Hello Sellers,
If you've received both chargeback notifications and A-to-Z Guarantee claims in your account, you're not alone. Many sellers find these two dispute types confusing because they look similar in Seller Central but work very differently. Responding incorrectly, or missing a deadline, can cost you money and affect your Order Defect Rate. Here's what you need to know.
What's the difference?
An A-to-Z Guarantee claim is filed when a buyer contacts Amazon directly to dispute an order. Amazon reviews the case and makes the decision. A chargeback, on the other hand, is filed when a buyer contacts their bank or credit card company to dispute a charge. The bank makes the final decision, not Amazon. Both affect your Order Defect Rate, but the response process and timelines are different.
A key exclusion to note: if an order already has a chargeback claim filed against it, an A-to-Z claim cannot also be filed on the same order, and vice versa.
How to respond to an A-to-Z Guarantee claim
You have a short window to act. Once a claim is filed, it's placed on hold for three days while you have the opportunity to represent your side. Navigate to Performance > A-to-Z Guarantee Claims in Seller Central, find the claim under the "Action Required" tab, and select "Respond to Amazon." Provide clear, specific evidence: proof of delivery with tracking, buyer-seller correspondence, or documentation showing the item matched the listing description.
If you don't respond within the timeframe, the claim is automatically granted in the buyer's favour and your account is debited. If a claim is granted against you, you have 30 calendar days to submit an appeal with new information.
How to respond to a chargeback claim
When a chargeback is filed, Amazon contacts you via email requesting transaction information. You have 7 calendar days from the email date to respond. You can either issue an immediate refund or represent your case to the credit card company via Amazon.
To represent your case: go to Performance > Chargeback Claims in Seller Central, then select "Represent your case." Provide compelling evidence such as proof of delivery, tracking information, or signed delivery confirmation. The bank reviews your evidence and makes the final decision, which can take up to 90 days.
If you miss the 7-day response window, Amazon may debit your account for the transaction amount.
Preventing both types of claims
The best practices overlap significantly. Use the shipping address provided by Amazon (you're liable for disputes on orders sent elsewhere). Ship with a valid tracking number and use delivery confirmation for high-value items. Respond to buyer messages within 24 hours. Keep records of shipping dates, methods, and tracking for at least 6 months after the order date. Authorise and process returns promptly within your stated policy.
Key differences at a glance
- A-to-Z: Buyer contacts Amazon. Amazon decides. You have 3 days to represent, 30 days to appeal.
- Chargeback: Buyer contacts their bank. Bank decides. You have 7 days to respond. Final outcome can take up to 90 days.
- Both impact your Order Defect Rate (though unauthorised transaction chargebacks do not affect ODR).
Helpful resources
Share your experience
Have you dealt with both chargebacks and A-to-Z claims on your account? What evidence did you find most effective when representing your case? If you've successfully appealed a granted claim, what approach worked for you? Share your insights below.