Import with commas corrupts data

Thanks for reaching out to us here in the Community, Mzbl. Let me help you import and correct the formatting styles when entering amounts from a CSV file.

When importing inventories using Google Sheets or CSV files in QuickBooks Online, this will identify the amounts as two different values if they're separated by a comma in one single field. You'll need to ensure the comma separator for the amounts entered from the text fields aren't indicated to refrain your file from errors.

Additionally, you can manually turn off the comma separator from the Excel format. This way, commas on the amounts field will not appear when entering them. To guide you how, please refer to the steps below.

Here's how:

     1. Open the file you modified and select the cell you want to format. (Example: $1,100)

     2. From the Home tab, click the Dialog Box Launcher next to Number.

     3. From the Format Cells window, select Number on the Category lists.

     4. Uncheck the Use 1000 Separator (,) checkbox to hide the thousands separator.

     5. Once done, select OK.

Furthermore, you'll want to check out this reference to learn more about some of the frequently asked questions when importing data: Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online.

Let us know in the comments below if you have additional questions or other QuickBooks concerns. We'll gladly have you back here and assist you further. Keep safe!

Thank you for your reply! Unfortunately the commas are also present in other fields, e.g. the Product Name. I'm curious about the article that lists comma as a valid character (second in the list). https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/account-management/acceptable-charact... Can you clarify ? 

Thanks for returning to this thread. Commas shouldn't lead to errors when importing inventory items in QuickBooks Online, Mzbl. I also like to clarify the information provided in the article you added. 

The comma:, is recognized as one of the approved special characters for creating lists. The article is not only intended for importing data like inventory. The list of accepted characters, including comma: , is also entering information inside QuickBooks. As stated in the article, you can use those accepted characters to successfully input the company name, Customers, Vendors, Products and Services, or the Chart of Accounts.

Here's a sample screenshot:

Going back to your original concern, wouldn't you mind adding the specific error you got during the import process? That way we can correct and fix this behavior in no time. You can also provide a screenshot. Just make sure to cover all the important details.

Additionally, you can download CSV file, Excel file and Google Sheet sample for reference when mapping data in the Excel before importing them in the program. Here's how:

1. Go to the Gear icon.
2. Select Import data.
3. Pick Product and Services.
4. Click the Download a sample file or Preview a sample link.
   

Here's an article for additional guidance: Import products and services into QuickBooks Online. This link provides information about importing lists in QuickBooks.

Visit again if you have more concerns about the process. I'm here together with my colleague to help you further. Take care and stay safe.

Thanks again; I created a test google sheet with one item that gives an error. The item has sales description with the following contents: Air Jordan 9 Retro 'Dream It, Do It'

The attached import screenshot shows that the field got split up and part of it ended up in "Purchase cost". 

Hi there, @Mzbl.

Thank you for adding a snapshot of your concern. This gives me a better insight into importing products and services in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

Based on the screenshot you’ve added it seems that it’s in your CSV file or Google Sheets causing the item description to be unaligned when imported. In this, we can review your Excel file and ensure that your item description is entered into its designated cell.

I’m also adding a picture of my file for your reference, and please take note that the information entered into it is just an example. Moreover, you’re correct that the acceptable characters in QuickBooks Online include the comma (,).

After you review your file, let’s proceed to import this one to see how it should be mapped in QBO. Following the correct mapping of the information is important to see details in its respective section. In this, start uploading your file and click Next.

Once done, compare your file to the correct order of fields in the Map Data section. After that, click Next and see how your details are added to the application. Lastly, click the Import button to finish the process.

When everything is done, we can verify if it has been successfully imported by following the steps below:

1. Go to the Gear icon and select Product and services.
2. Look for the item you have imported and review the details.
3. You can also click the Edit button to double-check.
   

Feel free to add a comment if you have more concerns about importing products and services. I'm always here to help. Have a good one!

Thank you for taking a look; I'm going to make my test google sheet public for view access and would appreciate a review. Note that majority of products that don't have the commas import correctly from the same file, so I'm hopeful that mapping is setup correctly. Here's the google sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17rTrYOFBLUn_RDeZP9vEb2vFA9B6a43C-86KI53C8sY/edit?usp=sharing

I'll work with you until you import the product and services with commas in your account, @Mzbl. I'm committed to helping you resolve this issue quickly and efficiently.

Thank you for making your test Google sheet public. Based on your screenshot, the setup is accurate. The comma won't matter, as these are supporting characters. I've tried importing the data into my sample account, and the Sales description is not split up to the Purchase cost. See the sample screenshot below for more reference: 

In addition, ensure that your company name and any lists use the supported characters to avoid or remedy any errors. Then make sure to use a consistent straight single quote (’ ), not the curl one ( ’ ). 

If the issue persists, you can add the inventory manually if this is the only item that cannot import accurately.

Another option is contacting our Customer Care Team, as I haven't seen any reported cases of imports. They can review your account in a safe place and provide further troubleshooting to fix the issue.

Here's how:

1. Go to the Help menu and select Search.
2. Choose Contact Us.
3. Enter your concern in the field and click Continue.
4. Hit Start a chat or Get a call and complete the needed information.

Ensure to call them within business hours for a swift response. 

Lastly, check out the following articles below to learn the frequently asked questions for the import process in QuickBooks:

• Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online
• Import products and services with sub-categories and sub-items

I'm always here to help if you have other QuickBooks-related concerns. Just leave your message below and I'll get back to you. 

I've added a second sheet called "Numeric issue" to the same Google sheet. This one has a cost value that contains a comma -- same problem. You can see in the attached screenshot that it also uploads corrupted data. I'm curious if you tried to import from the Google sheet directly ? 

Google doc again: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17rTrYOFBLUn_RDeZP9vEb2vFA9B6a43C-86KI53C8sY/edit?usp=sharing

Hello there, @Mzbl. I got your back to ensure you'll able to import your inventory via Google Sheets in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

I can see that you did everything you could to fix the corrupted data file. To further investigate the root cause of the issue, I recommend reaching out to our Technical Support team. Once connected, you can request a screen share session so they can configure and check your setup. Here's how:

1. Go to the Help menu and click Search.
2. Then, enter a brief description of your concern and select Continue.
3. Next, choose either Start a chat or Get a callback.

For reference about importing data in QuickBooks: Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online.

It's also easy to monitor the status of your inventory as well as those items you buy and sell by running inventory reports in QBO.

If you have other concerns importing your inventory in QuickBooks. Have a good one and stay safe.