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UNFI

UNFI deductions: the complete guide

UNFI subtracts shortages, allowances, promotional chargebacks and fees from every invoice — and a large share are disputable. Here's every deduction type you'll see, whether it's recoverable, and how to fight it in the UNFI Dispute Center.

UNFI is the largest natural & specialty distributor in the US (having absorbed SuperValu and Nature's Best). It pays you the net of your invoice after subtracting deductions — shortages, unsaleables, MCBs, freight and slotting fees — each landing on your remittance as a payment or adjustment with a code and amount.

Industry-wide, 40–60% of deductions are invalid, duplicated, or preventable. UNFI won't reverse them automatically — you identify each one, attach backup, and submit a dispute in the UNFI Dispute Center before the window closes. UNFI returns a tracking number within about two business days and typically resolves disputes in 30–45 days.

UNFI deduction types

Shortage & misshipment deductions

Highly disputable

UNFI deducts for units it says it never received, or received against the wrong PO — a factual dispute that makes shortages the most recoverable UNFI deduction type.

Unsaleables (damage & spoilage)

Usually valid

Chargebacks for product damaged or spoiled while in UNFI's possession, plus percentage-based allowances baked into your agreement.

Manufacturer chargebacks & off-invoice

Often disputable

Promotional discounts and trade programs UNFI funds and bills back to you — MCBs and off-invoice deals, verified against MCB backup you can request by email.

Pricing & cost discrepancies

Highly disputable

Short-pays where UNFI paid a different cost than you invoiced, or applied a deal you didn't agree to — among the most recoverable UNFI deduction types.

Freight & backhaul allowances

Often disputable

Deductions to cover freight when UNFI moves your product — a percentage or per-pallet allowance that must match your agreement's rate.

New-item & slotting fees

Often disputable

Launch fees charged per SKU for each new distribution center — about $500 per SKU per DC (or ~$1,200 without UNFI's advertising agreement) — plus free-fill requirements.

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