How Long Does It Take for Amazon to Refund or Reimburse? A Guide

March 7, 2023
Written by Ken Zhou
How long does it take for amazon to refund?

Most answers online will say it takes 7 to 10 business days. It's correct, though applicable only in some circumstances. The answer is much more specific, depending on someone’s role in the marketplace.

For starters, buyers and sellers go through different processes to get their money back when it comes to returned items. This influences the turnaround time of a refund for buyers and sellers.

Another thing is the correct use of terms. If a seller types in "how long does it take for Amazon to refund" on the search bar, they'll get a different answer if they’re actually looking for reimbursement. Good thing Seller Interactive is here to give the correct answer.

This article will benefit buyers but especially sellers, as it will help them know what business decision to make in the long run.

Setting the Terms Straight: Refunds vs Reimbursements

Some Amazon buyers and sellers mix up the terms. They interchange 'refunds' and 'reimbursements' when finding out how much or when they'll get their money back. It's time to settle on what the two words mean.

What Are Refunds?

Refunds are the amount the buyers get when they return merchandise. After they request to return an item, they are entitled to get the total purchase price back into their preferred refund method. Sellers, on the other hand, must learn how to manage refund requests.

What Are Reimbursements?

Sellers get reimbursements when Amazon compensates for the returned items. Just like buyers returning an item for a full refund, a seller also has to initiate a request and go through a process before they get what is due to them.

account refund on amazon happens when customers return what they ordered

Refund and Reimbursement on Amazon

It's understandable for both parties to confuse refunds and reimbursements as the same thing. That's because whenever there's a returned item, buyers and sellers are affected, albeit differently. To understand more, you must look at the process on both sides.

The Buyer's Side: Amazon FBA Refund Process

Getting a refund may take longer than 7 to 10 business days. That's because customers must go through the following process to get their money back.

  1. The buyer signs into their Amazon account and requests a return.
  2. Amazon sends the buyer a return shipping label.
  3. The buyer packs the item and puts the shipping label on before sending it back.
  4. Amazon confirms receipt and processes returned item (within 30 days)
  5. Once processing is complete, Amazon issues a refund to the customer.
  6. The refund may be added to the buyer's payment gift card balance or be received in the selected refund method.

There are cases wherein Amazon refunds the amount instantly. The buyer can just follow through on the process by returning the item back to the Amazon fulfillment center. 

Amazon deducts shipping costs and restocking fees from the buyer's refund amount if the latter chooses the paid method to return the item. To know more about the refund process, contact Amazon customer service.

The Seller's Side: The FBA Reimbursement Process

As for the merchant's end, the effect of return and refund requests from buyers hits them with a deduction, which they'll have to request for reimbursement. Here's an overview of the process.

  1. The seller gets a deduction for the return funds on their next disbursement before Amazon sends a shipping label.
  2. The seller gets a deduction for the refund upon issuing the refund to the buyer.
  3. Once the items make it to the fulfillment center, Amazon will determine their condition.
  4. If the returned item is deemed sellable, Amazon will restock it.
  5. If the item is deemed unsellable, Amazon will investigate further if the seller is eligible for a reimbursement on the following conditions:
  • If a customer caused damage to an item as deemed by Amazon, the seller isn't qualified for reimbursement.
  • If Amazon is responsible for the damage to the returned item, the seller qualifies for reimbursement.

Other Reasons A Seller Can Ask for Reimbursement

A returned item is only one of many reasons a seller can file for reimbursement. Lost items during shipping and fulfillment center damage are some circumstances that qualify for reimbursement.

This is important for sellers to know. Often, they have inventory discrepancies because of issues in the fulfillment center or during shipping. They may be unaware that they've lost money. If you're a seller and want to know more about the other reasons you can request reimbursements, you can check it out here.

A Couple happy getting their refund on amazon

 

How to Claim Reimbursement From Amazon FBA

Once the returned item is deemed reimbursable by Amazon, a seller must file a claim to get their money back. Before doing so, they must follow this process.

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

The seller must check the following requirements before formally filing a claim to Amazon.

  • You have an active Amazon account.
  • The items are signed to Amazon FBA's system during a loss or damage incident.
  • The customer returned the item in good condition.
  • The item meets Amazon FBA requirements.
  • The items are not removed from the fulfillment center by Amazon.
  • The inbound shipment schedule of the item matches the one Amazon has.

File a Claim Directly to Amazon

As per Amazon's claim policy, merchants can file a claim as early as 60 days or 18 months at the latest after Amazon has refunded the buyer.

Before filing a claim, sellers should check their reimbursement report for any returned amount, as there are instances wherein Amazon initiates the reimbursement. For example, in a buyer-returned item, if it doesn't make it back to the fulfillment center within the 60-day timeframe, Amazon will reimburse the seller even without a claim.

Once the seller confirms they haven't received the reimbursements, they can proceed with the claim by:

  1. Preparing any documentation needed, such as shipping manifests, bills of lading, etc.
  2. Go to the help section at the top right of your Amazon Seller Central account.
  3. On the page, click the 'Get Support' button under the 'Need More Help' section at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Click on 'Selling on Amazon.'
  5. Go to 'Products, Listings, or Inventory.'
  6. Go to the 'Investigate, Other Product Listings, Inventory Issues.'
  7. Under the 'Describe your issue' dialogue box, you can type in the details of your claim.

Reimbursement

After you've submitted a claim, Amazon will send you a response within 2 - 3 business days with a decision. They may also revert to you requesting additional information to help them decide whether you're due for reimbursement.

If Amazon responds again about their decision, you will have the amount credited back to your account in 2 to 3 business days.

Claiming Amazon FBA Reimbursements Is a Tedious Process

Getting back what you lost due to buyer-returned items on FBA can be time-consuming. Apart from manually doing the process, you also have to ensure your inventory is accurate.

Reimbursements are broad. It encompasses other scenarios other than a returned item. To get the most out of every reimbursement opportunity, work with experts like Seller Interactive. Their team is an expert in both refunds and reimbursements. They can take the claims filing work out of your hands, so you dedicate time to doing what matters.If you want to find out more about how account refund on Amazon gets done, book a call today.

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