cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
8v269012
Level 2

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

Is there a way to convert multiple inventory items to non-inventory items? Seems like Ive been entering items incorrectly for years. Well buy parts for an order, as an inventory item, instead of non-inventory. So I have multiple items that I need to convert, is there a way to do that?

9 Comments 9
Alessandra_B
QuickBooks Team

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

Hey @8v269012,

 

There's currently no option to change an inventory item to non-inventory in QuickBooks Desktop. But I have a workaround you might want to consider.

 

As a workaround, you can duplicate your inventory item as a non-inventory item and zero. After this, you'll need to zero out your inventory items to move them to your Cost of Goods Sold account. Then you can then inactivate the inventory item and use the non-inventory item moving forward.

 

You may follow these steps in creating a non-inventory item:

  1. Click on Lists from the menu bar.
  2. Choose Item List.
  3. Under the Item drop-down, click on New.
  4. Choose Non-Inventory Part under the Type drop-down.
  5. Enter the Name and other information. Note that you need to enter a name different from the inventory name.
  6. Click on OK.

Once done, here's how you can adjust your inventory quantity:

  1. Click on Inventory from the menu bar.
  2. Choose Adjust Quantity/Value on Hand.
  3. Enter the item name.
  4. Enter 0 under the New Quantity column.
  5. Click on Save & Close.

Once complete, you may now inactivate your inventory item. Kindly follow these steps:

  1. Click on Lists from the menu bar.
  2. Choose Item List.
  3. Select the inventory item.
  4. Check the Item is inactive checkbox.
  5. Click on OK.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any other concerns. I'll be sure to get back to you.

8v269012
Level 2

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

I have about 9K items, is there a way to do this for multiple items, or do you have to do this one at a time?

HoneyLynn_G
QuickBooks Team

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

Hi there, @8v269012.

 

I appreciate you coming back to us for additional support. Allow me to join this thread and clear this up for you.

 

Currently, the duplicate items feature is only available if the item you're copying is with the same type. So, duplicating your inventory item as a non-inventory item isn't possible. However, you can add non-inventory items by batch.

  1. On the top menu, click Lists.
  2. Choose Add/Edit Multiple List Entries.
    1.JPG
  3. On the List field, choose Non-inventory parts.
  4. Enter the necessary information. You can manually enter the data or copy and paste it from Excel.
  5. Click Save Changes.
    2.JPG

For additional reference, you can check this article: Add and edit multiple customers, vendors, and items.

 

That should help you save time and effort, @8v269012.

 

Keep me posted on how these steps work out for you. I'll be here to keep helping if you have further questions about items. Have a great day ahead.

8v269012
Level 2

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

I was thinking to export the inventory list, then change the designation on the spreadsheet, and import it back into GB. Is that something that can be done?

FritzF
Moderator

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

I appreciate you getting back to us, @8v269012.

 

Allow me to chime in and share some additional information about converting inventory to non-inventory items in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT).

 

Yes! You can export the item list to Excel spreadsheet and edit it from there instead. Let me show you how:

 

1. Go to the File menu at the top.
2. On the drop-down, pick Utilities, Export, and IIF Files.

185.PNG
3. Choose the Item List on the Export window, then OK.

186.PNG

 

Once done, right-click the exported file and select Open With, then Microsoft Excel. Make the necessary changes and save.

 

After that, import it to your QuickBooks. Before we proceed, make sure to back up your company file because this process can't be undone. Here's how:

 

1. Go to the File menu and pick Switch to Single-user Mode.
2. Go back to the File menu and select Backup Company, then Create Local Backup.

187.PNG
3. On the Create Backup window, choose Local Backup then click the Options button.
4. Click Browse on the Backup Options window and pick a location, then hit OK.

188.PNG

 

Once done, here's how to import the file:

 

1. Return to the File menu.
2. On the drop-down, pick Utilities, Import, and IIF Files.

189.PNG

3. Select Import IIF.

190.PNG

 

That should get you pointed in the right direction. For additional information, check out this article for further guidance: Tasks you can do with IIF files.

 

Please mention me in the comment to let me know how it goes or if you have any follow-up questions. I'm always here to help. Have a great weekend.

export limitations
Level 1

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

The current items he would like to convert will not change.  Correct?  This is just a solution to add the new items with the right category? 

JessT
Moderator

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

You're right, export limitations.

 

8v269012 won’t be able to change the item type, and so he has to re-add the items with the correct type (non-inventory).


The steps shared by HoneyLynn and Fritz are the best way to enter them in batch. However, I just want to re-iterate what Alessandra said that we’re unable to enter items with the same name. Therefore, he has to rename and inactivate the existing inventory items in batch first before re-adding them.

 

You can always jump back in when you have more questions.

 

Have a nice day!

BoxesNearMe1
Level 2

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

Hello Alassandra,

 

Have been trying to do the same thing for a different reason.  I want to exclude inactive items from showing up on the Gopayment app.  How I see QB works is if there is any transaction in a product file it cannot be converted to a non-inventory item.  This applies to inventory adjustments as well.    One solution would be to apply a custom date range that tells QBs what is inventory and what is not.  This would be a solution to this problem and my problem in the app. 

To me this problem is a result of poorly defined program parameters.  This problem would have been avoided if beta testing includes people that have experience in business and using QBs?  

Mark_R
QuickBooks Team

Convert Inventory to Non-Inventory Items

Thanks for joining the thread, @BoxesNearMe1.

 

I can see how it would be beneficial to your company to convert inventory to non-inventory items easily in QB. But what we can do right now is to duplicate your inventory item as mentioned by my colleague .

 

I want to let you know that we're taking note of your feedback and suggestions to improve the experience we're providing.

 

On the other hand, if you wish to be included in any beta testing in QuickBooks, I suggest contacting our QuickBooks Customer Care. This way, they can add you to work with the beta testing.

 

You might also want to read this article to learn more about beta testing: Beta Test Your Products and Services for Success.

 

You can always get back to me if you have any other questions. It'll be my pleasure to help you.

Need to get in touch?

Contact us