Amazon Reimbursement Guide 2025: How to Recover Every Dollar Amazon Owes You
Did you know Amazon might actually owe you money?
If you’re an FBA seller, there’s a good chance you’ve lost funds due to missing inventory, overcharges, or mishandled returns – and that’s where Amazon reimbursements come in.
These errors happen more often than most sellers realize. When they do, Amazon is supposed to compensate you – but the reimbursement process can be confusing, time-consuming, and easy to get wrong. Many sellers never claim what’s rightfully theirs simply because they don’t understand the system.
That’s why it’s crucial to know how Amazon reimbursement really works. Understanding the rules, claim timelines, and step-by-step process can help you recover every dollar you’re owed instead of letting it slip away.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, our Amazon experts break down:
- How FBA reimbursements work
- The top reasons Amazon owes sellers money
- Why many claims fail – and how to fix them
- Proven strategies to maximize your reimbursement approvals and protect your profits
Let’s make sure you get back every penny Amazon owes you.
What Are Amazon FBA Reimbursements?
Amazon FBA reimbursements are refunds or compensation Amazon provides to sellers when mistakes happen within the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) system.
When you send your products to Amazon’s warehouses, Amazon takes responsibility for storing, handling, shipping, and managing returns. But with millions of transactions daily, errors are inevitable – items can get lost, damaged, or overcharged, and returns might not be processed correctly.
That’s where FBA reimbursements come in. Amazon has policies in place to repay sellers for these losses, ensuring you’re not left covering costs for issues that weren’t your fault.
Common examples include:
- Lost inventory in Amazon fulfillment centers
- Damaged products during storage or shipment
- Overcharged fees for FBA services or weight discrepancies
- Refunds issued to customers without proper product return
- Removed or disposed inventory without seller authorization
In short, FBA reimbursements help you recover money for mistakes made by Amazon’s systems or employees – but only if you know how to identify and file claims correctly.
How FBA Reimbursements Work
When you use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Amazon handles your storage, shipping, and returns. If products get lost, damaged, or overcharged, Amazon’s policy allows sellers to claim reimbursement.
Here’s the simple process:
- Error Occurs – Inventory is lost, damaged, or mishandled.
- Amazon Reviews Data – Some issues are auto-detected, others need manual claims.
- You File a Claim – Submit details in Seller Central with shipment IDs and proof.
- Amazon Verifies & Pays – Approved claims appear in your Payments tab.
In short, FBA reimbursements let you recover money for Amazon’s operational mistakes, but you must monitor and claim regularly to avoid losing out.
Top Reasons Amazon Owes Sellers Money
Amazon handles millions of FBA transactions daily – and mistakes happen. Here are the most common reasons sellers are owed money:
- Lost or Missing Inventory
Products often go missing in Amazon fulfillment centers or during transfers between warehouses. - Damaged Inventory
Items can be damaged by Amazon staff during handling, storage, or shipping — and you deserve compensation. - Incorrect FBA Fee Charges
Amazon sometimes miscalculates weight, dimensions, or category fees, charging more than it should. - Customer Refunds Without Returns
Buyers may receive a refund but never return the product — leaving you unpaid for the lost item. - Destroyed or Disposed Items
Amazon occasionally disposes of inventory without authorization or proper reimbursement. - Overcharged or Duplicate Fees
You might be billed twice for services like storage or removal orders.
Regular account audits help identify these issues early so you can file claims and recover lost profits.
Why Many Amazon Reimbursement Claims Fail – and How to Fix Them
Even though Amazon offers reimbursements for FBA errors, many sellers miss out on thousands of dollars because their claims get rejected or closed without payment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most common reasons – and proven solutions to fix them.
- Missing or Weak Evidence
Amazon won’t approve a reimbursement without solid documentation proving their mistake. Screenshots, shipment IDs, or return reports are essential.
Common mistake: Sellers submit vague claims like “inventory missing” without shipment details or proof of loss.
- Fix: Always include:
- Shipment ID and tracking number
- ASIN or SKU of the product
- Date of the discrepancy
- Proof from FBA reports (Inventory Adjustments, Returns, or Reimbursements)
The more accurate your data, the faster Amazon approves the case.
- Late Claim Submission
Amazon sets strict timelines – usually 18 months from the event date – for reimbursement eligibility. If you miss the window, you lose the money permanently.
Fix: Audit your account at least once per month. Use tools or reports to automatically flag old transactions nearing expiration. Staying proactive is key.
- Incorrect Case Category or Submission Path
Submitting your claim under the wrong section (for example, “Shipment Issues” instead of “FBA Inventory Reimbursement”) can cause auto-rejection.
Fix: Follow the correct path in Seller Central:
Help → Get Support → Selling on Amazon → Fulfillment by Amazon → FBA Inventory Reimbursement
Describe the issue clearly and match the case type to the error (e.g., damaged inventory, customer refund, overcharge).
- Duplicate or Overlapping Claims
Amazon’s system automatically rejects duplicate cases — even if the claim is valid. This often happens when sellers don’t track which issues have already been filed.
Fix: Keep a simple claim tracker spreadsheet with columns for claim date, ASIN, issue type, and case ID. This helps avoid resubmitting the same claim twice.
- Insufficient Audit Frequency
Many sellers assume Amazon will automatically reimburse them, but Amazon only catches a portion of the issues.
Fix: Manually audit these key reports:
- Inventory Adjustments Report (for lost or damaged items)
- Returns Report (for refunded but unreturned orders)
- Payments Report (for overcharged fees or missing reimbursements)
- FBA Customer Returns Report (for over-refunds or duplicate refunds)
Regular audits – weekly or biweekly – help you identify issues early before deadlines expire.
- Lack of Professional Claim Management
Sellers managing large inventories or multiple marketplaces often overlook reimbursements worth thousands of dollars because they lack time or expertise.
Fix: Use a reimbursement management service or agency (like ours) that specializes in identifying, filing, and following up on claims. These teams use data-driven systems to catch every possible reimbursement and maximize recovery rates.
Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Reimbursement Approvals and Protect Your Profits
Recovering your money from Amazon isn’t just about filing claims – it’s about filing them strategically and consistently. Here are proven methods to help you increase reimbursement success rates and protect your margins.
1. Audit Your Account Regularly
Make auditing a routine, not a reaction.
- Check Inventory Adjustments, Reimbursements, Returns, and Payments Reports weekly or monthly.
- Identify missing, damaged, or incorrectly charged items before Amazon’s time limit (usually 18 months) expires.
Result: Early detection = higher approval rates and faster payouts.
2. Keep Strong Documentation
Amazon’s system runs on data and evidence. Always keep clear, organized proof for every claim.
Include:
- Shipment ID and tracking info
- ASIN/SKU
- Discrepancy screenshots or report references
- Customer return details (if applicable)
Result: Solid evidence reduces back-and-forth with support and increases credibility.
3. Follow Correct Case Submission Path
Use the proper category in Seller Central for each issue – whether it’s Lost Inventory, FBA Fee Error, or Refund Without Return.
Avoid vague explanations; write short, factual summaries that make it easy for Amazon support to verify your claim.
Result: Correct filing = fewer rejections and faster resolutions.
4. Track Every Claim
Keep a simple Claim Tracker Sheet with columns for ASIN, date filed, issue type, case ID, and status.
This prevents duplicate cases (which often get rejected) and helps you follow up effectively.
Result: Better visibility and organized workflow.
5. Use Automated or Expert Help
If you manage hundreds of SKUs, manual auditing can’t catch everything. Consider using Amazon reimbursement tools or an FBA recovery agency that specializes in identifying missing funds and filing claims on your behalf.
Result: More recovered funds with less effort.
6. Stay Within Amazon’s Policies
Never inflate claims or submit incomplete data. Amazon monitors abuse and may limit your claim rights if you overfile. Always stay factual and professional.
Result: Long-term protection of account health and trust.
7. Reinvest Recovered Funds Smartly
Treat reimbursements as recovered capital. Use them to restock fast-moving products, invest in PPC, or improve listings – turning lost money into new profit opportunities.
Result: Stronger cash flow and sustainable growth.
Conclusion
Amazon FBA reimbursements are an essential part of protecting your profits as a seller. Mistakes like lost inventory, damaged items, or overcharged fees happen more often than you think – and Amazon’s system doesn’t always catch them automatically.
By understanding how reimbursements work and regularly auditing your account, you can recover every dollar you’re owed and keep your business financially healthy.
If managing claims feels time-consuming or confusing, consider working with a trusted Amazon reimbursement service that handles the process for you. The right partner ensures you never leave money on the table – and helps you focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an Amazon FBA reimbursement?
An Amazon FBA reimbursement is compensation Amazon gives sellers when it loses, damages, or mishandles inventory, or charges incorrect fees within the Fulfillment by Amazon system.
How long do I have to file a reimbursement claim?
Most reimbursement claims must be filed within 18 months of the issue date. Waiting too long can make you ineligible for repayment, so regular account audits are key.
Does Amazon automatically reimburse sellers?
Sometimes – but not always. Amazon’s system auto-detects certain issues, but many cases require manual claims from the seller to get full reimbursement.
What documents do I need to submit a claim?
You’ll need shipment IDs, ASINs, proof of purchase or tracking, and any reports showing discrepancies – the more evidence you provide, the higher your approval chances.
Can I hire someone to handle reimbursements for me?
Yes. Many sellers work with Amazon reimbursement experts or agencies who monitor accounts, detect missing funds, and file claims on their behalf – saving time and maximizing recovered money.
