any ideas how to find all estimates with open PO numbers?

You're in the right place, @tilos1.

I'll teach you how to locate estimates within QuickBooks Desktop and how to run a report that includes the P.O. number.

Let's navigate to the Customer Center to see the list of estimates.

Here's how:

1. Select Customer Center from the Customers menu.

2. Locate the estimates on the Transactions tab.

3. Once all estimates show the Run Report Button, we can view them as a report.

4. It will prompt you to the Report section, then click Custom Report.

5. From the Display, go to the Column section.

6. Find the P.O. # and select other details you want to see on your report file.

7. Hit OK.

Furthermore, you can export the report in QuickBooks Desktop. It will allow you access to all information for non-posting and sales transactions.

It's my pleasure to help you, @tilos1. If you have other questions about QuickBooks, feel free to comment on this thread. Take the best care!

thank you, this answers one part of my issue.

but this is showing all estimates, not just those with PO. i need to be able to see only those that have a PO in the field. trying to set a condition/filter for PO using >0 or !0 or <>0 or -"" doesnt work. how do i set a condition for not blank for PO?

Thanks for getting back to us, @tilos1.

I understand the importance of being able to track the purchase order linked to the estimates. I can help provide clarifications and share other ways on running a report.

We’re currently unable to display the estimates' open items that aren't connected to any sales orders. As shown by my colleague above, all the estimates will appear after you customize it to display the P.O. #. You can also filter it to Estimate active to show which ones are open. To do so, just follow @ChristineJoieR instructions above.

As a workaround, I recommend exporting the report as Excel workbooks in QuickBooks Desktop. This way, you can make the necessary changes and access all information from the PO.

Moreover, you’ll want to pull up a Custom Transaction Detail report since it displays all the transactions per vendor. You can then customize it to see the purchase orders and estimates in one report. I’ll show you how:

1. Go to the Reports menu at the top.
2. Select Custom Report and choose Transaction Detail.
3. Under the Display tab, select P.O. #.
4. On the Total by drop down menu, select Item detail.
5. Under the Filters tab, click Transaction Type, then Multiple Transaction Type.
6. Scroll down and choose Purchase Order and Estimates.

For your reference, I’ve added screenshots below:

Furthermore, I can see how important it is to keep your record organized and steer from any confusion. I recommend sending your feedback to our Development team. This way, they can review your suggestion and make some updates on how reports generate purchase orders associated with estimates.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Help menu in your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT)
2. Select Send Feedback Online.
3. Then click Product Suggestion.
4. Enter your suggestions and details then click Send Feedback. 

Additionally, you can browse a variety of reports in the Report Center to find customization that is suitable for your needs. For more details about personalizing them, visit this article: Customize customer, job, and sales reports in QuickBooks Desktop.

I’ve attached a reference in case you want to keep the same report settings for future use: Create, access and modify memorized reports. It helps you access the information quickly to save time.

Don't hesitate to get back to me if you need further assistance in managing your sales transactions or generating reports in QuickBooks. I'll be always around to help. Keep safe.

can you tell me what is the proper syntax to filter for no PO number in the PO field in the filter area in reports? i figure if i know what it is for 'blank' then i can negate that to get 'not blank'.

i know it is capable of comparative search because if i try to search for a specific PO number it does find it. also, if i search with just a part of a PO number it gives me all estimates with POs that contain that part, i.g. if i have 47 in the PO field, the results are 3591470, 3572447, A1547521. so the functionality is there.

i just dont know the proper syntax for 'something/anything in PO field' or 'nothing in PO field'? 

if you dont know, can you put me in touch with someone who would know? 

Hello there, tilos1.

I'm here to help locate a specific transaction.

Instead of reports, you can use the Find button to look for a transaction. Here's how:

1. Select Edit, then select Find.
2. In the Search window, select Go to Find.
3. From the Find window, go to the Filter column and select the type of information you’re searching for.
4. Enter your search criteria in the fields beside the filter type.
5. Select Options to further limit the search using report filters.
6. Select Find.
7. From the search results, choose the transaction you want to see and select Go To.

You can also use Find to locate transactions that have errors by using the record number in the QuickBooks.log file: QuickBooks log file.

I'm just a post-away whenever you need help with QuickBooks Desktop.