# A new automated reimbursement for FBA is coming. **URL:** \ **Category:** Deciphering Amazon’s inventory management\ **Tags:** lost-inventory, amazon-announcement, reimbursement\ **Created:** [July 26, 2024, 2:15pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428 "2024-07-26T14:15:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HumbleWarrior](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/humblewarrior/32/4020_2.png) [@HumbleWarrior](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/HumbleWarrior)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 2:15pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/1 "2024-07-26T14:15:44Z")
I just received this email: ![image](https://sellersasksellers.com/uploads/default/original/2X/6/6183426838cfcfae693927fcdc8c06bb610f1da3.png) I wonder if this new update would be “good enough” that we don’t have to use tools like Helium10 Refund Genie to regularly claim reimbursement for lost and damaged items. Frankly I forgot to do that from time to time 😮‍💨. Do you guys use Refund Genie or use 3rd party services and pay a percentage of reimbursement? ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Leroy](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/uncle_leroy/32/10810_2.png) [@Uncle\_Leroy](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Uncle_Leroy)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 2:58pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/2 "2024-07-26T14:58:04Z")
A couple questions: 1) **when** will it recognize product is lost? 2) When will it recognize when product is found (and will it really be “found”? > [@HumbleWarrior](#): > > I wonder if this new update would be “good enough” that we don’t have to use tools like Helium10 Refund Genie to regularly claim reimbursement for lost and damaged items. I don’t think so. This is my opinion only but based on past experience, you might want to keep that Helium 10. ![image](https://sellersasksellers.com/uploads/default/original/2X/7/75fea800b897b8c754f5367d2d56e1f4c546f21d.png) ---
**Author:** ![Dogtamer](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/dogtamer/32/4766_2.png) [@Dogtamer](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Dogtamer)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 6:28am UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/3 "2024-07-26T06:28:30Z")
> [@Using Inventory Ledger without invoices](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/using-inventory-ledger-without-invoices/4343/6): > > I must admit some surprise that nearly 24 hours have passed without any comments being posted to the Headline-accompanying [NSFE discussion (link)](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/seller-forums/discussions/t/81c3235d-4c44-47ba-96c5-883cecab3244) for the second of the 072424 News Headlines, [“Update on Reimbursement Automation and Eligibility Window to file reimbursement claims” (link)](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/headlines.html?ref=GELQJH885BYU8PGC) > … The other shoe dropped with the News Headline [“New updates to our on-time delivery policy and shipping settings” (link, ‘id’ version)](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/headlines.html?id=GV4A4SRSMXN95BMN), as far as I can presently tell, but this “follow-up” email missive (received for one of our Soa Accounts 09:53PM EDT 072524) leaves me even colder: Subject Line: **Updated FBA automatic reimbursements and eligibility claim windows (for FBA sellers only)** Message Body: > [@](#): > > Hello, > > Starting November 1, 2024, we’ll proactively reimburse you for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) items that are lost in our fulfillment centers. We’ll issue the reimbursement as soon as an item is reported as lost by the fulfillment center, which you can track in the [Reimbursements report](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/nms/redirect/f29ad100-5778-30cb-9fff-b9257e3953c9?nt=MM_REDUCE_ELIG_WINDOW_10181&sk=JElHd1EZ2zL_Htad3rcHfMtOyNK48FsgCro6r9i0VTOOK20uczPagV5dGHe4jNPXDngdYRlgdZM3kdIFVKlPRw&n=1&u=aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWxsZXJjZW50cmFsLmFtYXpvbi5jb20vcmVwb3J0Y2VudHJhbC9SRUlNQlVSU0VNRU5UUy8w) on Seller Central. This more seamless experience saves you time and money by minimizing the need to manually research and file claims for lost items. > > Almost all reimbursement claims related to warehouse lost and damaged and customer returns cases will now be proactively reimbursed. However, if you do not receive an automatic reimbursement and you believe that your inventory has been lost or damaged, you will need to file a manual claim. Additionally, all removal claims will still need to be filed manually. > > For claims that need to be manually submitted, we have updated the eligibility window policy with new claim windows that in some cases are reduced but still provide you with ample time to research and file a claim while also ensuring that any outstanding issues are resolved quickly. Please see [Changes to program policies](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/nms/sellermobile/redirect/3c9fafd5-d69c-34dd-ae8f-1be1af5d8e37?nt=MM_REDUCE_ELIG_WINDOW_10181&sk=fTDkYzfDA0eJlar9yWme_ELIOjdhooWxY6eoIdMRL6a37ccMNhmEpyEGkrXYt54KonQxfPZnwRNK2-MNwynVkw&n=1&u=aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWxsZXJjZW50cmFsLmFtYXpvbi5jb20vaGVscC9odWIvcmVmZXJlbmNlL0dRSFFHQlREN1hCN0VFQ04) for those updates. These updates go into effect on October 23. > > The Fulfillment by Amazon team I find myself constrained to reiterate what I singled out, in the third ¶ of this SAS post from the 25th of July, 2024, as the front-runner in the ‘Best-reply Sweepstakes’ for this ongoing disaster, because the seasoned and savvy forum veterans upon whose sage advice all the rest of us depend long-ago taught me how to read between the lines, anticipate where the next hammer-blow is likely to fall, and thereby gird the loins to mitigate Amazon-imposed damage: [https://test.sellersasksellers.com/t/amazons-newest-farce-otdr/4418/19](https://test.sellersasksellers.com/t/amazons-newest-farce-otdr/4418/19) ---
**Author:** ![papy](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/papy/32/7639_2.png) [@papy](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/papy)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 6:08pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/4 "2024-07-26T18:08:43Z")
Explain it to this non-FBAer like I’m 5. Or 45 but trying to interpret Amazon. If this was such a great thing, why wasn’t Amazon _already_ doing it? And why shift _now_? Plus @Uncle_Leroy ‘s questions, followed up by…can we trust Amazon to be diligent on Sellers’ behalf with this new process? ---
**Author:** ![Dogtamer](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/dogtamer/32/4766_2.png) [@Dogtamer](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Dogtamer)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/5 "2024-07-26T18:38:50Z")
> [@papy](#): > > … > If this was such a great thing, why wasn’t Amazon _already_ doing it? And why shift _now_? I myself am increasingly led to suspect that our friend @anon8238764’s speculation is correct, and that this new policy for reimbursements is and part and parcel of the same unpalatable mess of potage: [https://test.sellersasksellers.com/t/amazons-newest-farce-otdr/4418/49](https://test.sellersasksellers.com/t/amazons-newest-farce-otdr/4418/49) ---
**Author:** ![Uncle\_Leroy](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/uncle_leroy/32/10810_2.png) [@Uncle\_Leroy](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Uncle_Leroy)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 1:23am UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/6 "2024-07-27T01:23:06Z")
> [@papy](#): > > And why shift _now_? Plus @Uncle_Leroy ‘s questions, followed up by…can we trust Amazon to be diligent on Sellers’ behalf with this new process? Hell the \*#$!@ no! ---
**Author:** ![Dreamscape-Studio](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/dreamscape-studio/32/345_2.png) [@Dreamscape-Studio](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Dreamscape-Studio)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 1:00pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/7 "2024-07-27T13:00:53Z")
> [@Dogtamer](#): > > For claims that need to be manually submitted, we have updated the eligibility window policy with new claim windows that in some cases are reduced but still provide you with ample time to research and file a claim while also ensuring that any outstanding issues are resolved quickly. Please see [Changes to program policies](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/nms/sellermobile/redirect/3c9fafd5-d69c-34dd-ae8f-1be1af5d8e37?nt=MM_REDUCE_ELIG_WINDOW_10181&sk=fTDkYzfDA0eJlar9yWme_ELIOjdhooWxY6eoIdMRL6a37ccMNhmEpyEGkrXYt54KonQxfPZnwRNK2-MNwynVkw&n=1&u=aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWxsZXJjZW50cmFsLmFtYXpvbi5jb20vaGVscC9odWIvcmVmZXJlbmNlL0dRSFFHQlREN1hCN0VFQ04) for those updates. These updates go into effect on October 23. Here is the change: **Upcoming policy update: Changes in eligibility window to file for reimbursement claims** Starting October 23, 2024, we are updating our eligibility window policy. All manual claims must now be submitted within the following timelines: - A fulfillment center operations claim for an item that is lost or damaged in the fulfillment center must be submitted **no later than 60 days after the item was reported lost or damaged.** (highlighted by me) - An FBA customer returns claim can be submitted between 60-120 days after the customer refund or replacement date. Claims must not be submitted before 60 days to ensure the customer has time to return the item to us for processing. - A removal claim for items lost in transit can be submitted 15-75 days from the shipment-creation date. Claims must not be submitted before 15 days to ensure the shipment can be delivered back to you. - All other removal claims must be filed within 60 days of the shipment being delivered back to you. Currently, when we request for FC lost reimbursement through “Help”, the system search past 18 month to determine if there is any reimbursement due to us, then reimburse us accordingly. So the coming change to the claim window is goin to be significantly shorter, and we’ll need to pay much more attention to make sure our reimbursements are indeed automatically generated and if not, we’ll need to request for them quickly, not more waiting until I feel like kind of thing. Also, if anybody do have FC lost inventory (especially the ones more than 60 day) hat haven’t been reimbursed better request for them ASAP, just in case the coming change somehow mass things up and we lose what is due to us. ---
**Author:** ![bookwormapril](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/bookwormapril/32/84_2.png) [@bookwormapril](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/bookwormapril)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 1:14pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/8 "2024-07-27T13:14:24Z")
> [@Dogtamer](#): > > Almost all reimbursement claims related to warehouse lost and damaged and customer returns cases will now be proactively reimbursed. However, if you do not receive an automatic reimbursement and you believe that your inventory has been lost or damaged, you will need to file a manual claim. Hmmm. That sounds like Phase One roll out. Phase Two: no more manual claims. Bots rule. ---
**Author:** ![Gandalf](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/gandalf/32/90_2.png) [@Gandalf](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Gandalf)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 1:36pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/9 "2024-07-27T13:36:30Z")
Also got this. This would be great in theory, since the process of shipment reconciliation is arduous, but I’ll continue to do it myself because I don’t trust them (although I would really like to - it’d save me a lot of time). Now - wouldn’t it be great if, along with this, they created an easily viewable report of all the shipment discrepancies and the amount reimbursed per unit? Keep dreaming, my friends 😬 ---
**Author:** ![primetime](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/primetime/32/1419_2.png) [@primetime](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/primetime)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 1:36pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/10 "2024-07-27T13:36:33Z")
> [@Dreamscape-Studio](#): > > A removal claim for items lost How can a lost item be removed?? Are they going to find it in order to send it back. ---
**Author:** ![Dreamscape-Studio](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/dreamscape-studio/32/345_2.png) [@Dreamscape-Studio](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Dreamscape-Studio)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 1:54pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/11 "2024-07-27T13:54:09Z")
> [@Dreamscape-Studio](#): > > A removal claim for items lost I think that means when you remove something, Amazon record show that it was removed and shipped back to you, but you never receive it, as lost in transit from Amazon FC to you, then you can request to be reimbursed for lost removal. ---
**Author:** ![HumbleWarrior](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/humblewarrior/32/4020_2.png) [@HumbleWarrior](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/HumbleWarrior)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 1:55pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/12 "2024-07-27T13:55:39Z")
> [@Uncle\_Leroy](#): > > A couple questions: 1) **when** will it recognize product is lost? 2) When will it recognize when product is found (and will it really be “found”? Frankly I don’t have answers to your questions. Amazon has been trying to credit the lost and damaged units to our account for many years. However it tends to be too little. That’s why a tool like Helium Refund Genie was created. It used to be free but now they charge extra if users want to use it ☹ ---
**Author:** ![HumbleWarrior](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/humblewarrior/32/4020_2.png) [@HumbleWarrior](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/HumbleWarrior)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 1:57pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/13 "2024-07-27T13:57:38Z")
> [@papy](#): > > If this was such a great thing, why wasn’t Amazon _already_ doing it? And why shift _now_? Agree. Why would Amazon want to improve the process of discovering that they lost or damaged our inventory in their FBA warehouse and pay for them? Strange. ---
**Author:** ![Dreamscape-Studio](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/dreamscape-studio/32/345_2.png) [@Dreamscape-Studio](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Dreamscape-Studio)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2024, 2:01pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/14 "2024-07-27T14:01:47Z")
> [@Gandalf](#): > > This would be great in theory, since the process of **shipment reconciliation** is arduous I don’t think this automatic reimbursement including discrepancy in FBA shipment, like when they short counted inventory in a shipment. According to them: "We’ll issue the reimbursement as soon as an item is **reported as lost by the fulfillment center**. Well, I’ve not seen FC report any shortage in an shipment as “lost/misplaced” at the FC, they seems to just minus them from “Receipt” of the shipment, and blame the seller for the shortage. So, FBA shipment reconciliation will continue to be a pain. ---
**Author:** ![Dogtamer](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/dogtamer/32/4766_2.png) [@Dogtamer](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Dogtamer)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 7:53pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/15 "2024-12-18T19:53:49Z")
> [@bookwormapril](#): > > … > Phase Two: no more manual claims. Bots rule. Today’s News Headline [Update to the FBA inventory reimbursement policy (link)](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/seller-news/articles/QVRWUERLSUtYMERFUiNHTU4yV1c1M0xMQlNKWlRB) would certainly seem to be yet another step in that direction: > [@](#): > > #### Update to the FBA inventory reimbursement policy > > [About Amazon](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/seller-news/articles?categories=amzn1.spce.category.1foc22fv) > > Dec 18, 2024 > > We’re updating our Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) inventory reimbursement policy to help provide you greater transparency and more predictability in how reimbursements are calculated for items that are lost or damaged before a customer order. This will help drive a more consistent approach that works as we support sellers with supply chain services across their sales channels. > > Effective March 10, 2025, we’ll reimburse you based on the product manufacturing cost of the affected inventory. To help provide you greater control and accuracy, you can choose how we determine the manufacturing cost for your products: > > - We’ll provide a manufacturing cost estimate for you. This estimate is based on a comprehensive evaluation of comparable products sold by Amazon, by other sellers, and through wholesale channels. > - You can provide your manufacturing costs directly. If you don’t provide your own costs, we’ll automatically apply our estimate which you can change when you’re ready. > > To help you prepare, you can view and manage manufacturing costs in the [Inventory Defect and Reimbursement](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/G66ZLS453YSE2Y4R) portal starting in late January using a new Manage Your Manufacturing Cost page. > > We’re constantly refining our operations and processes to prevent products from being lost or damaged and having to be reimbursed. For cases where reimbursement is necessary, we’re focused on ensuring timely compensation. We now offer automatic reimbursements for items lost in our fulfillment centers, saving you time, and eliminating the need for you to submit a claim to receive reimbursement. > > For items that are lost or damaged after a customer order in Amazon’s store, we’ll continue to reimburse you for the sales price on the original order minus applicable fees. > > For more information on the policy change, please visit the [Changes to program policies](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GQHQGBTD7XB7EECN). Leave us hope that the IDR Portal, soon to be deployed, leaves less to be desired than is typically the norm… ---
**Author:** ![Dreamscape-Studio](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/dreamscape-studio/32/345_2.png) [@Dreamscape-Studio](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Dreamscape-Studio)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2024, 12:30am UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/16 "2024-12-19T00:30:29Z")
> [@Dogtamer](#): > > how reimbursements are calculated for items that are lost or damaged **before** a customer order That’d be the cases when inventory was lost/damaged in FC or missing inbound, right? > [@Dogtamer](#): > > Effective March 10, 2025, we’ll reimburse you based on the **product manufacturing cos** t of the affected inventory. That sound like Amazon is going to reimburse us much less than what they are doing right now (the sales price minus fees). “Product manufacturing cost” has to be less than “sales price minus fees”, right? 😠 ---
**Author:** ![Tried\_Tested](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/tried_tested/32/10_2.png) [@Tried\_Tested](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Tried_Tested)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2025, 7:14pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/17 "2025-03-05T19:14:14Z")
@Dogtamer any updates here since the policy is taking effect - I believe you use getida? ---
**Author:** ![Tried\_Tested](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/tried_tested/32/10_2.png) [@Tried\_Tested](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Tried_Tested)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2025, 7:22pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/18 "2025-03-05T19:22:00Z")
I still haven’t made sense of the IDR portal. Any takers? [Inventory Defect and Reimbursement (IDR) Portal](https://sellercentral.amazon.com/inventory-reimbursement/overview) ---
**Author:** ![Dogtamer](https://sellersasksellers.com/user_avatar/sellersasksellers.com/dogtamer/32/4766_2.png) [@Dogtamer](https://sellersasksellers.com/u/Dogtamer)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2025, 7:23pm UTC](https://sellersasksellers.com/t/a-new-automated-reimbursement-for-fba-is-coming/4428/19 "2025-03-05T19:23:51Z")
> [@Tried\_Tested](#): > > … > any updates here since the policy is taking effect - I believe you use getida? Nothing new as of yet…