How to Handle Amazon FBA Inventory Discrepancies and Audits

Have you ever felt like your Amazon FBA inventory has a mind of its own? One moment, everything’s perfect, and the next poof, units vanish or show up where they shouldn’t. You're not alone. Whether you're a small seller or work with a large Wholesale Store USA, FBA inventory discrepancies can feel like chasing a ghost.
But don’t worry, this guide is your flashlight in the dark. We will break everything down in plain, everyday language so you’ll know exactly how to take back control of your inventory and ace your next audit.
What Are Amazon FBA Inventory Discrepancies?
Think of discrepancies like missing socks in the laundry. You’re sure you put in two, but only one comes out. In the Amazon world, discrepancies happen when the number of products you send doesn’t match the number Amazon says they have.
This could mean:
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Units are lost or damaged
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Items are misplaced in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
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Amazon receives the wrong country.
It’s frustrating, especially if you're working with suppliers like Wholesale Store USA, where large quantities are involved.
Why Inventory Discrepancies Happen
Let’s be honest — the FBA network is massive. With millions of items coming and going daily, mistakes are bound to happen. Some common causes include:
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Warehouse handling errors
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Mislabeling or barcode issues
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Shipment receiving delays
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Lost or damaged items in transit
Sometimes, even a simple human error like miscounting at the warehouse can snowball into bigger issues.
The Role of Amazon in Managing Your Inventory
Once your items arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers, they take over the storage, picking, packing, and shipping. It’s convenient, but it also means you give up direct control.
Amazon tracks inventory using its systems, and you rely on their reports to see what’s going on. If something goes wrong, you’ll have to investigate and sometimes push them to fix it.
How Discrepancies Impact Your Business
Discrepancies might seem like small hiccups, but they can cause:
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Revenue loss from missing or unsellable items
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Lower customer satisfaction due to stockouts
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Increased costs when you reorder unnecessary stock
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Strained supplier relationships, especially with Wholesale Store USA
Think of it like a leaky bucket. If you don’t patch the holes, even the best water supply won’t help.
Signs That You Have an Inventory Discrepancy
Here’s what to watch for:
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Inventory count doesn’t match your records
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Amazon adjusts your inventory unexpectedly.
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You receive FBA reimbursements without knowing why
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Shipment status stuck in "Receiving" for too long
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to dig deeper.
Understanding Amazon's Inventory Adjustment Codes
Amazon uses a series of codes to explain what happened to your stock. Here are a few common ones:
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MISSING_FROM_INBOUND – Amazon never received it
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DAMAGE_WAREHOUSE – Damaged inside their warehouse
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DISPOSED_CUSTOMER_DAMAGED – Returned item was unsellable
Learning these codes is like cracking a secret language — and once you do, you’ll get clarity on what’s going on.
How to Check for Discrepancies in Seller Central
Here’s a quick way to start your check:
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Go to Seller Central
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Navigate to “Inventory > Inventory Adjustments”
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Filter by SKU or date to track specific changes
Also, use “FBA Inventory Reports” like:
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Inventory Ledger Report
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Reconciliation Report
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Received Inventory Report
These tools help you trace where things went sideways.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reconciling FBA Inventory
Let’s break it down:
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Match your shipment tracking with Amazon’s received data
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Look for discrepancies in unit counts.
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Cross-check with inventory reports
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Gather proof — invoices, shipping labels, photo.s
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Prepare your case for Amazon.
This process can take time, but patience pays off.
How to File a Case with Amazon
If you spot a genuine discrepancy, here’s how to raise it:
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Go to “Help” > “Get Support” in Seller Central
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Choose “Fulfillment by Amazon”
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Pick the relevant shipment. ent
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Submit supporting documents and explain the issue.
Be polite, clear, and to the point. If you're working with a Wholesale Store USA, include your supplier documentation as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Inventory Reconciliation
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Not saving shipment documents.
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Waiting too long to file a claim (Amazon has time limits!)
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Incorrect SKU matching
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Filing multiple cases for the same issue
Stay organized and act quickly — these two tips alone can save you hours of frustration.
How to Prepare for Amazon FBA Audits
Amazon may audit your inventory if there are recurring issues. To stay ready:
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Keep all records – invoices, bills of lading, shipment tracking
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Track each shipment meticulously.
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Use SKUs and barcodes consistently.y
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Audit your inventory monthly.
Think of it like cleaning your room before your mom checks it — the better your prep, the fewer questions you’ll get.
What to Do When Amazon Makes a Mistake
Yes, Amazon makes mistakes too. When they do:
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Stay calm – don’t get emotional
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Provide detailed evidence
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Escalate the case if needed.
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Be persistent but respectful.
Sometimes it takes more than one message, but sellers have won large reimbursements just by being thorough and professional.
Using Inventory Management Tools
Some tools can help automate and monitor your FBA inventory, such as:
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RestockPro
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InventoryLab
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Sellerboard
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SoStocked
These tools act like personal assistants — they catch issues early and save you time.
Working with a Wholesale Store USA: Best Practices
When sourcing from a Wholesale Store USA, here’s how to keep things smooth:
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Verify quantities before shipping to Amazon
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Label products properly with FNSKU or UPCs
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Keep a copy of the invoice and packing list.
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Communicate regularly with your wholesale supplier.r
A good partnership can reduce errors and make discrepancies easier to resolve.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Handling Amazon FBA inventory discrepancies and audits might sound like a pain, but with the right knowledge and a little persistence, you’ll be just fine. Whether you're a solo seller or work with a Wholesale Store USA, you can protect your inventory — and your profits.
So next time Amazon tells you something went “missing,” you’ll know exactly what to do.
FAQs
1. What is a typical inventory discrepancy in Amazon FBA?
It usually involves missing, damaged, or misplaced units between what you sent to Amazon and what they show in their system.
2. How long do I have to file a reimbursement claim with Amazon?
Generally, you have 18 months to report lost or damaged inventory and get reimbursed.
3. Can I get reimbursed if Amazon loses my inventory?
Yes, if Amazon is at fault and you provide evidence, they will usually reimburse you based on the item’s value.
4. How often should I check my FBA inventory reports?
Weekly checks are a good practice, especially if you ship frequently or sell high-volume items.
5. What should I do if I buy from a Wholesale Store USA and Amazon rejects my inventory?
Double-check labeling and packaging, and provide supplier invoices to resolve the issue with Amazon.
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