Start with identifiable events
Possible recoveries can arise from different operational events, so do not manage them as one unexplained total. Record the shipment, order, SKU, quantity, event date, report source, and estimated value for every item reviewed.
Create a controlled case ledger
- Unique internal case key and the relevant Amazon reference.
- Event type, SKU, units, estimated value, and evidence location.
- Open, waiting, resolved, denied, or no-action status.
- Credit date and amount, inventory adjustment, and close note.
Match money and units separately
A case can be resolved through a financial credit, an inventory adjustment, or another outcome. Confirm both the unit movement and the cash entry before closing it. Otherwise a restored unit and a credit may be interpreted as two recoveries.
Keep recovery out of recurring operating margin
Recovered money corrects an earlier loss; it is not ordinary product demand. Report it separately from current sales contribution so a high-recovery month does not make ongoing SKU economics appear stronger than they are.