Is there a work around to do negative estimates? During a project we create quotes for credits that need to be approved the same as other chage orders. QBO doesn't do it.

Hi Jzone,

Thanks for reaching out in the QuickBooks Community with your question. QuickBooks Online is in a state of constant evolution, and feedback from users like you contribute to the growth of the QuickBooks products. To share your ideas, check out this article: How do I submit feedback? I have a possible workaround for your credits.

You can create a delayed credit, which doesn't impact sales reports until they're applied. They can be used on future invoices as a line item. If you're looking for more information, check out this article: Create and apply credit memos or delayed credits in QuickBooks Online.

Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great evening!

Hello @Jzone ,

Unfortunately, there is no way to save a negative estimate.  It's another one of those situations where QBO is trying to be "too helpful", not always knowing or understanding that users need some flexibility in some of these functions, especially those in the construction or similar industry where the change orders are coming fast and furious and which can result in a negative Estimate and a Credit Memo as you are suggesting.

QB never makes a negative Invoice but rather a positive Credit Memo (which amounts to the same thing). Because of the rigidity of the nature of an Invoice and the nature of a Credit Memo in QB, the negative Estimate would have nowhere to go as the programming is such that an Estimate can only be converted to an Invoice.

It would be a good idea to submit a product suggestion asking that they would allow negative Estimates which would convert to a Credit Memo.  They should be able to build into the programming an IF statement basically that says something like "IF Estimate <0, allow conversion to Credit Memo, otherwise allow conversion to Invoice".  (I know this isn't proper programming language but you get my drift).  Wish it was better news for you.

Thanks for the reply Rochelley, much appreciated. As you mentioned the coding would be pretty simple and even if regression testing breaks something it shouldn't be too bad. Hopefully it makes in on the list and the list isn't too long. :)