How to add product category in Quickbooks Online when I have more than 200 items that needs to be done?

Good day, @MIKE_CDS. Thanks for sharing your concern in the QuickBooks Community. 

Certainly, there's a simpler method to categorize your products and services in QuickBooks Online. You can categorize them in batches to efficiently complete your task. I'd be glad to guide you through the process.

To begin, follow these steps to add a new product category in QuickBooks:

1. Go to Settings ⚙, then select Products & services.
2. Click More ▼, then Manage categories.
3. Select New category, then enter the name of the category.
4. Click Save.

Once completed, go to the Sales menu and select Product & services to categorize items with similar categories. Simply check the box for each item with the same categories and choose a category in the Assign category drop-down list.

For additional reference, you can check out this article: How to organize your products and services in QBO.

Additionally, you can generate various reports to gain valuable insights into your purchases, sales, and inventory status.

If you have more questions about product categories, feel free to ask here, and I'll be happy to assist you.

Dear Reymondo, 

Thank you for your input. However, my question is how to add "category" on my exiting items? 

Do I need to update it one by one?

Is there a quicker way to do it as I have more then 200 items. It would be time consuming if I need to do it one by one. 

I'll show you how to add a category to your existing items without doing it one by one, MIKE_CDS. 

Here's how you can create a new category:

1. Go to Sales, then choose Products & services.
2. Click the More dropdown, then select Manage categories.
3. Select New category, then create a name for it.
4. Hit Save.
   
   

Here's how to add the category to your existing items in one batch:

1. Locate and tick the box on the left side of all the items you want to add a category.
2. Click the Assign category dropdown.
3. Choose the category you made.
4. There will be a prompt that a new category is assigned. 
   
    

   

Moreover, I'll share an article to help you get insights on things you buy and sell, your best seller, and what's on hand: Use reports to see your sales and inventory status.

I'm still ready to back you up if you need more help adding new categories to your items. Just comment below, and I'll circle back to help you.

Hi,

I am trying to add a new category but when I get to the More button, there is only run report drop down,

not the Manage categories, so I am unable to go any further

Regards Phil

A cache-related issue is likely causing the inability to have the Manage Categories button in your account, Philip. If this is the case, we can go ahead and perform some basic troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.

You can follow the steps below:

To begin, sign in to your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account in an incognito window. It will prevent the browser history from being saved.

Please refer to the following keyboard shortcuts based on your browser type:

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Safari: Command + Shift + N

If operating in a private browsing session resolves the issue, it's advisable to clear your browser's cache to facilitate a reboot. This procedure is also applicable in other supported and up-to-date browsers. Clearing the cache helps in eliminating stored cache and cookies that are causing operational issues.

However, if the issue persists, I recommend you contact our Live Support Team to assist you with your concern using a screen-sharing session wherein you'll be provided with real-time assistance.
 

Here's how:

1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online (QBO) company.
2. Select (?) Help in the upper right corner of your screen.
3. Type a question or topic you need to help with, then select Contact a human.
    

Please check this reference to know the availability hours that will suit you: Support Hours.

Moreover, here's an article you can check to know more on how to group products depending on their categories: Group products and services into different categories in QuickBooks Online.

Furthermore, you can also read this page if you're trying to manage, remove, or reactivate items in QBO: Remove a product or service in QuickBooks Online.

Struggling with technical issues in QuickBooks Online? Simplify your experience with QuickBooks Live Assisted. Our Live Support Team offers real-time, personalized guidance through screen-sharing sessions. Get help with any complications—from cache issues to product groupings. Let's enhance your financial management effortlessly. 

Your success is important to us, Philip. Please perform these steps and know that you can always reach out if you encounter any more issues with managing your transactions in QBO. The Community is here for you.