Amazon Updates FBA Reimbursement Policy: What Sellers Need to Know
Seamless Reimbursement Process and New Eligibility Windows
By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
July-2024#24
Amazon has announced an update to its reimbursement automation and eligibility window for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) sellers. The new update aims to provide a more seamless experience and extended filing deadlines for FBA sellers. The announcement was recently made on the Seller Central platform.
Update on Reimbursement Automation
Starting November 1, 2024, Amazon will proactively reimburse sellers for FBA items that are lost in their fulfillment centers. This update will save sellers time and money by minimizing the need to research and file claims for lost items manually. Almost all reimbursement claims related to warehouse lost and damaged and customer returns cases will now be proactively reimbursed.
However, if a seller does not receive an automatic reimbursement and believes that their inventory has been lost or damaged, they must file a manual claim. Additionally, all removal claims will still need to be filed manually.
New Eligibility Window Policy
Amazon is also updating its eligibility window policy, effective October 23, 2024. All manual claims must be submitted within the following timelines:
(i) A fulfillment center operations claim for an item that is lost or damaged in the fulfillment center must be submitted by 60 days after the item was reported lost or damaged.
(ii) An FBA customer returns claim can be submitted 60-120 days after the refund or replacement date.
(iii) A removal claim for items lost in transit can be submitted 15-75 days from the shipment creation date.
(iv) All other removal claims must be filed within 60 days of the shipment being returned to the seller.
Filing an Amazon Reimbursement Claim
To ensure a smooth reimbursement process, sellers should follow these steps:
Steps to File a Claim
1. Identify the Issue: Determine if the inventory is lost, damaged, or subject to incorrect fees.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect necessary information such as FNSKU, shipment records, and any relevant evidence.
3. Submit the Claim: File the claim through Amazon Seller Central, providing detailed information as required by Amazon's criteria.
Do's and Don'ts
Do: Keep detailed records of inventory and shipments, review Amazon's criteria before submitting claims, and contact Seller Support for assistance if needed.
Don't: Submit incomplete claims or miss the filing deadlines.
Manual Claims
If automatic reimbursement does not occur, sellers must file manual claims within specific timelines. The updated policy extends the filing deadline for lost or damaged inventory claims to 18 months from the previous 12-month period.
Best Practices for Maximizing Reimbursements
To maximize reimbursements, sellers should:
(i) Audit and Reconcile Records: Regularly audit inventory and reconcile records to identify discrepancies and potential reimbursement claims.
(ii) Use Reimbursement Tools: Utilize tools like Jungle Scout to track refunds and manage the reimbursement process efficiently.
(iii) Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with Amazon's policies and updates to ensure compliance and maximize reimbursement opportunities.
In conclusion, the updated reimbursement policy and new eligibility windows are designed to simplify the reimbursement process for Amazon sellers. By understanding the types of reimbursements, following the correct procedures for filing claims, and staying informed about policy updates, sellers can effectively recover costs associated with lost or damaged inventory. Implementing best practices and utilizing available tools can further enhance reimbursement, ensuring sellers are adequately compensated for their losses.
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By ChannelMAX Staff Writer
July-2024#24
Amazon has announced an update to its reimbursement automation and eligibility window for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) sellers. The new update aims to provide a more seamless experience and extended filing deadlines for FBA sellers. The announcement was recently made on the Seller Central platform.
Update on Reimbursement Automation
Starting November 1, 2024, Amazon will proactively reimburse sellers for FBA items that are lost in their fulfillment centers. This update will save sellers time and money by minimizing the need to research and file claims for lost items manually. Almost all reimbursement claims related to warehouse lost and damaged and customer returns cases will now be proactively reimbursed.
However, if a seller does not receive an automatic reimbursement and believes that their inventory has been lost or damaged, they must file a manual claim. Additionally, all removal claims will still need to be filed manually.
New Eligibility Window Policy
Amazon is also updating its eligibility window policy, effective October 23, 2024. All manual claims must be submitted within the following timelines:
(i) A fulfillment center operations claim for an item that is lost or damaged in the fulfillment center must be submitted by 60 days after the item was reported lost or damaged.
(ii) An FBA customer returns claim can be submitted 60-120 days after the refund or replacement date.
(iii) A removal claim for items lost in transit can be submitted 15-75 days from the shipment creation date.
(iv) All other removal claims must be filed within 60 days of the shipment being returned to the seller.
Filing an Amazon Reimbursement Claim
To ensure a smooth reimbursement process, sellers should follow these steps:
Steps to File a Claim
1. Identify the Issue: Determine if the inventory is lost, damaged, or subject to incorrect fees.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect necessary information such as FNSKU, shipment records, and any relevant evidence.
3. Submit the Claim: File the claim through Amazon Seller Central, providing detailed information as required by Amazon's criteria.
Do's and Don'ts
Do: Keep detailed records of inventory and shipments, review Amazon's criteria before submitting claims, and contact Seller Support for assistance if needed.
Don't: Submit incomplete claims or miss the filing deadlines.
Manual Claims
If automatic reimbursement does not occur, sellers must file manual claims within specific timelines. The updated policy extends the filing deadline for lost or damaged inventory claims to 18 months from the previous 12-month period.
Best Practices for Maximizing Reimbursements
To maximize reimbursements, sellers should:
(i) Audit and Reconcile Records: Regularly audit inventory and reconcile records to identify discrepancies and potential reimbursement claims.
(ii) Use Reimbursement Tools: Utilize tools like Jungle Scout to track refunds and manage the reimbursement process efficiently.
(iii) Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with Amazon's policies and updates to ensure compliance and maximize reimbursement opportunities.
In conclusion, the updated reimbursement policy and new eligibility windows are designed to simplify the reimbursement process for Amazon sellers. By understanding the types of reimbursements, following the correct procedures for filing claims, and staying informed about policy updates, sellers can effectively recover costs associated with lost or damaged inventory. Implementing best practices and utilizing available tools can further enhance reimbursement, ensuring sellers are adequately compensated for their losses.
Follow us on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to get the latest news and updates related to online selling.
Disclaimer:
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.
Amazon is the registered trademark of the e-commerce brand.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.