You sent 500 units; Amazon received 480. A shipment shows “delivered” but never checked in. Some inventory is sitting as “stranded” and not selling. These FBA problems are common — and they quietly cost sellers real money. The good news: much of it is recoverable if you know the process.
The main FBA problems — and what each means
- Lost in transit / not received: units left your supplier or 3PL but weren’t all checked in at the fulfilment centre.
- Receiving discrepancies: Amazon logs fewer (or more) units than your shipment plan.
- Lost or damaged in the network: inventory that was received but later misplaced or damaged by Amazon.
- Stranded / unfulfillable inventory: stock in a fulfilment centre that isn’t sellable — usually due to a listing error, suppression or a required action.
Step 1: Reconcile your shipments
Regularly compare units shipped vs units received for every shipment. Amazon gives shipments a reconciliation window, so check them promptly rather than months later. Where there’s a shortfall, note the shipment ID, the discrepancy, and your proof of what you sent.
Step 2: Open the right reimbursement case
For units Amazon lost or damaged in its network, or that were short on receipt, you can request reimbursement. A strong claim includes:
- The shipment ID and the discrepancy details
- Carrier tracking / proof of delivery showing the units arrived
- Supplier invoices proving quantity and cost
Amazon reimburses within its policy windows, so don’t sit on discrepancies — claims expire.
Step 3: Clear stranded inventory
Stranded stock earns nothing and can rack up storage fees. Work through your Fix Stranded Inventory report: the cause is usually a suppressed or inactive listing (pricing error, compliance gap, or a policy flag). Fix the underlying listing issue and the inventory becomes sellable again. If a product genuinely can’t be sold, create a removal order rather than paying long-term storage on it.
Build it into a routine
The sellers who recover the most treat reconciliation as a monthly habit, not a one-off panic. Small, regular checks catch discrepancies while they’re still claimable — and keep your inventory planning accurate.
Part of the wider Amazon seller problems & fixes hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Amazon reimburse me for a lost FBA shipment?
Often yes — for units Amazon lost or damaged in its network, or that were short on receipt. You’ll need the shipment ID, carrier proof of delivery, and supplier invoices, and you must claim within Amazon’s reimbursement windows.
What is stranded inventory and how do I fix it?
Stranded inventory is stock in a fulfilment centre that isn’t currently sellable, usually because of a listing error or suppression. Use the Fix Stranded Inventory report to correct the underlying listing issue, or create a removal order if the product can’t be sold.
How long do I have to claim a reimbursement?
Amazon applies time windows to reconciliation and reimbursement claims, so check discrepancies promptly. Waiting months often means the claim expires — regular reconciliation is the way to avoid losing money you’re owed.
My shipment says delivered but units are missing — what do I do?
Open a case with the shipment ID, carrier tracking showing delivery, and your supplier invoice for the quantity sent. Ask Amazon to reconcile the shipment and reimburse the missing units.
Want us to audit your FBA account for reimbursements you’re owed? Book a free consultation.