Amazon reimbursements are not for the faint of heart. The process can be tedious, frustrating, and packed with tiny details that are easy to miss. The hardest part? Finding the reimbursements you’re owed in the first place. But even when you’ve identified them, the actual process of claiming those reimbursements can be just as challenging.
The truth is, many sellers unintentionally make mistakes during the process, which leads to delays, denied claims, or worse—losing the reimbursement altogether. The good news is that if you avoid these common missteps, the process can become much smoother. In this blog, we’re breaking down the most frequent mistakes sellers make when filing Amazon reimbursement claims—and how to avoid them.
#1: Not tracking reimbursements regularly
Many sellers wait too long to audit their accounts, which can lead to missed reimbursement opportunities. Amazon only allows claims within specific timeframes (often 9–18 months, depending on the case type). If you’re not checking your reports regularly, you could be leaving money on the table.
How to fix it:
- Schedule a monthly or bi-weekly audit of your account.
- Use tools or partner with Amazon FBA reimbursement services to stay on top of potential claims.
#2: Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
Amazon requires specific documentation to process claims. Submitting incomplete invoices, mismatched order details, or blurry receipts is a surefire way to get your claim denied.
How to fix it:
- Double-check that your invoices match the ASIN, SKU, and dates mentioned in your claim.
- Ensure all documents are legible and in the correct format.
#3: Failing to use the correct case type
Amazon categorizes reimbursement claims into different types, such as lost inventory, damaged goods, or customer returns not credited. Filing under the wrong category can confuse the support team and delay your claim.
How to fix it:
- Review Amazon’s guidelines for each claim type before filing.
- Clearly explain the issue and attach the right supporting documents for the specific claim.
#4: Not following up on open cases
Submitting a claim and forgetting about it is one of the most common mistakes sellers make. Amazon may ask for additional information, and if you don’t respond promptly, your case could be closed without resolution.
How to fix it:
- Track all your open cases in a spreadsheet or tool.
- Set reminders to check case updates daily and respond quickly to Amazon’s requests.
#5: Claiming reimbursements for ineligible items
Some sellers unknowingly submit claims for items that don’t qualify, such as expired products or items already reimbursed. This can lead to wasted time and may even flag your account for abuse.
How to fix it:
- Cross-check your inventory records to ensure you’re filing only for eligible items.
- Avoid duplicate claims by maintaining a clear log of past reimbursements.
#6: Over-explaining the issue in your case
Amazon’s support team deals with thousands of cases daily. Submitting lengthy, overly detailed explanations can make your claim harder to process.
How to fix it:
- Keep your case explanation concise and to the point.
- Focus on key details: what happened, when it happened, and how much reimbursement you’re requesting.
#7: Relying solely on manual audits
Manually reviewing thousands of transactions for discrepancies is time-consuming and prone to error. Many sellers overlook reimbursements because their manual processes aren’t thorough enough.
How to fix it:
- Use automated tools or partner with professional Amazon FBA reimbursement services to catch discrepancies more effectively.
#8: Misunderstanding amazon’s policies
Amazon’s reimbursement policies can be confusing, and they’re not exactly written in plain English. Sellers who don’t fully understand the rules often file incorrect claims or miss out on eligible reimbursements.
How to fix it:
- Take the time to review Amazon’s policies for reimbursements, especially for FBA sellers.
- Consult experts if you’re unsure about a specific policy or claim type.
#9: Submitting too many claims at once
Flooding Amazon’s support system with multiple claims in one go can lead to delays or even flags on your account.
How to fix it:
- Prioritize claims by amount or urgency.
- Space out submissions to avoid overwhelming the support team.
Mistakes can make the Amazon reimbursement process more difficult than it needs to be. By staying organized, following Amazon’s guidelines, and avoiding these common pitfalls, you can recover the funds you’re owed more efficiently. If the process still feels overwhelming, working with professionals who specialize in Amazon FBA reimbursement services can save you time and ensure your claims are filed correctly.