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88daly2
Level 1

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

 
16 Comments 16
Rejeil_O
QuickBooks Team

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

Welcome to Community @88daly2,

 

Let me share with you some of my ideas when importing transactions in QuickBooks Desktop. You are not able to import transactions like estimates through Excel files. I can suggest to look for a third-party app that can help you import estimate using Excel file.

 

You can follow these steps on how to search for a third-party app in QuickBooks Desktop. Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the QuickBooks Desktop Apps Store.
  2. Select the All Applications tab.
  3. You can add filters by CategoriesQuickBooks Compatibility, and Developer.
  4. Enter the processor in the Search field.

 

Also, the other option to import estimates in your QuickBooks Desktop account is to create an IIF file. I recommend contacting an IT professional to assist you create an IIF file.

 

If you'll need further assistance, just notify me by leaving a message in the comment section. I'll be happier to help. Have a good one!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

...

Dellis51
Level 1

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

I believe this answer is incorrect.  I contacted Quickbooks support yesterday and was told that you cannot use IIF to import or export transactions,  only lists.  On my utilities options there is no choice for exporting transactions.  Is this only available to Enterprise? 

LieraMarie_A
QuickBooks Team

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

 I'm happy to help you import an .IIF file in QuickBooks Desktop, @Dellis51.

 

This is available in all QuickBooks Desktop versions. You can use IIF files to import and export your lists, as well as transactions. Before doing the process, make sure to back up your company file before you import IIF files. If you ever run into problems, you can use your backup to restore your data.

 

  1. Sign in to your company file as an admin.
  2. Note: If you’re in Multi-user mode, go to the File menu, then select Switch to Single-user Mode.
  3. Go to the File menu, then select Utilities.
  4. Choose Import, then select Import IIF.
  5. Select the IIF file you want to import, then select Open.
  6. Click OK to confirm the import.

 

These instructions are also available from our guide on exporting and importing IIF files.

 

You can also check out this article for more info about setting up data files in QuickBooks Desktop: Import and export data.

 

Please feel free to reach out to me here should ever need a hand with QuickBooks, I want to ensure your success. Take care and have a wonderful day!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes


@Dellis51 wrote:

I believe this answer is incorrect.  I contacted Quickbooks support yesterday and was told that you cannot use IIF to import or export transactions,  only lists.  On my utilities options there is no choice for exporting transactions.  Is this only available to Enterprise? 


 

@Dellis51 

You should visit the links I mentioned earlier. You may export/import/delete transactions with those tools on QB Desktop Pro/Premier/Enterprise.

radgc
Level 1

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

Hi...I cannot find where i can import estimates. In this estimate it will have multiple line items with quantities and costs. Its a lot to type in manually. I only see that imports are for lists and transactions. Please show me the way to do this. Also, my controller indicated that she spoke to QuickBooks and they said that she has to be an admin. I am the only admin as I am the owner. So i will need to give her my user and pw. She does have controller rights in QuickBooks What do you suggest? 

Maybelle_S
QuickBooks Team

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

Hello there, @radgc.

 

Currently, we're unable to import Excel file estimates into QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). Though, you can use an .IIF file to import it successfully. You can also check out a third-party app that has this feature.

 

Also, QuickBooks asks your controller to be an admin for him to access your company file. You can check this link for more information: QuickBooks Desktop Users and Restrictions.

 

Here's how:

  1. Go to the QuickBooks Desktop Apps Store.
  2. Log in and enter keywords in the text box like "Import estimates."
  3. Click the Search button.
  4. Scroll down to see the available apps you can integrate with QuickBooks Desktop.
  5. Click the Compare button beside the applications.
  6. Select the Compare button below the search bar to see the features they offer.
  7. Click the View profile button of the app that caught your attention to see the specific details of the service they offer.
  8. Follow the on-screen instruction to integrate it successfully.

You may also consider checking this article to learn how to import .IIF file to QuickBooks Desktop: IIF Overview: import kit, sample files, and headers.

 

I've included this reference for your future task in case you want to track specific aspects of your business: Understand reports. This contains sub-articles such as customizing and combining reports from two or more company files.

 

If you'll need further assistance, just notify me by leaving a message in the comment section. I'll be happier to help. Have a good one.

radgc
Level 1

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

ok got it. As for the restrictions for the controller....for her to import IIF files whether via qkbks or third party....does she need to be an admin? 

Jovychris_A
Moderator

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

Hi @radgc.

 

Yes, she needs to be an admin or you can give her all the privilege to access your QuickBooks Desktop company file. This way, the user can import the IIF file for estimates successfully. Also, you can back up your company file before importing IIF files so that you can restore the changes in case you run into an error.

 

Here's the sample IIF file for an estimate: Estimate.iif.

 

Additionally, you can reference the articles that are shared by my colleague, Maybelle_S for more details about creating and importing IIF files in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

If you have other concerns about importing lists and files, please fill me in. I'll make sure to get back to you.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

@radgc 

Prepare the Estimate data with the following template

CustomerTransaction DateRefNumberPO NumberClassTemplate NameTo Be PrintedBillTo Line1BillTo Line2BillTo Line3BillTo Line4BillTo CityBillTo StateBillTo PostalCodeBillTo CountryShipTo Line1ShipTo Line2ShipTo Line3ShipTo Line4ShipTo CityShipTo StateShipTo PostalCodeShipTo CountryPhoneFaxEmailContact NameFirst NameLast NameRepTermsDue DateCustomer MessageMemoCust. Tax CodeItemQuantityDescriptionPriceItem Line ClassFOBCustomer Acct NoMarkupMarkup is PercentSales Tax ItemTo Be E-MailedOtherOther1Other2Unit of MeasureCurrencyExchange RateSales Tax Code
Home Town Bank01/10/2020100999  YHome Town BankOne Hundred State Street  AnytownNJ12345USAHome Town BankOne Hundred State Street  AnytownNJ12345USA(123) 456-7890      Net 30 Days  Remodel Cabinet2Cabinets1000             Non
Home Town Bank01/10/2020100999  YHome Town BankOne Hundred State Street  AnytownNJ12345USAHome Town BankOne Hundred State Street  AnytownNJ12345USA(123) 456-7890         Remodel Hardware4Hardware100             Non
Jane's Supermarket01/10/2020200123  NJane's SupermarketOne Main Street  AnytownNJ12345USAJane's SupermarketOne Main Street  AnytownNJ12345USA(999) 999-9999         Rehab Wood Door1Wood Door500             Non
Johnnies Sunoco02/10/2020201   NJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USAJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USA          Rehab Flooring100Wood Flooring10             Non
Johnnies Sunoco02/10/2020201   NJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USAJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USA          Rehab Wallpaper100White Wallpaper10             Non
Johnnies Sunoco02/10/2020201   NJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USAJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USA          Rehab Lights5Overhead Lights50             Non
Johnnies Sunoco02/10/2020201   NJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USAJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USA          Rehab Draperies10Blue Draperies500             Non

 

then you may utilize one of these importer tools

https://transactionpro.grsm.io/qbd

https://partners.saasant.com/affiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=5051_2

 

ShulyM
Level 2

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

I'm looking into streamlining our agency client billing process, from the time of client billing submission by the media team to creating the invoice in our QB desktop by accounting team.

 

Currently, our process is as such: 

  1. media team provides accounting with the SOW (pdf format) via email
  2. Invoice is created and info from SOW is manually typed to an invoice in QB, (each media buy separately)

However, if media buys are different from the SOW, media team types the changes in the email. And again, the accounting team copies/paste into an invoice created in the system (QB). 

 

As you can imagine it is extremely time consuming, error prone, and inefficient. There must be a better way and it is time for a change!

My question is - if the SOW is submitted in a different format, which format should it be so we would be able to be in order to upload to QB desktop? 

However if there are any recommendation in how to make our processes more efficient that would be extremely helpful.

Much thanks!

ShulyM
Level 2

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

to add on here -

Is there a template to prepare the client invoice with the data? where do I find various templates if so?

as for templates for credit card transactions to upload into the QBDT, is that something I find within the online banking transaction, e.g. JP Morgan credit card, Amex?

 

Rasa-LilaM
QuickBooks Team

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

Thank you for posting on this thread, ShulyM.


I know how important it is for your business to streamline the process of your client’s billing. This can help you save time and prevent errors in your records.


The desktop program utilizes different types of files to store various kinds of data. For detailed lists, you can read through this article: File types and extensions used by QuickBooks Desktop.


Since your state of work (SOW) is submitted in a different format, I suggest using a third-party application to upload it to your company file. You can visit the QuickBooks Desktop App Center to find one that will help you easily bring the information into your company file. This ensures the file format is compatible with the one in the program.


To speed up the process, enter a keyword in the Search box or use the Categories section to select the specific functionality. You can read customers’ feedback to help decide which app will suit your business needs.


For your other concern, the desktop program uses a . QBO file to download your bank data. For more details, check the following guide: Download Bank Feed transactions. Then go directly to the Download using Web Connect section for the complete steps.


Also, the links below will guide you on how to efficiently handle all your banking and sales-related activities. The topics include making a deposit, categorizing bank entries, reconciling an account, receiving payments, processing a refund or credit, personalizing sales forms to name a few.

 

 

Drop a comment below if you have additional questions on how to upload credit card transactions or SOW. I’ll be right here ready to answer them for you. Have a good one.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

@ShulyM 

You can prepare Invoice, Bank Statement and CC Charges data with the following templates

CustomerTransaction DateRefNumberPO NumberTermsClassTemplate NameTo Be PrintedShip DateBillTo Line1BillTo Line2BillTo Line3BillTo Line4BillTo CityBillTo StateBillTo PostalCodeBillTo CountryShipTo Line1ShipTo Line2ShipTo Line3ShipTo Line4ShipTo CityShipTo StateShipTo PostalCodeShipTo CountryPhoneFaxEmailContact NameFirst NameLast NameRepDue DateShip MethodCustomer MessageMemoCust. Tax CodeItemQuantityDescriptionPriceIs PendingItem Line ClassService DateFOBCustomer Acct NoSales Tax ItemTo Be E-MailedOtherOther1Other2Unit of MeasureAR AccountCurrencyExchange RateSales Tax Code
Anne's Bakery01/09/2020100    Y15/09/2020Anne's BakeryOne Harbor Street  AnytownNY12345USAAnne's BakeryOne Harbor Street  AnytownNY12345USA(123) 456-7890          NonCabinets10Cabinets1000              Non
Anne's Bakery01/09/2020100    Y15/09/2020Anne's BakeryOne Harbor Street  AnytownNY12345USAAnne's BakeryOne Harbor Street  AnytownNY12345USA(123) 456-7890          NonHardware10Hardware50              Non
John's Barber Shope02/09/2020101    Y15/09/2020John's Barber Shope1 Main Street  AnytownNY12345USAJohn's Barber Shope1 Main Street  AnytownNY12345USA(999) 888-8888          NonBlueprints1Blueprints500              Non

 

Bank AccountTransaction DatePayeeChk No.AccountAmountMemoClassBillableBillable Entity
Checking01/09/2020AT&T123Utilities:Telephone-100Check Payment N 
Checking02/09/2020Jane Doe141Product Sales150Deposit N 

 

Credit Card AccountPayeeTransaction DateRefNumberMemoAddress Line1Address Line2Address Line3Address Line4Address CityAddress StateAddress PostalCodeAddress CountryVendor Acct NoExpenses AccountExpenses AmountExpenses MemoExpenses ClassExpenses CustomerExpenses BillableItems ItemItems QtyItems DescriptionItems CostItems ClassItems CustomerItems BillableCurrencyExchange Rate
QuickBooks Credit CardBarnes and Noble01/09/20201 1 Main Street   AnytownNY12345USA Misc Supplies100             
QuickBooks Credit CardMcDonald's03/09/20202 1 Jones Street   AnytownNY12345USA Meals25  ABC CompanyY         
QuickBooks Credit CardJoe's Taxi05/09/20203 1 Felt Ave   AnytownNY12345USA Transportation200             
VisaGulf Gas01/09/20204 1 North Ave   AnytownNY12345USA Fuel25             

 

then utilize one of the importer tools I mentioned earlier

 

If your banks only offers bank statements in PDF formats, utilize this converter tool

https://www.moneythumb.com/?ref=110

 

ShulyM
Level 2

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

Many thanks, this is extremely helpful, Asia and all.

 

I have viewed a couple of third party softwares that are compatible with QuickBooks desktop.

they are: SaasAnt and Zed Axis.

Which would be of preference in terms of efficiency and simplicity, as well as reasonably priced?

 

any feedback would be appreciated.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Can i import my excel estimate into quickbooks without doing any changes

@ShulyM 

If you only need to import data for the next 2 years or less, Saasant is a better option.

https://partners.saasant.com/affiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=5051_2

 

But if you need an importer tool for more than 2 years, TPI offers a one time license.

https://transactionpro.grsm.io/qbd

 

 

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