Item Column on Estimates and Sales Orders Change in version 20

Thank you for the detailed information, @maggie1516.

I haven't found any ongoing investigations about this issue. To narrow down the cause of this behavior, we can start by verifying and rebuilding data in QuickBooks Desktop. This process helps self-identifies the most commonly known data issues within a company file and resolves most data integrity issues. 

Here's are the steps:

1. Go to the Window tab beside Help, then choose Close All.
2. To verify the data, choose File then Utilities. Select Verify Data. If you see:
   • "QuickBooks detected no problems with your data," no further action is needed.
   • A specific error message, there may already be an article for it. Try searching for it in our QuickBooks Desktop support site for specific instructions.
   • "Your data has lost integrity," indicates there is data damage in the file. Continue to the steps below to Rebuild Data to correct the problem.

To rebuild the data:

1. Choose File, Utilities then Rebuild Data.
2. You will receive a warning message to backup your company file, press OK. A rebuild requires a company file backup beforehand because in rare cases the process may need to delete transactions or list entries to fix the file. A backup of your company file will ensure you have a secured copy of your company file before any changes are made to it.
3. Select where you want to save your backup, then select OK at the bottom of the QuickBooks Desktop Backup window.
   • If the backup fails, select Cancel at the Rebuild prompt and contact Payroll Support for additional assistance.
   • If a message asks if you want to replace another backup file, select NO. Enter a new name in the File name field and click Save.
4. The Rebuild Data utility starts as soon as the backup is finished.
5. Click OK when you get the message "Rebuild has completed".

If you detected no errors, we can proceed by resorting your inventory lists to organize them to its original order. This can be done by opening your item list, then select Re-sort List from the View tab.

For additional references about this action, check out these articles:

• Verify and Rebuild Data in QuickBooks Desktop
• Re-sort lists in QuickBooks Desktop

After following these steps, you should now be able to create your transactions as before. In case you need tips while working with QuickBooks in the future, feel free to skim through our help articles.

If you have any other questions, mention me in the comment section below. I'll get back to you as quickly as I can. Have a good day!

actually, I don't think it's a company file issue.  I'm sure that this change was meant to be helpful and for people who do use manufacturing part numbers, I bet it's invaluable.  I've attached a screenshot here.  As you can see, we don't usually use manufacturing part numbers. there are only 2 items that use them but because they exist, the whole list is moved over.  Does that make sense?  I'm hoping that if I delete all manufacturing part numbers and all of those fields are blank, then maybe the description field will move closer to the left, next to the item number.  but, if the manufacturer's part field is now part of that drop down, even if it's empty, it might still give us that big blank space.

Thanks for coming back to us @maggie1516,

I understand how important it is to have this pop up option to your business. I'd recommend contacting our QuickBooks Technical Support, so they can take a quick glance at your file. 

This way, they can create a case for you and investigate further. You can reach them through:

1. In your QuickBooks, go to Help or pres F1.
2. Scroll down and click the Contact us link.
3. In the Contact Us page, enter a brief description of your case in the Ask us anything field.
4. Hit Search.
5. Choose Start a Message or Get Phone Number.

I'm also adding this article about advanced inventory that I'm sure you'll find helpful. It has detailed steps that'll guide you in tracking your inventory stored at different locations or sites.

Please know that we're always here if you need help with anything else, so don't hesitate to reply anytime. Take care and I wish you have a nice day ahead.

In case anyone else found this change annoying, I did get on with a tech support rep and she was able to replicate what I was seeing but did not see any preferences or way to edit what I saw.  On a whim, I did delete all of the manufacturer part numbers that existed to see if all the fields were empty, then my description would move back towards the left and let me see it again. it didn't work.

final "resolution" was for me to send feedback and suggest a change to the program. 

We have the same problem/question Maggie.  QuickBooks, is there a way to modify the columns in a Item drop down in a Sales Order? In addition to Maggie's issue, it would dbe great to modify all the columns so proper data is presented when entering a SO. Similar to the customize report feature where you can modify the data you want to appear on a report.

Maggie, have you tried the <Find & Select> option on the item drop down in a SO? This is our new favorite way to enter a SO. Click down arrow to get the inventory list as usual, scroll to the very top and select <Find & Select>. This will open a brand new inventory window with an empty check box next to each item. You can search and find inventory any way you want, and checkmark the item/items you want to add to SO.

Hi there, @Open_for_Business. 

Thanks for taking the time to follow along with the thread and sharing your concerns. 

You can customize the columns in sales orders by adding and removing columns. I've included some steps to do this below. 

1. From the sales order, select the Formatting tab.
2. Tap on Customize Data Layout. 
3. Click on the Columns tab. 
   • 
4. From there, choose which columns you wish to add or remove. 

You can see additional details about this process in Use and customize form templates in QuickBooks Desktop. 

 Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I'll be here every step of the way. Take care! 

Thanks Tori.  Sorry for confusion, the columns we would like to change are only what shows in the item drop down when entering a SO.  In the screen shot, can we change what is displayed in this drop down?

I appreciate your clarifications regarding your query, @Open_for_Business. I’m here to provide further information about customizing the item drop down of your sales order.

I understand the convenience of being able to customize the drop down list of items on the sales order form. However, we’re unable to personalize them as of the moment. 

I can see how beneficial it is for your business. With this, I recommend sending your feedback to our developer team. From there, you can request some feature addition that might be included for the future updates.

Here's how:

1. Go to the Help menu and then click Send Feedback Online.
2. Select Product Suggestion.
3. Choose the type of feedback.
4. Enter your suggestions.
5. Once done, click Send Feedback.

Additionally, you can import templates or create a new one from the Lists menu. This way, you can add the information that needs to show on the form. For more information about this, check out this article: Use and customize form templates.

If you encounter any issues while customizing them, here's how to troubleshoot common issues when using and customizing templates.

Please keep in touch if there's anything else I can do for you regarding sales order or any sales forms in QuickBooks Desktop. It'll be my pleasure to help you. Wishing you and your business all the best!