Overview
When thinking about Home Depot deductions and how you back up your claim, it is important that you are giving your best shot and providing as much proof documentation as possible.
Home Depot is unique in that regardless if you are a prepaid or collect supplier with them, they like to see the same proof documentation across the board. This can present unique challenges, particularly for collect suppliers and obtaining a POD.
Anecdotally speaking, Home Depot uses Block Chain software they call the Automated Dispute Resolution Platform (ADRP) to back up their reviewal process for shipments to RDC's and DFC's. This software has receiving information for each touchpoint in an order's lifecycle. Even so, it is important to have correct and appropriate proof documentation with your dispute to substantiate any evidence found in ADRP.
Suppliers can gain access to ADRP in Supplier Hub if they do not already have access. To gain access reach out to your Partner Guardian for them to add it to your suite of applications in Supplier Hub.
Deductions (Chargebacks) Attachments:
Shortage
GOOD: In official HD Documentation, the following documents are required for best attempt at disputing
For Core carriers (HD's pre-approved list) you just need the Carrier (selected from the drop-down), and then the corresponding BOL, PRO number or tracking number
BETTER: In practice, the following documents are required for best attempt at disputing
For Core carriers (HD's pre-approved list) select the Carrier (from the drop-down), and then the corresponding BOL, PRO # or tracking #
BOL
POD
Packing Slip
Invoice
BEST: Additionally, the following documents have been provided by suppliers and have achieved success disputing
All documents/info listed above
Photos of pallets
ASN
Price Discrepancy
GOOD: In official HD Documentation the following steps/documents are required for best attempt at disputing
Request a 531 SKU detail report from the merchant; attach to dispute
Comment stating the issue and research steps taken
BETTER: Additionally, the following document could be provided to help provide further evidence
All documents/info listed above
Spreadsheet documenting cost and pack size, SKU, UPC
Trade Discounts
GOOD: In official HD Documentation, the following documents are required for best attempt at disputing
Comment clearly stating the issue and the research steps taken
A spreadsheet may be requested by Home Depot AP Department
When is a deduction ready to dispute?
As covered above, there are certain documents that are helpful in your case to Home Depot. For trade discount and price discrepancy chargebacks, in order to effectively dispute, this might require some additional documentation apart from shipping documents.
Outside of those unique cases, Deductions Navigator highlights the most common types of proof documentation that are required for deduction codes.
File Size and Type Restrictions:
Home Depot requires that all proof documents submitted are formatted as a pdf. Documents added by SupplyPike will be in the required pdf format. Any additional user-uploaded documentation will need to be a pdf in order for successful dispute submission.
It is also important to note that Home Depot does not allow documents that exceed 20MB. Though there is a limit to file size on a individual document basis, there is not a limit to the number of files that can be sent with a dispute.
Things to remember:
A deduction can still be disputed even if a recommended document is not available. SupplyPike's recommendations are based on the most commonly required documents for disputing a given deduction code. In some scenarios you might not need everything that is recommended, and there could also occasionally be additional documentation needed.
Recommendations are based on the file tag that is assigned to the document. They do not consider the content of the specific file itself. Content of the file must be sufficient to prove the deduction was invalid (i.e. - if a document is tagged as a Proof of Delivery but is not stamped by the DC, it will still likely lead to a denied dispute).
Be sure the checkbox beside each recommended document is checked in order for the document to be sent with the dispute.