Amazon Vendor Central can be a great way to grow your business. But let’s be honest—it’s frustrating when Amazon tells you they didn’t receive everything you shipped. Especially when you know you sent it all. These are called shortage claims, and if you don’t dispute them, you can lose serious money.
Don’t worry! You’re not stuck. You can fight those claims and get your money back. Here’s a fun, easy guide to help you understand how.
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What Exactly Is a Shortage Claim?
A shortage claim happens when Amazon says you didn’t send all the units listed on your invoice. For example, if you invoiced for 100 mugs, but Amazon says they received only 80, they’ll only pay for 80.
But sometimes, Amazon makes a mistake. Boxes get lost, mis-scanned, or show up late. Whatever the reason, you can challenge the claim.
Why Should You Dispute?
Simple answer: lost revenue. Disputing shortages puts cash back in your pocket.
That missing 20 mugs? That could be hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. Who wants to give Amazon a discount they didn’t earn?
How to Dispute a Shortage Claim (And Win!)
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it easy:
- Check the Claim Details
Go to Amazon Vendor Central. Under the Payments section, find Operational Performance. Then look for Shortages.
Note the PO number and what products are affected. - Gather Proof
You’ll need to prove you sent the right amount. Collect these:- Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Packing Slip
- Carrier Proof of Delivery (POD)
- Photos (if you took any before sealing the boxes)
Keep all that in a nice digital folder. Amazon loves paperwork!
- Submit the Dispute
In Vendor Central, go back to the shortage claim. Click Dispute. Fill out the form and attach your proof. Be polite and clear.
Something like: “Please see attached BOL and POD confirming full delivery of PO 123456.” - Follow Up
Don’t just send it and forget it. Mark your calendar. If you don’t hear back in two weeks, go back and check. Sometimes, you’ll need to resubmit.
Tips for Avoiding Future Shortages
Prevention is better than cure! Here are some smart habits to avoid claims:
- Label everything like your paycheck depends on it—because it kinda does.
- Take photos of packed shipments before sealing them.
- Use reliable carriers and get tracking + delivery confirmation.
- Match the shipment to the PO exactly. No more, no less.
What If They Reject the Dispute?
Don’t panic! If Amazon denies your claim, you can resubmit. Sometimes it takes a few tries. Review their feedback and adjust your documentation if needed.
If you’re hit with a lot of rejections, consider working with a recovery service. There are companies out there that specialize in this stuff and can help.
The Bottom Line
Shortage claims stink, but you don’t have to accept them. By staying organized and responding quickly, you can fight back and win.
Remember: You’re not just a seller. You’re a partner. Partners deserve to be paid fairly.
So the next time Amazon claims you shorted them, smile. You’ve got the tools to prove them wrong—and get what you’re owed.