Amazon has recently announced significant changes to its Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) refunds policy, impacting sellers across the platform. These updates, set to take effect on October 23, 2024, and November 1, 2024, are poised to streamline the reimbursement process while also introducing tighter deadlines for filing claims.
Key Changes to the FBA Refunds Policy
1. Proactive Reimbursements for Lost Items
Starting November 1, 2024, Amazon will begin proactively reimbursing sellers for FBA items that are lost within their fulfilment centres. This new policy is designed to save sellers time and effort, as reimbursements will be automatically processed as soon as an item is reported as lost. Sellers will be able to track these reimbursements through the Reimbursements report on Seller Central. This shift aims to minimise the need for manual claim filings, which has been a source of frustration for many sellers in the past.
2. Reduced Claim Filing Window
However, along with these improvements, Amazon is also introducing a significant change that sellers need to be aware of. Effective October 23, 2024, the eligibility window for filing claims related to lost or damaged items within fulfilment centres will be reduced to just 60 days after the item is reported lost or damaged. This is a drastic reduction from the previous 18-month window, and sellers will need to be vigilant in monitoring their inventory to ensure they don’t miss out on potential reimbursements.
Implications for FBA Sellers
While the introduction of proactive reimbursements is a welcome change that promises to reduce the administrative burden on sellers, the shortened claim filing window could pose challenges. Sellers will need to adapt quickly to the new timeline, implementing more stringent tracking and monitoring systems to avoid missing out on potential refunds.
This policy shift underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive in managing your FBA business. With Amazon tightening its policies, sellers must be diligent in ensuring that they meet the new deadlines and take full advantage of the reimbursements available to them.
Deadline to Capture Previous Refunds
Amazon has set a deadline of October 23, 2024, for sellers to capture eligible refunds from the previous 18 months. After this date, any claims from this period that haven’t been filed will be lost. This deadline presents a critical opportunity for sellers to review their past transactions and ensure they’ve claimed all available reimbursements before the window closes.
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Amazon’s updated FBA refunds policy represents a mixed bag for sellers. On one hand, the automation of reimbursements for lost items is a positive step forward. On the other hand, the significantly shortened claim window adds pressure to stay on top of inventory management and reimbursement claims. Sellers should act now to review their past transactions and prepare for these upcoming changes to avoid missing out on potential refunds.
If you need help with your Amazon business, Lezzat is here to assist you! Our team of experts will help you optimise your operations and stay ahead of any changes. Reach out to us today and let’s work together to maximise your success on Amazon!
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