Amazon SAFE-T claim allows sellers to claim reimbursements from customer returns. As an Amazon seller, you know that returns are a part of doing business. But what happens when a customer returns an item that is damaged, missing parts, or the wrong item? Through Amazon’s SAFE-T claims policy, an Amazon seller can issue a refund to a customer if, the losses occurred through no fault of the seller or the damage was in the course of its preparation or delivery. If done correctly you can get reimbursed for the cost of the return shipping and the refund.
Through filing SAFE-T claims through seller support and paying attention to your returns, you can help recoup costs that were inflicted by the return process.
What is the Amazon SAFE-T Claims policy?
The Amazon SAFE-T Claims policy is a program that allows Amazon sellers to request reimbursement for incorrect customer returns. This can include returns that are damaged, missing parts, or the wrong item that was returned. The Amazon SAFE-T Claims policy is important because it helps sellers protect their profits. When a customer returns an item, the seller is typically responsible for the cost of the return shipping and the refund. SAFE-T Claims policy can be used in a variety of situations, including:
When a customer returns an item that is damaged
When a customer returns an item that is missing parts
When a customer returns the wrong item
When a customer does not return an item at all
By paying attention to your returns and filing SAFE-T claims through seller support, you could help recoup costs that were inflicted during the return process.
How to Make an Amazon SAFE-T Claim
To make an Amazon SAFE-T claim, sellers must first contact Amazon customer service. You will need to provide the following information:
The order number
The reason for the return
Any supporting documentation, such as photos or shipping labels
To start an Amazon SAFE-T claim, sign into Seller Central and click on the orders tab on the left-hand side. Next, you will click on Manage SAFE-T Claim. Next, click File New SAFE-T Claim. From there you will enter the Order ID and click check eligibility. Lastly, there you click Submit Case. You can open a case with Amazon if you have questions about the order’s eligibility.
Once Amazon has received the information, they will review the claim and make a decision. If the claim is approved, the seller will be reimbursed for the cost of the return shipping and the refund. There are a few limitations to the Amazon SAFE-T Claims policy that sellers should be aware of. These limitations include:
The maximum amount that can be reimbursed per claim is $5,000.
Claims for used and damaged returns are eligible for a maximum 50% of product charges
Claims must be filed within 30 days of the refund being issued.
Claims may not be approved if the seller has a history of returns or cancellations.
FBA (fulfillment by Amazon) orders are not eligible
Orders with an A-to-z Guarantee claim are not eligible
Refused return shipments are not eligible
FAQ
What is a SAFE-T claim on Amazon?
SAFE-T stands for Seller Assurance for E-commerce Transactions. It is a program that allows Amazon sellers to be reimbursed for losses that occur during the preparation or delivery of a product. These losses can include damage, theft, or loss.
When can you file a SAFE-T claim?
You can file a SAFE-T claim after you have issued a refund to the customer. You have 7 days to file a SAFE-T claim from the moment the order appears as “returned/delivered to the seller”.
How do I win a SAFE-T claim?
Here are some tips on how to win a SAFE-T claim: First, file your claim within 7 days of the order being marked as returned/delivered to the seller. Next, Provide all of the required documentation. This includes the order ID, the reason for the claim, and any supporting documentation, such as photos of the damaged item, a police report, or shipping confirmation. Be clear and concise in your explanation of the loss. Lastly, attempt to explain what happened in detail and why you believe you are entitled to a refund. Be cooperative with Amazon's investigation. If Amazon asks for additional information, be sure to provide it promptly. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having your SAFE-T claim approved.
How do I file a SAFE-T claim?
Sign in to Seller Central on Amazon.com. Click the orders tab on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Next, you will click on Manage SAFE-T Claim and click File New SAFE-T Claim. Lastly, enter the Order ID and click Check Eligibility and click Submit Case.
Is there a limit on the number of SAFE-T claims I can field?
Yes, there is a limit on the number of SAFE-T claims you can file but it is not a static number. The limit is based on your seller account's performance. If you have a good performance record, you will be able to file more claims. If you have a poor performance record, you may be limited to a certain number of claims per month or year.
Here are some tips for avoiding SAFE-T claim limits:
Package your items carefully. Use sturdy boxes and plenty of packing material to protect your items from damage during shipping.
Insure your shipments. This will help you recover the cost of your items if they are lost or damaged in transit.
Track your shipments. This will help you to know when your items have been delivered and to identify any potential problems.
Communicate with your customers. Keep your customers updated on the status of their orders and let them know what you are doing to resolve any problems.
Conclusion
If you need help with your Amazon business, contact Goat Consulting today. We are a team of experienced Amazon experts who can help you with everything from product sourcing to listing optimization. We can also help you file SAFE-T claims and ensure that your claims are approved. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you grow your Amazon business. If you are an Amazon seller, the SAFE-T Claims policy is a valuable resource that can help you protect your profits. If you have a return that is not your fault, be sure to file a SAFE-T claim, and if you need help with your Amazon business, contact Goat Consulting below.
About the Author - Will Tjernlund
This post was written by Will Tjernlund, the CMO and Co-Founder of Goat Consulting. Will has been in the Amazon ecosystem for over a decade, starting at his family’s 80-year-old manufacturing business helping B2B brand sell on Amazon. He has vast experience helping source, ship, and sell products of all kinds on Amazon’s Marketplace. Since then he has spoken at various e-commerce conferences and been featured on all the leading Amazon podcasts. If you have any questions about how your business could sell on Amazon.com, Will is the guy to talk to!