(5-Step) FBA Audit Process – Get Your Reimbursements

While filing claims with Amazon is straightforward, identifying and compiling the necessary information can be tiring, especially if you deal with high volumes of inventory and transactions.

To simplify the process and ensure you don’t miss out on any potential reimbursements, follow these five steps:

1. Review Your FBA Inventory Reports

Kicking off an FBA audit starts with looking at what Amazon’s telling you about your inventory.

Log into Seller Central and pull up every relevant report you can find – inventory levels, shipments, sales, returns, reimbursements.

Dig into those spreadsheets and analytics to spot inconsistencies between your records and Amazon’s tallies. It’s tedious, but these reports hold the keys to finding reimbursement opportunities you’ve likely missed out on.

Some top reports to prioritize:

• FBA Inventory Ledger Report
• FBA Inventory Report
• FBA Customer Returns Report
• FBA Fee Preview Report
• Reimbursement Report
• Amazon Payment Settlement Report

Get familiar with what info lives in each one. They’ll serve as your trusted guides through the entire FBA audit process.

2. Identify Any Discrepancies or Issues

Once you’ve reviewed your inventory reports, it’s time to look for discrepancies or issues that may warrant a reimbursement claim.

Here are some common examples to watch out for:

• Units listed as “received” by Amazon but do not match your shipment records.
• Customer returns that were refunded but not restocked or accounted for.
• Inventory listed as “damaged” or “lost” without your knowledge.
• Fee calculations that seem incorrect or inconsistent with Amazon’s inventory policies.

Note any discrepancies you find, as these will form the basis of your reimbursement claims.

3. Gather Necessary Documentation

Amazon requires sellers to provide supporting documentation when filing reimbursement claims.

The types of documentation required may vary depending on the nature of the discrepancy, but here are some examples:

• Invoices or receipts for “proof of ownership” of the inventory in question
• Packing slips or shipping manifests detailing the contents of your shipments
• Proof of delivery documents (e.g., bills of lading) for shipments to Amazon’s fulfillment centers
• Correspondence with Amazon or customer service logs related to the discrepancy
• Photographic or video evidence of damaged or missing inventory

Gather and organize all relevant documentation clearly and concisely, making it easier to reference and submit with your claims. But we know it’s the part most sellers like you dread tackling on your own.

4. File a Reimbursement Request Through Seller Central

With your documentation in hand, it’s time to file your reimbursement request through Amazon Seller Central.

When filling out the claim form, be sure to provide detailed information about the discrepancy, including order or shipment numbers, product details, and a clear explanation of the issue.

Attach all relevant documentation to support your claim.

5. Monitor the Request and Follow Up as Needed

After submitting your reimbursement request, monitor its status within Seller Central. Amazon may reach out to you for additional information or clarification, so be prepared to respond promptly.

If your claim is approved, Amazon will initiate its reimbursement policy, typically by issuing a reimbursement to your seller account and later in initiating direct payment.

However, if your claim is denied, don’t give up.

• Review Amazon’s reasoning and determine if you have additional documentation or evidence to support your case.
• If so, you should adequately reply to the case or open a new claim with the additional information.

Remember, persistence and following up accurately and professionally on denied claims can sometimes lead to successful reimbursements. So, don’t hesitate to advocate for your business’s best interests when you have clear evidence that can back your claim.

Now, we know that the claims process can be complex, and it can take your time away from selling. That’s where Getida’s FBA audit review system and dedicated service team can help you uncover missed reimbursement opportunities. Sign up now to focus on the parts of selling you love.