I would like to add product/service categories but after checking help, I don't appear to have the option - why would that be?

Hello there, @ginge-farrant-do.

Let's perform some troubleshooting steps so you can add product/service categories in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

Regardless of your QBO plan (Simple Start, Essentials, or Plus), you should be able to group your products and services into categories to classify your items of the same type. You may have a browser cache-related issue or damaged webpage data in your account. Your browser saves files to load websites faster on your next visit. But over time, it'll get outdated, which can cause performance and display issues using QBO.

To fix this, you can perform some troubleshooting steps. Start by pulling up your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account using a private browser (incognito). Here's how:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Google Chrome)
• Ctrl + Shift + P (Firefox)
• Control + Option + P (Safari)

Once signed in, go to the Products and Services page to add a category and categorize the products your sell. You can refer to this article for the step-by-step guide: Group your products and services into different categories.

If you're able to do so, return to your default browser and clear its cache. This will refresh the system and remove older data that causes viewing and performance issues. However, if this matter continues, I'd recommend using other supported browsers.

Also, you may want to check out this article as your reference to guide you in using reports to get insights on the things you buy and sell and check the status of your inventory in QBO: See your bestsellers, what's on hand, and cost of goods in QuickBooks Online. 

Let me know if you have other concerns about grouping your products and services in QBO. I'll gladly help. Take care, and have a great day, @ginge-farrant-do.

Hey @Rea_M 

Thank you for your help :)  

Unfortunately I'm not getting very much luck.  I've gone incognito in Chrome, Firefox and Edge (just in case I was having a browser issue) but neither have shown me the category section where I would expect to see it.   I've added a screen grab of what I'm seeing when I'm trying to add a new service.  I also think I should be able to see something when I go to the products and services page and click the "more" drop down but that's only giving me "run report".  Is there anything else you think I could try?

Thanks again for your help!

Ginge

Were you able to resolve the issue? We are having the same problem and NOTHING is working. 

Thanks for sharing your concern in QuickBooks. I'll share some steps to help address the issue.

Upon checking. I've found out an ongoing investigation related to adding a category in the product or service items. Please be assured that our team of engineers is actively working to resolve this matter promptly.

If you haven't already reached out to our phone support, I recommend doing so. This will allow our team to include your information in the list of affected users and notify you as soon as a solution becomes available.

Here's how to connect with them:

1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online company.
2. Select Help (?).
3. Click Contact Us and choose a way to connect with us:
   • Start a chat with a support expert.
   • Get a callback from the next available expert.

Additionally, I've included an extra link for you: Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online. This resource will be beneficial for personalizing your sales transactions within QBO.