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Precision Accountaholics
Level 2

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

Hello To All

How can I add time cost to an estimate? Or is the time cost feature only available on the invoice since estimates are a non-posting transaction. If that's the case is there a workaround so when converting the estimate to an invoice the time converts as well? 

 

Version: QuickBooks 2018 Contractor 

 

Thanks in advance for any assistance

Dorothy Schaller     

Solved
Best answer March 26, 2019

Best Answers
Kristine Mae
Moderator

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

Yes, you're making total sense, Dorothy Schaller.

 

I see that you're trying to add the time from the timesheet to an estimate.

 

For now, you can only link the timesheet to an invoice. Once you bill a customer and create an invoice, the time will be converted. You can continue doing this process. Though, if you still want to create an estimate for recording purposes, you'll have to manually enter the time in the QTY column.  Then, don't convert it to invoice. Just close it manually by clicking the Mark as inactive button. Refer to the screenshot below. 

 

SC.PNG

 

Let us know if you have more questions. We'll get back to you as soon as we can. 

 

View solution in original post

7 Comments 7
Kristine Mae
Moderator

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

You can add time cost to an estimate, Dorothy Schaller.

 

You will add the time in the QTY column and it will be added on the invoice once it's converted.

 

Here's how to create an estimate:

  1. Click Customers.
  2. Choose Create Estimates.
  3. Fill in the necessary fields.
  4. Click Save & Close.

Then, here's how to convert it to invoice:

  1. Click Customers.
  2. Choose Create Invoices, then choose the customer.
  3. In the Available Estimates window, choose the transaction, then click OK.
  4. Click Save & Close.

I've attached screenshots to guide you. 

 

 

 

 

Let us know if you have other questions. We're here from time to time. 

singram90
Level 1

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

Is it possible to create an invoice from multiple estimates?

KhimG
QuickBooks Team

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

Thanks for coming to the Community for help, @singram90.


I want to share some information about invoices and estimates in QuickBooks Desktop.


Estimates are typically used to bid, propose or quote a customer. The Customer Job is what defines this transaction. Since one customer can have multiple jobs, the option to convert several estimates with different jobs to one invoice is not possible.

Here are some helpful articles to know more about these transactions:

That should do it. Click the Reply button below if you have additional questions, I’m always here to help. Take care!

Precision Accountaholics
Level 2

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

Hello Kristine,

I greatly appreciate the screenshots that were provided!

The time cost column that you have represented with an arrow I already have that available in my estimate but it does not correlate to the information for the time cost information that I have already saved in my time/cost list. 

 

Having said that I'm thinking since the time cost button does not appear on estimates as it does on invoices. It's not possible because invoices are a posting transaction and estimates are not one cannot bring a posting item into a nonposting item.

 

Does that make sense? 

Thanks in advance  

Kristine Mae
Moderator

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

Yes, you're making total sense, Dorothy Schaller.

 

I see that you're trying to add the time from the timesheet to an estimate.

 

For now, you can only link the timesheet to an invoice. Once you bill a customer and create an invoice, the time will be converted. You can continue doing this process. Though, if you still want to create an estimate for recording purposes, you'll have to manually enter the time in the QTY column.  Then, don't convert it to invoice. Just close it manually by clicking the Mark as inactive button. Refer to the screenshot below. 

 

SC.PNG

 

Let us know if you have more questions. We'll get back to you as soon as we can. 

 

Precision Accountaholics
Level 2

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

Thanks a bunch for the speedy reply!  You have answered my question in it entirely and confirmed the workaround I have been using.

 

Hopefully, it's a feature that will be added down the road. Because as a contractor I now see why it takes so long to get an estimate out to the customer. If the file is set up correctly. The time/cost has the cost tied to certain jobs which would be nice to just selected from the list instead of manually entering every time. 

 

Let me finish this thread by saying it's greatly appreciated!

Dorothy S.  

Kristine Mae
Moderator

How to convert an estimate into an invoice

I'm glad I was able to help you, Dorothy S.

 

I will pass your feedback to our management team so they can send your great idea to our software engineers. This will be reviewed and might be included in our future updates.

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have other concerns. Have a good day! 

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