WFS reimbursement windows: how long you have to claim
Updated · Rotomal
Walmart lets you open a WFS inbound shortage investigation between 10 and 50 days after delivery to the fulfillment center. Customer return disputes must be filed within 45 days of the dispute window opening, which for an unprocessed return is 90 days after the customer started it. Removal order claims are due within 60 days of the financial deduction for damaged or missing units, and within 30 days if the shipment never arrived. Walmart will not investigate after these windows.
The windows
| Case | Window | Walmart pays |
|---|---|---|
| Inbound shortage or missing inventory | Open between day 10 and day 50 after tracking-confirmed delivery | Estimated sale proceeds, based on average sales price, if WFS lost it |
| Return not processed, no reimbursement seen | Window opens 90 days after return initiated; file within 45 days | Case by case |
| Return-to-seller unit not received | Window opens 45 days after processing at the return center; file within 45 days | Case by case |
| Wrong item or damaged item graded sellable sent back | Window opens when return-to-seller tracking shows delivered; file within 45 days | Case by case |
| Removal: damaged box, damaged item or missing units | Within 60 days of the financial deduction | Partial or full inventory value |
| Removal: shipment not delivered back | Within 30 days of the financial deduction | Full inventory value |
From Walmart Marketplace Learn guides updated 2 April, 15 June and 6 August 2026. For removals, Walmart calculates inventory value as listed price minus referral and fulfillment fees.
Documents for an inbound investigation
- Walmart Preferred Carrier parcel: no documents needed.
- Other parcel carriers: proof of delivery showing the street address of the fulfillment center.
- LTL or FTL freight: BOLs with shipper and carrier pickup signatures, in English or with a translation.
- Non-preferred-carrier BOLs must show all shipment IDs, the full fulfillment center address, freight terms, seller name and ship-from address, ship date, carrier and number of cases.
- File from Shipping Plans in Seller Center: open the shipment, choose Track items, then Investigate shipment.
What Walmart does not reimburse
- Losses in transit to the fulfillment center when you used your own carrier: claim those from the carrier.
- Returns you initiated, items under your keep-it rules, missing non-essential accessories, and returns Customer Care approved outside the normal window.
- Inbound cases without conclusive evidence that WFS lost or mishandled the product; Walmart accepts no appeals on these.
If you want this done for you
Shortfall Claims reconciles your WFS reports weekly, prepares each case inside its window with the right documents, and reports what Walmart paid. Every plan starts with a look-back audit, then 15% of reimbursements or $79 a month flat.
Questions
How many cases can I open per return?
Walmart allows one case per order for return disputes, and closes a dispute after three attempts to get missing information, so include everything the first time.
When is an inbound reimbursement paid?
Walmart says you receive it in the next payment cycle after the investigation concludes that WFS lost or misplaced the inventory.
Sources
- Walmart: Troubleshoot WFS receiving issues, request an investigation Source: marketplacelearn.walmart.com
- Walmart: WFS customer returns reimbursement and dispute processes Source: marketplacelearn.walmart.com
- Walmart: WFS inventory, remove items from a fulfillment center Source: marketplacelearn.walmart.com