Fix "the name supplied already exists" error message in QuickBooks Online

If you see the error “The name supplied already exists. Another customer, vendor, or employee is already using this name.", this is usually caused by the following:

• Importing data from QuickBooks Desktop or turning on payroll after adding employees in QuickBooks Online.
• The customer, vendor, or employee name you're trying to add or import already exists in QuickBooks Online.

Step 1: Find the duplicate vendor, employee, or customer

Search for a duplicate name of the vendor, employee, or customer you’re trying to add in QuickBooks Online.

1. Select + New, then select Check.
2. In the Payee▼ dropdown, enter the name you’re trying to add.
3. Duplicate names appear on the list, and you’ll know if they’re added as a vendor, employee, or customer.

Step 2: Update the employee, vendor, or customer info

After finding the duplicate name, you can either change the name or make the profile inactive if it is no longer in use.

1. Depending on what you need to edit, do one of the following:
   • Employees: Go to Payroll, then Employees (Take me there).
   • Vendors: Go to Expenses, then Vendors (Take me there).
   • Customers: Go to Sales, then Customers (Take me there). 
2. Find and select the duplicate name and do one of the following:
   • Edit the employee, vendor, or customer name.  For example, add a middle initial or a [1] at the end.
   • If the profile you’re editing is no longer active or in use, make it inactive. 

Step 3: Add the employee, vendor, or customer again

Now you can try to add your employee, vendor, or customer again. If you’re still getting the error, contact us for assistance.