E-commerce sellers work hard to build their Amazon presence and revenue streams. However, invalid customer returns can quickly erode profits. Thankfully, Amazon’s FBA reimbursement services allow sellers to recover some of these losses. This article will explore what constitutes an invalid return and how sellers can submit reimbursement requests to Amazon.
What Qualifies as an Invalid Return?
Before diving into the reimbursement process, sellers should understand what makes a return invalid. Amazon reimbursement considers the following return scenarios invalid:
- Customer remorse returns – The customer decided they no longer wanted the item, often after using it.
- Customer damaged returns – The customer broke the item through misuse.
- Missing parts and accessories – The customer kept parts of the item when returning it.
- Expired consumable returns – The customer consumed part of an item with a shelf life before returning it.
If a return falls into one of the above categories, the seller can recover some of the lost revenue through an FBA reimbursement claim.
Navigating the FBA Reimbursement Process
Submitting an FBA reimbursement request is straightforward but requires some legwork from the seller. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Evidence
When a customer initiates an invalid return, Amazon emails the seller with details about the return. Save this email as it contains key information needed for your reimbursement claim.
You will also need to show evidence that the return was invalid. This evidence depends on the situation but may include:
- Photos of damage/missing pieces
- Return tracking information
- Customer service chat transcripts
Gather as much documentation about the invalid aspects of the return as possible.
Step 2: Determine Reimbursement Amount
Amazon bases reimbursements on the value items have when returned. For example, if a customer returns a used $100 item now worth $70, Amazon will reimburse the $30 loss.
Review the return details and estimate the reimbursement value based on the item’s condition. This gives you a ballpark figure to expect.
Step 3: Submit Reimbursement Claim
With your documentation and estimated reimbursement gathered, you can now submit your claim through Amazon Seller Central. Follow these steps:
- Sign into Seller Central and open the “Returns” page
- Locate the invalid return and select “Request reimbursement”
- Enter the reimbursement amount and upload supporting documentation
- Provide details explaining why this qualifies as an invalid return
- Submit your reimbursement request
Amazon will review your claim and documentation before making a reimbursement decision. Most claims receive a response within 30 days.
Key Reimbursement Criteria and Tips
When submitting FBA reimbursement requests, keep the following criteria and tips in mind:
- File claims within 90 days – Amazon only accepts claims made within 90 days of the return delivery date.
- Thorough documentation is key – The more evidence you submit, the higher your chance of approval. Photograph all damage and missing pieces.
- Estimate reasonable reimbursement values – Unreasonable reimbursement requests often get denied. Base your estimate on the item’s used value.
- Respond to inquiries – If Amazon requests more information, reply promptly to avoid delays.
Following Amazon’s policies and providing evidence of invalid returns generally results in successful reimbursement claims. Sellers who stay organized and submit thorough requests tend to maximize how much lost revenue they recover.
Reimbursements Restore Revenue Lost to Invalid Returns
Amazon’s FBA reimbursement services provide sellers with an avenue to recover some losses due to buyer remorse, damage, missing items, and expired consumables. While the process involves some upfront work gathering documentation, it pays dividends for sellers who rely on Amazon for sales. Reimbursements also deter buyers from improperly returning items just to get free use out of them.
By understanding what makes a return invalid, navigating the claims process, and supplying solid evidence, ecommerce sellers can submit successful FBA reimbursement requests. Over time, these reimbursements add up to restore revenue lost to invalid returns.
Visit Riverbend Consulting if you need any assistance with Amazon account issues or suspensions. Their experts can help you develop effective processes for recovering revenue lost through FBA returns.