Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a popular service that allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses and have them fulfilled by Amazon when they are sold. However, there are times when products are lost or damaged while in Amazon’s possession, and this can lead to refunds for the seller.
How should small retailers proceed concerning FBA refunds?
When a product is lost or damaged, the seller will typically file an FBA refund request with Amazon. Amazon will then investigate the claim and determine if a refund is warranted. If the claim is approved, the seller will be reimbursed for the cost of the lost or damaged product.
Sellers need to keep accurate inventory records, including the product’s cost, the date it was shipped to Amazon, and any relevant tracking information. This will make it easier for the seller to file a claim and for Amazon to investigate it.
Sellers should also know that there are time limits for filing refund requests. For example, claims for lost inventory must be filed within 90 days of the shipment being marked as “delivered” by the carrier. Claims for damaged inventory must be filed within 30 days of the customer receiving the product.
In addition, sellers should be aware that Amazon may deduct a “long-term storage fee” from any refund for lost or damaged inventory in their warehouse for over 365 days. This fee encourages sellers to review and remove any unsellable inventory from Amazon’s warehouses regularly.
What should sellers do with issues related to refunds for lost inventory?
Overall, FBA refunds for lost inventory can be a hassle. Still, sellers can navigate the process smoothly by keeping accurate records and being aware of the time limits and potential fees. Furthermore, staying in touch with Amazon’s customer service is advisable, and always keep good track of your inventory and shipments. This will help to ensure that any issues are resolved promptly and efficiently.
