Amazon's FBA Reimbursement Policy

• FBA Reimbursement FAQs: Expert Answers for Sellers