Many Amazon sellers have experienced the frustration of lost or damaged inventory in Amazon's fulfillment centers, only to be deterred by the complex claims process. However, sellers now have the right to demand compensation from Amazon when such incidents occur. The key lies in providing proper documentation to support your claim.
A Seller's Experience: The Case of Missing Inventory
One seller's experience illustrates a common scenario. In February, a shipment of valuable goods was delivered to an Amazon fulfillment center, only to be declared "lost" by the platform. Faced with unexpected losses and a complicated claims process, the seller initially struggled to navigate the system before successfully filing a claim with professional assistance.
Understanding Amazon's Claims Process
While many sellers attempt to file claims with Amazon, most fail due to unfamiliarity with the process or insufficient documentation. What are the essential rules sellers need to know when filing compensation claims with Amazon?
The Core of Successful Claims: Documentation
The foundation of any successful claim lies in providing comprehensive evidence demonstrating that Amazon is responsible for the loss or damage. Key types of documentation include:
1. Shipping Information
- Proof of delivery: The most direct evidence showing goods reached Amazon's warehouse
- Packing list: Detailed inventory of each package's contents matching the actual shipment
- Product quantity records: Comprehensive lists for verifying losses
2. Purchase Documentation (Invoices)
Invoices serve as critical proof of ownership. Amazon typically requires:
- Original purchase invoices: Must include purchase date, item descriptions, quantities, and complete buyer/seller information
- Freight forwarder invoices: Acceptable when original purchase invoices aren't available (preferably in English)
Important: Invoice dates must precede the FBA shipment date.
3. Supplementary Evidence
- Signed delivery receipts for expired tracking numbers
- FBA warehouse receiving documents (though less authoritative)
- Manufacturer's packing list copies (for manufacturers) including shipment dates, order numbers, item descriptions, quantities, and manufacturer authentication
Common Pitfalls in the Claims Process
Sellers should be aware of several potential issues that could jeopardize claims:
- Amazon permits only one claim per item
- Frequent claims may trigger account restrictions
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation often leads to rejections
Professional Claims Assistance
Given the complexity of Amazon's claims process, many sellers find value in professional claims services. These specialists can:
- Efficiently gather and organize required documentation
- Navigate the claims process effectively
- Maximize success rates while saving sellers valuable time
With proper documentation and understanding of the process, sellers can successfully recover losses from Amazon. For those finding the process overly burdensome, professional assistance offers a practical alternative to ensure fair compensation.