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Amazon FBA Inventory Destroyed: What Sellers Need to Know

Wed Aug 23, 2023 Amazon Tips

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a popular service that allows sellers to store their inventory in Amazon’s warehouses and have Amazon handle the shipping and customer service. However, there are instances where Amazon may destroy a seller’s inventory. In this article, we will discuss what sellers need to know about Amazon FBA inventory being destroyed, and how ESQgo has helped other Amazon Sellers recover millions of dollars in lost or destroyed FBA inventory.

Fulfillment warehouse

Reasons for Inventory Destruction

Inadequate or Unsafe Inventory

The most common reason for Amazon FBA inventory destruction is inadequate or unsafe inventory. Amazon reserves the right to destroy inventory that does not meet their standards. This includes inventory that is expired, damaged, or not adhering to safety regulations. This means that all sellers must make sure that their inventory meets Amazon’s safety and quality standards before sending it in.

In addition to safety regulations, Amazon also has strict rules about the condition of inventory. For example, Amazon may choose to destroy inventory that is expired, not in the original packaging, or not in the same condition as when it was shipped. Sellers need to ensure that their inventory meets Amazon’s quality standards before sending it in.

In conclusion, Amazon FBA inventory can be destroyed for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for destruction is inadequate or unsafe inventory. Sellers must ensure that their inventory meets Amazon’s safety and quality standards before sending it in. Additionally, Amazon may destroy inventory if it is overstocked, damaged, or returned in an unacceptable condition. If a seller’s inventory is destroyed, they should contact Amazon to determine why it was destroyed.

Long-Term Storage Fees

Amazon charges long-term storage fees for inventory that has been stored in their warehouses for an extended period. This means that if sellers have products that have remained in Amazon’s warehouses for a certain amount of time, they are required to pay fees to continue storing them there. These fees are imposed to encourage sellers to manage their inventory efficiently and prevent overstocking or holding onto products that are not selling well.

According to Seller Central, “By liquidating inventory, you recover a portion of your inventory cost (net recovery value) while avoiding the cost of monthly and long-term storage fees.

https://revstep.com/amazon-inventory-should-i-liquidate-remove-or-dispose/

If sellers fail to pay the long-term storage fees or decide not to remove their inventory, Amazon has the right to destroy the products. This means that if sellers do not meet their financial obligations or take action to retrieve their products, Amazon has the authority to dispose of the inventory in order to free up space in their warehouses.

Sellers should be aware of Amazon’s long-term storage fees and take them into account when planning their inventory management strategies. It is important for sellers to monitor the age of their inventory and assess whether the products are likely to sell within a reasonable timeframe. By proactively managing their stock and paying attention to Amazon’s storage fees, sellers can avoid unnecessary costs and potential destruction of their inventory.

Product Recalls

In order to successfully sell products on Amazon, it is crucial for sellers to ensure that their inventory complies with Amazon’s safety and quality standards. This means that before sending their products to the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) warehouses, sellers should take the necessary steps to ensure that their inventory is of high quality and does not pose any safety risks to consumers.

In conclusion, sellers must be proactive in ensuring that their inventory meets Amazon’s safety and quality standards. Regular inspections and quality control checks are essential in preventing inventory from being deemed inadequate or unsafe. By taking these measures, sellers can not only comply with Amazon’s requirements, but also provide a positive buying experience for customers and maintain a successful selling business on the platform.

What Happens When Amazon Inventory is Destroyed

When Amazon decides to destroy a seller’s inventory, they will send a notification to the seller, providing detailed information about the decision. The notification will include not only the fact that the inventory is being destroyed, but also the specific reason behind Amazon’s decision. This could be due to various factors, such as expired or damaged products, violations of Amazon’s policies, or low customer demand.

In addition to the reason, the notification will also specify the number of units that will be destroyed. This information is crucial for the seller to understand the extent of their inventory loss and make necessary adjustments to their business operations. By knowing the exact number of units being destroyed, sellers can assess the impact on their inventory levels and overall sales.

Furthermore, the notification will outline any associated fees that the seller might incur as a result of the inventory destruction. These fees could include disposal or destruction charges, which are usually borne by the seller. It is important for sellers to be aware of these fees as they can affect their profitability and financial planning.

Overall, the notification sent by Amazon regarding the destruction of a seller’s inventory is a comprehensive communication that provides transparency and clarity. It not only informs sellers about the reason for the inventory destruction but also includes vital details such as the number of units destroyed and any associated fees. This enables sellers to make informed decisions, take necessary actions, and manage their business operations effectively.

Reimbursement for Destroyed Inventory

Amazon typically reimburses sellers for the value of the destroyed inventory. Sellers should document their inventory losses and contact Amazon customer service to file a reimbursement claim. Amazon usually requires proof of purchase, such as an invoice, to process the claim. The reimbursement amount is based on the seller’s purchase price or the current market value, whichever is lower.

In some cases, Amazon may provide a full or partial reimbursement for the lost inventory. Sellers should review Amazon’s FBA Reimbursement Policy for more information.

In order to receive reimbursement for destroyed inventory, sellers must file a claim with Amazon. This process is not automatic and requires the seller to take the initiative to document and submit the claim.

To seek reimbursement, sellers can submit a claim via their Amazon seller account. However, if the reimbursement exceeds $10,000, Amazon is likely to decline the claim. To enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome, it is recommended to engage the services of a reputable law firm such as ESQgo. With a proven track record, ESQgo has secured substantial compensation from Amazon for the loss or destruction of FBA inventory, amounting to millions of dollars.

Conclusion

It is important for Amazon FBA sellers to be aware of the reasons for inventory destruction and take necessary steps to prevent it. By ensuring the quality of their inventory, monitoring inventory levels, and staying informed, sellers can minimize the risk of their inventory being destroyed by Amazon.

For help in recovering reimbursement for your damaged Amazon FBA inventory, reach out to ESQgo’s team of Amazon seller lawyers. Their trademarked Synthetic Arbitration® process has helped Amazon sellers recover millions of dollars for their lost or destroyed FBA inventory.