Reversing a $1,200 Amazon Buy Shipping Adjustment on an $8 FedEx Label

A seller shipped an order through Amazon Buy Shipping (FedEx) using a standard shipping label that cost $8.00. Seven days later, Amazon applied a $1,200.00 shipping adjustment after the carrier’s tracking page classified the parcel as a “Large Package” even though it was clearly a standard small parcel. 

This case came down to dimensional classification. We rebuilt the length + girth math, packaged the evidence, and pushed the dispute through the correct Amazon Buy Shipping adjustment path. Amazon refunded the full $1,200.00 the following week.

What triggered the adjustment

“Large Package” classification is commonly tied to Length + Girth, where: 

• Girth = 2 × (Width + Height) 
• Length + Girth = Length + Girth 
• If Length + Girth exceeds 130 inches, the shipment may be priced as “Large.”

In this case, the tracking page reflected dimensions that were off by roughly 10 inches on key sides, which was enough to push the shipment over the threshold and trigger the adjustment.

The Exact Math We Used (illustrative)

Below is an illustrative example showing how a small dimensional error can flip a shipment into “Large Package.” The purpose is to show the exact calculation path. 

Example 1: Standard parcel (not “Large”) 

• Actual (example): 48” × 16” × 12” 
  • Girth = 2 × (16 + 12) = 56” 
  • Length + Girth = 48 + 56 = 104” (below 130”) 

Example 2: Misrecorded dimensions (becomes “Large”) 

• Carrier recorded (example): 58” × 26” × 12” 
  • Girth = 2 × (26 + 12) = 76” 
  • Length + Girth = 58 + 76 = 134” (above 130”) 

A single mismeasurement can change the dimensional class and turn a normal label into a four-figure adjustment.

Lack of Effective Evidence Handling: Despite the photographic evidence supporting the seller’s claim, there was no clear process or policy in place to properly resolve the dispute.

3. Steps Taken to Address the Challenge 

In an effort to resolve the issue, EzCommerce Team, acting on behalf of the seller, took several key steps:  Contacting Amazon Selling Partner Support: EzCommerce Team reached out to Amazon’s support team, submitted a case via Amazon Seller Central, requesting a review of the shipping adjustment, with the detailed explanation on the discrepancy between the reported shipping size and actual package dimensions. However, Amazon declined to take responsibility for the issue and directed us to the carrier for resolution. 

Engaging with the Carrier: After Amazon’s response, EzCommerce Team contacted the carrier’s customer support team, who reviewed the tracking information and initial shipping label. However, the carrier's team insisted that since Amazon Buy Shipping was used, they were not the shipper of record, thereby refusing to adjust the charge. The carrier dismissed the claim without proper investigation. 

Presenting Supporting Evidence: EzCommerce Team provided photographic evidence taken at delivery, showing the item in front of the buyer's door, clearly supports that the shipment could not have matched the carrier’s measurement. They also indicated multiple shipments that had similar dimensions and were shipped under similar circumstances but at a much lower cost. This evidence was intended to show that the shipping costs were not consistent and could not be justified by the carrier’s measurement. Despite these efforts, the issue remained unresolved. Both Amazon and the carrier refused to take full responsibility, leaving the seller to bear the additional shipping costs. 

EzCommerce Team conducted research on the Amazon Seller Forum and found a response from an Amazon associate that changed the whole process, stating that carrier adjustments must be disputed directly through Amazon. 

4. Data/Document Collection and Analysis 

To build a case for the discrepancy dispute, EzCommerce Team gathered comprehensive data and documents, which included: 

Tracking Information: Details from both Amazon and the carrier, including the package's size and weight, which were listed incorrectly. 

Photographic Evidence: Pictures taken at the delivery site clearly showing the size of the package compared to the carrier’s reported dimensions. These photos were critical in proving that the package was incorrectly classified as "Large."

Shipping Label History: The seller reviewed the history of this and similar items that had been shipped previously through Amazon Buy Shipping. They found that the shipping cost for identical packages had been much lower on multiple occasions.

Screenshot of the Seller Forum: We provided screenshot of the response from an Amazon associate stating that carrier adjustments must be disputed directly through Amazon.

Document is everything: Photos, previous shipments, and carrier and Amazon policies and practices are your best defense.

5. Outcomes and Key Findings

In the end, Amazon took the responsibility and resolved the issue by confirming that the carrier had issued a refund for the shipping discrepancy based on their calculated rate for the package's dimensions.

Accurate Measurements Are Crucial: Sellers must ensure that package dimensions are accurately measured and reported to avoid unnecessary shipping adjustments.

Documentation is Essential: Having clear documentation and evidence such as shipping labels, tracking information, and photos of the package can support a case when disputing shipping charges.

Seek Clear Accountability: The seller should push for more transparency and accountability from both Amazon and the carrier when it comes to resolving shipping discrepancies. Clear, well-defined processes for addressing shipping disputes are essential for both customer satisfaction and business operations.

If you’ve faced unfair carrier adjustments or Amazon shipping errors, contact us today! EzCommerce Team helps sellers to resolve costly shipping disputes and optimize logistics.