In this article
Short answer: Walmart reimburses WFS sellers when inventory is lost or mishandled while in Walmart's possession, and for some customer returns marked "Walmart fault". For missing inbound inventory, you can open an investigation between 10 and 50 days after delivery to the fulfillment center. For customer return problems, you must submit a dispute within 45 days of the dispute window opening. Miss those windows and the money is gone.
Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) handles storage, picking, packing, shipping and returns for you. That saves time, but it also means thousands of units pass through hands you do not control. Units get miscounted at receiving, damaged in the warehouse or lost in returns. Walmart does not always catch and pay for these automatically, so the seller has to find them and file.
This guide is based on Walmart's own Marketplace Learn guidance. Walmart updates its policies, so always confirm details in Seller Center before filing.
What WFS reimbursements cover
There are two main types of WFS reimbursement claims:
- Inbound (receiving) claims: you shipped units to a Walmart fulfillment center, but fewer units were received than you sent.
- Customer return claims: a customer returned an item and it was not processed, not reimbursed, not sent back to you, or was graded incorrectly.
Walmart also covers return processing costs when a return is marked "Walmart fault", for example damaged in transit, lost in transit, late to arrive, incorrect item received, unable to deliver, shipping box damaged or lost after delivery. Returns marked "seller fault" or "customer fault" are paid for by the seller.
Key deadlines at a glance
How to claim lost inbound inventory
If WFS received fewer units than you shipped, you can request an investigation. According to Walmart:
- You can open an investigation between 10 and 50 days from the time the shipment was delivered to the fulfillment center, as confirmed by tracking.
- The shipment status does not need to be "Closed".
- If you used your own carrier (not a Walmart Preferred Carrier), you are responsible for goods lost in transit and must manage carrier claims yourself.
Documents you need
| Carrier | Parcel | LTL / FTL (domestic) |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart Preferred Carrier | No documents required | Bill of lading (BOL) with shipper and carrier pickup signatures |
| Your own carrier | Carrier proof of delivery showing the delivery street address | BOL with shipper and carrier pickup signatures |
For your own carrier, the BOL should include the shipment ID, full fulfillment center address, freight terms, your seller name and ship-from address, ship date, carrier name and number of cases. Documents must be in English or include an English translation.
Steps to file in Seller Center
- Go to Shipping Plans in Seller Center and find the shipment.
- Click View plan, then open the Track items tab.
- Click Investigate shipment and select the affected item.
- Add tracking information and upload your documents.
- Review and submit. You will get an email confirmation and can track the case in the Track items tab.
If Walmart finds the inventory was lost or misplaced while in WFS's possession, it reimburses the estimated sales proceeds based on the item's average sales price, paid in the next payment cycle. Walmart makes the final decision and does not accept appeals on these investigations, so get the evidence right the first time.
How to dispute customer return issues
Customers have 90 days to start most returns. When a WFS return goes wrong, the dispute window depends on the reason:
| Problem | Dispute window opens |
|---|---|
| Return not processed and no reimbursement in the Settlement report | 90 days after the return was initiated |
| Processed but not received (return-to-seller items) | 45 days after processing at the return center |
| Wrong or missing items, or damaged item graded sellable | When return-to-seller tracking shows delivered |
| Charged for a non-returnable item | Settlement date of the charge |
| Incorrectly dispositioned (not returned to seller) | Received scan date at the return center |
Once the window opens, you have 45 days to submit the dispute through a Seller Support case. Walmart allows one case per order, and supporting files must be 5 MB or smaller.
Evidence Walmart asks for includes photos of the package and tracking label, the damaged or incorrect item with the order ID and UPC sticker visible, and all pages of the pack list showing the cart ID. If information is missing, Walmart makes three attempts to get it, then closes the dispute.
When Walmart will not reimburse
Walmart lists several exceptions, including:
- Damaged, unsellable items handled under a "return to me" rule you set.
- Items under keep-it rules you set.
- Seller-initiated returns and refunds.
- Unsafe items (disposed of) and fraudulent items.
- Returns approved by Walmart Customer Care outside the normal return window.
- Missing non-essential accessories.
Return settings matter. Review your WFS return rules before problems happen, not after.
A simple monthly WFS reimbursement routine
- Reconcile every inbound shipment between day 10 and day 50: units shipped vs units received.
- Pull the Customer returns report in Seller Center each month and check for returns with no reimbursement or no restock.
- Keep a document folder per shipment: BOL, proof of delivery, packing list and invoices.
- Track every case in a spreadsheet with order ID, reason, filing date and outcome.
- Compare reimbursements to your Settlement report so you can see what was actually paid.
For a small catalog, a monthly check is usually enough. For high-volume sellers, the volume of shipments and returns is why many use a Walmart WFS reimbursement service or an agency that manages WFS end to end.
DIY vs a reimbursement service
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Low volume, few shipments a month | Missed deadlines when you get busy |
| Reimbursement service or software | High return and shipment volume | Usually charges a percentage of recovered money |
| Full-service Walmart agency | Brands that want WFS, listings and ads managed together | Ask exactly how reimbursements are tracked and reported |
Get WFS working for you
WFS can help your listings with fast-shipping tags and Buy Box performance (and it makes the Pro Seller badge easier to reach), but only if the inventory side is managed carefully. Our Walmart Marketplace agency team handles WFS setup, shipment planning, listings and Walmart Connect ads. If you are still deciding whether to use Walmart at all, read our guides on how to sell on Walmart Marketplace and selling on Walmart vs Amazon, or tell us about your account.
FAQ
How long do I have to file a WFS inbound claim?
Walmart allows you to open an investigation between 10 and 50 days after the shipment was delivered to the fulfillment center, as confirmed by tracking.
How much does Walmart reimburse for lost WFS inventory?
If Walmart confirms the inventory was lost or misplaced while in WFS's possession, it reimburses the estimated sales proceeds based on the item's average sales price, paid in the next payment cycle.
How long do I have to dispute a WFS customer return?
You must submit the dispute within 45 days of the dispute window opening. When the window opens depends on the reason, for example 90 days after the return was initiated if it was never processed.
Can I appeal a rejected WFS inbound claim?
Walmart says it makes the final determination on inbound investigations and does not accept appeals, so submit complete documents the first time.
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