Can I create an estimate form template that includes specific line items?

Hi there, @usersrstephentn.

I'll share some learning about estimates in QuickBooks Online (QBO). 

Yes, both questions. You can create an Estimate template with the line items filled in using the Recurring transaction. That way, they will update products or services in QBO when you fill in the quantity and price numbers. 

Let me guide you how: 

1. Go to the Plus icon, then chose Estimates. 
2. Complete all the necessary data in the field. 
3. Hit the Make Recurring button on the bottom part.
4. In the Type drop-down arrow, choose Unschedule. So, you're able to copy and edit the customer's name anytime you need it. 
5. Tap Save Template. 

For more information, check out these articles:

• Create recurring transactions in QuickBooks Online. 
• Edit a recurring template

I've added some articles about importing templates, memorizing reports, and other topics.

• Memorize reports in QuickBooks Online
• Import custom form styles for invoices or estimates
• Sales and customers
• Expenses and vendors

Please let me know if you have any more questions or concerns. I'm only a Reply away. Have a good rest of your day!

I finally got to try this out and I'm not sure this is what I need. I went into the Recurring Transaction area and could not save a template without put a customer in.

The templates I want to create are for any customer, or in many cases, a potential customer. The idea is to have the line items filled in so that the quantity for each line item is the only thing that needs to be filled in.

How can I create a template  the is pre-populated with line items?

Hello there, @usersrstephentn.

Currently, we're unable to create a template with pre-populated line items in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

However, you can create your template and import it in QBO. You can check this link for more information: Import custom from styles for invoices or estimates.

I've also added this article about customizing estimates in QBO: Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts.

Drop a comment below if you have other questions. I'm always here to help. Take care!

I’m having the same issue, did you figure something out?

Has Quickbooks resolved this issue yet? I too, wish to have a prefilled estimate which include line items I use on a regular basis. This has to be something that can be updated by QB’s to accommodate your customers needs.

I’m so tired of qbo having so many limitations that never get addressed after so many customer request more suitable solutions for their businesses. 

we need something similar to what contractor tools does to allow us to quickly created estimates. Having a template that doesn’t require a customer already in it shouldn’t be too hard to implement. Everything seems to be an issue for qbo. Please listen to your customers. They are what keeps your business afloat after all. 

So I think I found something that will work. I was in the same boat, trying to build an estimate template for a residential construction builder. So this is what I did. I created a bogus company named "Template Customer," then created an estimate, selected the Template Customer, then typed in all potential line items, with 0 as quantity, and the rate amount to whatever is appropriate. So this way, there is no actual estimate out there messing with your account (since it will be a $0 total amount). Then when you want to create a new estimate, select this Template Customer estimate, hit "more," then "copy" down on the bottom, and rename it and select the current customer. This seems to work! Let me know if it works for you.

See my reply below. I hope this works for you!

*** Solution ***

Hello.  I had the same issue, and I believe i have found what you are looking for.  Go to Sales on the menu and click on the product and services tab.  Then click the New button in the upper right area, and then click on bundle.  You can then make an "item" with multiple items or services.  So create a lawn mowing bundle with the mowing and treatment in one bundle that you can add to any customer/estimate.

Hello, DKalinec. 

We from the Community and QuickBooks appreciate you for helping another user by sharing your ideas about the solution help resolve your issues. 

I'm sure other users will find this helpful too.  

I've also got these helpful articles for future reference: 

• Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online
• Import custom form styles for invoices or estimates 

Keep on sharing your ideas in the Community. Thanks and have a great day!

 I create recurring estimate but it is not shown in estimate column . its really hard to make new estimate everytime. Please help me to cure this.

Once this template is created where do you locate these templates at?

Thanks for joining the thread, @lovella111408.

Let me guide you to locate the new created template. 

Here's how:

1. Click the Gear icon.
2. Under Your Company, click Custom Form Styles.
3. Select the name of the template.

You can also consider this option by selecting the customized template in the Invoice page. Here's how:

1. Click the Plus (+) icon, then select Invoice.
2. In the lower middle part of the Invoice, click Customize.
3. Select the created template.

For more details, I'm adding these articles that will guide you with the process above:

• Convert an estimate into an invoice in QuickBooks Online
• Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online

Feel free to get back to this thread if you have other questions about managing custom templates in QuickBooks. I'll be happy to assist you again. Keep safe and enjoy the rest of the day!

I'm having the same issue.  Kind of crazy that at this level something as basic as this cannot be done, especially at the $200/month price point.  Come on QBO- you can make this happen!!

I cannot find my templates either of the ways you mentioned.  Any other suggestions or has there been a fix to creating pre-populated forms in the nearly 1-2 years since these postings?

To locate the recurring template and edit the schedule: Select the Gear icon and select Recurring Transactions. On the top left for Template Type: select All or type of template desired to edit. Select the desired template and select Edit.

Coming up on 3 years now, can we please get a template "feature". 

This kinda works, the issue is you can't label the estimates. So you either have to remember what # estimate corresponds to which service, or you need to click through a whole bunch looking for the right one your trying to use.

Thank you for joining this thread, karver35.

Labeling estimates is essential for efficiently identifying and retrieving the correct estimate template in QuickBooks Online (QBO). I want to provide some information on this matter.

Currently, the option to label or categorize estimates is unavailable. However, you can share your thoughts with our product developers, who may consider your suggestions for future updates. Here's how

1. Click on the Gear icon.
2. Select Feedback.
3. Enter your suggestion and click Submit Feedback.

Additionally, you can check out this article for tips on personalizing your estimates: Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online.

Moreover, once a customer accepts your estimate, you can easily convert that estimate directly into an invoice.

You can always return here whether you seek further clarification or have additional concerns about managing estimates in QBO. I'm always right here to ensure everything is taken care of.