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SKhan
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

I don't want these items in the inventory because I decided not to carry them at all.  why do I get the pop-up telling me item has been used in a transaction, Which is not true.
Solved
Best answer December 10, 2018

Best Answers
IntuitGiefril
Level 3

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Hello Khan

I'd be happy to help you with this.

Let's pull up the QuickReport for this inventory item to double-check if there are no transactions using it.

Here's how:

  1. From the Lists menu, choose Item List.
  2. Right click on the inventory item, and choose QuickReport: [Item Name].
  3. Choose All from the Dates drop down option, and click Refresh.
  4. If there are transactions on the report, just double click it, and press Ctrl+D on your keyboard.
  5. Click OK to confirm.

Then try deleting the inventory item again. If you can't find any transactions, your best bet is to make it inactive.

Let me know how it goes. I'll be waiting to hear back.

View solution in original post

22 Comments 22
IntuitGiefril
Level 3

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Hello Khan

I'd be happy to help you with this.

Let's pull up the QuickReport for this inventory item to double-check if there are no transactions using it.

Here's how:

  1. From the Lists menu, choose Item List.
  2. Right click on the inventory item, and choose QuickReport: [Item Name].
  3. Choose All from the Dates drop down option, and click Refresh.
  4. If there are transactions on the report, just double click it, and press Ctrl+D on your keyboard.
  5. Click OK to confirm.

Then try deleting the inventory item again. If you can't find any transactions, your best bet is to make it inactive.

Let me know how it goes. I'll be waiting to hear back.

SKhan
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Thank you very much.  I followed your instructions and was able to delete items from the inventory.  Thanks again.
IntuitGiefril
Level 3

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Hi Khan,

I'm glad that you were able to delete them. You can always post any questions here in the Community and we are happy to help.

Have great day!
llg
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Can you delete items even if they have transactions after you condense data?  Our item list is completely out of control.  Help
IntuitGiefril
Level 3

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Hello there @accounting

In order to completely delete an item, you'll need to make sure that there are no transactions associated with it. You can right click on the item you want to delete and select QuickReport to show all the transactions associated with it.
amelia2
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

There are not transaction on the QuickReport for the item I need to delete. But when I click delete a window pops up that says "Problem Although this list item is inactive, Quickbooks cannot delete it because it is used in at least one transation"
The best I can figure is maybe it was used on an Estimate but since that doesn't show on the QuickReport I can't find which Estimate. So how can I delete it. Having it as Inactive doesn't help cause I need to clean up my item list to make setting the price list easier. Even if the item is inactive it still shows up when setting the price list.
qbteachmt
Level 15

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

"I need to delete some but it won't let me because it says the item was used. If I could find where it is used I can delete the Estimate it was used on but I don't know how to find the Estimate"

Yes, I described it: Reports menu > Jobs, Time and Mileage reports. There is "Item Estimates Vs Actuals" right there; filter it for the items you want, which cannot be Left Inactive to Filter on them. They will show, if there were used, even if left inactive. Set your date range at the top to ALL.


qbteachmt
Level 15

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

"Although this list item is inactive,"

Open your Items List. At the bottom, Checkmark "Include Inactive." Now you see everything.

"maybe it was used on an Estimate but since that doesn't show on the QuickReport I can't find which Estimate"

Or, you likely have this inside a Group Item or an Assembly Item from Builds.

Or, a Service Item is in use on Timesheets. It is easy to see this, but you need Other Reports.

Reports menu > Jobs, Time and Mileage.

Examples: Time by Item. Item Profitability. Estimates vs Actuals Detail.

Or, you used a Charge item in a Mileage entry. Run the Mileage reports, from here.
amelia2
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

We are a building supply company and just have inventory items no service items and we don't assembly anything here so everything is individual items. I need to delete some but it won't let me because it says the item was used. If I could find where it is used I can delete the Estimate it was used on but I don't know how to find the Estimate.
ldevore
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Can I actually permanently delete an inventory assembly item?  We have a sitation where an item was edited and then a different one was added.  I need to delete the item completely so I can add it again.  I believe that when I delete it, it actually just makes it inactive and I can't use the same number again.

 

Rasa-LilaM
QuickBooks Team

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Thanks for joining on this thread, @ldevore.


In QuickBooks Desktop, yes, you’ll only be able to delete an assembly. Make sure item if it doesn’t fall to any of these scenarios.

 

  • You can't delete inventory parts or assemblies that are used as components of other assemblies (even if the assemblies are inactive).
  • If you create an assembly and build it and don't use it in any other transaction, remove the assembly from inventory.
  • When you take out an assembly item that hasn't been used in a transaction, component parts are not deleted automatically.

The Delete feature will completely erase the inventory from your list. To keep the records correct, inactivate the item that you’re not going to use and change its name.


This way, you’ll be able to use the correct item to track the inventory. Here’s how:

 

  1. Go to the Lists menu and choose Item List to view all products/services entered in the company file.
  2. From there, choose the item you’re working on and then choose Make Item inactive.
  3. Click OK to keep the changes.

I’m adding an article that contains links about adding or modifying products/services in QuickBooks Desktop. It also has answers to frequently asked questions: Add, edit, and delete items.


Let me know if you have any other concerns. I’m always ready to answer them for you. Have a good one.

Hamid Sharifi
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Dear Sir 

 

I want to delete totally the inventory imported in to online quick book and wish to import my original Inventory please help how to delete them not inactive 

 

 

katherinejoyceO
QuickBooks Team

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Thanks for joining in this thread, @Hamid Sharifi. I'd be delighted to answer your first post. 

 

Deleting inventory items completely in QuickBooks Online is currently unavailable. I understand this is relevant to you and your business. This will be a great idea we can put forward to our developers. 

 

Please know that all our suggested plans are subject for further study. Any developments and enhancements will be posted on our QuickBooks Blog. I'd recommend you visit our site regularly to be updated. 

 

For future reference, you can read through our help articles in case you'll need some easy steps on changing item types and adjusting inventory items in QBO. 

 

I'm always around here to provide additional support if you have further questions about inventory items, @Hamid Sharifi. Take care. 

 

 

 

Abdo Ali
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

I've the same problem here and I did all what you explained and i found no transactions but an 

"Inventory Starting Value transaction" which has no deleting option.
I tried pressing CTRL+D and I was asked to add a new bookmark.
Please how to delete the "Inventory Starting Value transaction" and that inventory item.
Jovychris_A
Moderator

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

I appreciate you for sharing details, @Abdo Ali. I can help you remove the inventory item.

 

The steps that you've followed are for the QuickBooks Desktop version. In QuickBooks Online, make sure that there are no associated recurring transactions to the inventory item to remove it. If there are, you can view your Recurring transaction list and delete the template.

 

Here's how:

  1. Click the Gear icon on the top right.
  2. Select Recurring transactions.
  3. Find the template in question and then click the Triangle button on the Action column.
  4. Hit Delete.

 

On the other hand, though we cannot completely delete the item, you can remove it from the Products/Services active list by clicking the Triangle button on the Action column. Then select Make inactive to hide it from the product/services' active list. This will automatically zero out the Starting value of the item.

 

Here's how:

  1. Go to Sales and then select the Products and services tab.
  2. Find the item in question, then click the Triangle button.
  3. Select Make inactive.
  4. Hit Yes to confirm.

 

In case you want to edit item types, take a look at this article to learn more: Change product and service item types. It includes the details on how to adjust inventory items.

 

In addition, you can restore products and services anytime in QuickBooks Online. Just click the Filter icon in the Products and services tab. Then set the Status to All, hit Apply, and click the Make active option from the Action column for a specific item you want to add back to the active list.

 

Feel free to add a comment if you need more assistance with deleting some items in your inventory. I'm always ready to help you anytime. Have a happy weekend!

RodenA
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

is there a way I can merge the inventory items in QB online? clients want to permanently delete the inventory items but only Inactive is the only option

 

Carneil_C
QuickBooks Team

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Thanks for joining the thread, @RodenA. I'm very eager to share some workarounds so you’ll be able to merge items in QuickBooks Online.

 

At this time, merging inventory items is unavailable. The system only allows you to merge non-inventory, service, and bundle items. This is because it affects the Inventory/Asset accounts and have Quantity On Hand that requires accurate tracking of your data.

 

Let me guide you on how:

  1. Go to the Gear icon, then select Products and Services.
  2. Find the product or service that you want to merge.
  3. In the Action column, select Edit.
  4. In the Name field, enter the product or service you want to merge it with.
  5. Select Save and Close, then select Yes to confirm the merge.


For further details about merging products and services in QBO, feel free to check out this link. It also includes steps on how to inactivate or reactivate a product or service.

 

Also, I’ll be adding these resources to help with inventory adjustments:

Get back to me here if you have further questions or concerns with QBO. I'd be more than happy to answer it for you. Have a nice day. 

Majed Basma
Level 1

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Hello , I have tried but failed is there any video to help said method 

Carneil_C
QuickBooks Team

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

Hi there, @Majed Basma

 

I recognize how the specific feature is beneficial to you and to your business. However, the option to delete an inventory item is unavailable. 

 

I do think this would be a great time to send this suggestion to our Product Development Team. We value your suggestions. To send them feedback, follow the below steps:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon.
  2. Select Feedback.
  3. Enter a brief description of your product suggestion and then click Next.
  4. Type your email address.
  5. Once done, click Send Message.

 

From there, they can read your suggestion and determine what features to add to QBO's future enhancements.

 

In the meantime, we can make them inactive as provided by my colleagues above. 

 

You may also visit our Feedback forum page to see a list of other QuickBooks users who already suggested this feature and as well as the recent updates in QuickBooks.

 

Additionally, here’s an article that you can check for more details about setting up product and service items that may come in handy in the future: Delete a product or service item.

 

I’m always ready to assist you if you have any other questions or concerns about managing your inventory in QuickBooks Online. Tag me in your reply and I’ll sprint back into action. Have a good one and keep safe.

jaapkrijger
Level 4

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

If deleting isn't working, you may want to consider merging with the item that is replacing it. You should do the same with all items you no longer use, create one called 'no longer in use' and merge all old items into it.

LydiaMAC
Level 3

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

I am unclear why that statement (you can't delete an item) is given. I do so all the time. My issue at the moment, is that the software is saying to create the PN again with the same name, I need to delete it out of Pending deletion status. How do you accomplish that (especially since it is telling me that is what I need to do)

LydiaMAC
Level 3

Can I completely delete an inventory item entered by mistake and has not been used in any transaction? When I try to delete, the only option I get is to make it inactive

I am unclear why that statement (you can't delete an item) is given. I do so all the time. My issue at the moment, is that the software is saying to create the PN again with the same name, I need to delete it out of Pending deletion status. How do you accomplish that (especially since it is telling me that is what I need to do)--just found out, you have to close all occurances of the company file, and the item will complete deleting

 

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