Shipping inventory to Amazon FBA is always a moment of excitement—you’re scaling up, you’re moving products! But sometimes, Amazon throws a curveball: they claim they didn’t receive everything you sent. If you’ve ever scratched your head over missing items, don’t worry. Today, I’m walking you through how to solve FBA shipment discrepancies and make sure you get what you’re owed.
Why Shipment Discrepancies Happen
When you send boxes to an Amazon FBA warehouse, you expect everything to arrive safely. But the reality is, things can get misplaced, scanned incorrectly, or simply lost in the shuffle. You might ship 50 items and Amazon claims they only got 45.
If you don’t stay sharp, these missing items could cost you serious money. Fortunately, there’s a system in place to challenge these mistakes—and if you follow it properly, you can recover your inventory or get reimbursed.
Identifying a Discrepancy
First, you need to monitor your shipments carefully. Head over to your Amazon Seller Central account, click on Inventory, then Manage FBA Shipments. Here, you’ll see a list of all your shipments and their statuses.
Look out for shipments marked with “Closed with Discrepancies.” That’s your signal something’s wrong.
For example, one of my shipments involved sending 290 units, but Amazon recorded only 289 received. One missing unit might not seem like much, but over time, small discrepancies add up.
Investigating the Problem
Once you spot a shipment with discrepancies, click on the shipment ID.
This will bring you to a detailed page showing:
- Units Expected
- Units Received
- Units Missing
From here, click the Content tab to view a breakdown of the affected products. Pay special attention to anything labeled “Action Required.” That’s where you’ll need to take steps to reconcile the missing items.
Filing a Missing Inventory Claim
To get started:
- Under “Action Required,” select Research Missing Units.
- Amazon will ask you for proof that you shipped the missing inventory. That’s where your invoice comes in.
Important tips for the invoice:
- The invoice must clearly show the product in question.
- It must cover the total quantity shipped (i.e., if you shipped 132 units, the invoice must show 132 units).
- The invoice must be dated on or before the shipment creation date.
If you don’t have a clean, organized invoice, chances are slim Amazon will reimburse you. So, always keep your paperwork in order.
Uploading the Proof
Once you’ve selected the missing item and chosen “Research Missing Units,” upload your invoice directly through the portal.
After uploading, you’ll need to leave a clear instruction for the Amazon investigator.
Here’s what works best:
“Please look at line number 1, article 3020 on the invoice.”
The goal is to make it easy for Amazon’s team to locate the proof quickly. Vague comments will only delay your claim—or worse, cause it to be denied.
After submitting your invoice and notes, preview your request to double-check everything. Then, submit it. Amazon will create a case number you can track in your Case Log.
Now, all you have to do is wait for Amazon to review and respond.
What Happens Next?
Amazon usually responds within a few days to a week. If your documents are solid, they’ll either:
- Update your shipment to reflect the correct received quantity,
or - Reimburse you the value of the missing items.
Either way, you win—because you took action!
If Amazon needs additional documentation, they’ll reach out through the case thread. Stay on top of your messages to avoid delays.
Pro Tip: Stay Organized
Dealing with shipment discrepancies gets much easier when your operations are tight. Here’s what helps me:
- Use inventory management tools like Sellerboard to keep real-time tabs on stock and profits.
- Always maintain clean, itemized invoices.
- Save shipment receipts, tracking numbers, and supplier confirmations for every batch you send.
Trust me, staying organized upfront saves you a world of pain when claims come up.
Recommended Supplies to Make Shipping Smoother
Want to avoid issues altogether? It starts with how you package and label your shipments.
Here are a few tools I personally recommend:
- Transparent bubble bags for protecting fragile items.
- White plastic poly shipping bags for a professional touch.
- Heavy-duty boxes to minimize damage during transit.
Solid packing reduces the chances of inventory getting damaged or lost—and it makes it easier for Amazon to process your shipment accurately.
FAQs About Solving Amazon FBA Shipment Discrepancies
1. How long do I have to file a missing inventory claim?
You typically have 9 months from the shipment date to file a claim. Don’t wait too long—once the window closes, you lose the right to request a reimbursement.
2. What if Amazon denies my claim?
If your claim is denied, carefully review the reason. Sometimes, it’s due to unclear documents or missing information. You can often refile if you provide stronger evidence.
3. Can I get reimbursed for lost inventory if I used a prep center?
Yes, but you must still provide the invoice showing proof of purchase, not just the prep center’s receipt. Amazon wants to confirm you actually owned the items you shipped.
Take Control of Your Amazon Shipments Today
Don’t let Amazon’s mistakes eat into your profits. Mastering how to handle shipment discrepancies is a must for anyone serious about selling successfully on Amazon Germany.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want faster, one-on-one guidance, Fill the form below to join my mentorship program. Let’s fast-track your Amazon journey and help you avoid costly mistakes right from the start!