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alex_stronghold
Level 1

Importing an Estimate?

Seeking some way to import an estimate -- typically an Excel or comma-delimited file -- directly into QB (preferably Online) such that it is recognized as an estimate (whether mapped manually or automatically).

 

Based on cursory web searches and perusing this forum, it appears that the only way to import anything -- estimate or otherwise -- into the transactions database is as an .iif.

Further, based on the existence of many plugins that claim to offer interoperability with Excel, my current best guess is that such a transmittal would entail a somewhat involved conversion process.

 

Seeking confirmation or advice either way. Thanks.

Solved
Best answer December 27, 2022

Best Answers
JaeAnnC
QuickBooks Team

Importing an Estimate?

I appreciate the follow-up question, Alex. Let me step in and provide additional information about the limitations of importing files into QuickBooks Online (QBO).

 

Yes. Currently, we're unable to import estimate transactions using IIF and CSV files to all QBO plans, including Advanced. It's only available in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). However, we can consider my colleague's suggestion above about manually entering them or visiting the QuickBooks App Center to look for a third-party app we can use. 

 

Here's a collection of frequently asked questions about importing files: Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online. It contains the list of transactions you can import and more relevant information about transferring data to QBO.

 

Moreover, you may create a personalized look for your estimates and other sales forms. This way, you can include information relevant to your business and decide what details your customers can view.

 

Feel free to visit the Community if you have additional questions about managing estimates. We're here to make sure your concerns are well-taken care of. Have a nice day.

View solution in original post

17 Comments 17
FateCandylaneT
QuickBooks Team

Importing an Estimate?

Hello there, Alex. It's great to have you posting your concern here in the QuickBooks Community.

 

When importing estimate transactions using an IIF and CSV file to QuickBooks Online (QBO), the option to import them is currently unavailable. However, we can enter them manually or use a third-party app that you can utilize as a workaround.

 

To help you look for a third-party app, here's how:

 

  1. Go to the QuickBooks Apps Store.
  2. From the search bar, enter a keyword of the feature you need. Example: Remittance advice.
  3. Select the app you want to use.

 

Moreover, when a customer accepts your estimates, you can convert them into an invoice and process their payments

 

Keep us posted if you need additional assistance with estimates. The Community is always here to help. Keep safe!

alex_stronghold
Level 1

Importing an Estimate?

"When importing estimate transactions using an IIF file and CSV file to QuickBooks Online (QBO), the option to import them is currently unavailable. It is only applicable to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT)."

 

Does this also apply to the Quickbooks Online Advanced App?

JaeAnnC
QuickBooks Team

Importing an Estimate?

I appreciate the follow-up question, Alex. Let me step in and provide additional information about the limitations of importing files into QuickBooks Online (QBO).

 

Yes. Currently, we're unable to import estimate transactions using IIF and CSV files to all QBO plans, including Advanced. It's only available in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). However, we can consider my colleague's suggestion above about manually entering them or visiting the QuickBooks App Center to look for a third-party app we can use. 

 

Here's a collection of frequently asked questions about importing files: Common questions about importing data to QuickBooks Online. It contains the list of transactions you can import and more relevant information about transferring data to QBO.

 

Moreover, you may create a personalized look for your estimates and other sales forms. This way, you can include information relevant to your business and decide what details your customers can view.

 

Feel free to visit the Community if you have additional questions about managing estimates. We're here to make sure your concerns are well-taken care of. Have a nice day.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Importing an Estimate?

@alex_stronghold 

You need to use an importer tool

https://get.transactionpro.com/qbo

 

BlinkBookkeeping
Level 3

Importing an Estimate?

How do I import an Estimate into QuickBooks Desktop?

GebelAlainaM
QuickBooks Team

Importing an Estimate?

It's just a breeze to import estimates transactions in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), @BlinkBookkeeping. I'll be glad to show you how.

 

In QBDT, you can use IIF files to import and export your lists and transactions to and from QuickBooks Desktop. We'll show you how.

 

Beforehand, you'll want to create a backup file to restore data if you encounter changes and issues. Also, please make sure that you follow the IIF format to ensure that transactions import successfully. To give you more information, you can read this article: IIF Overview: Import Kit, Sample Files, And Headers.

 

Here's how to import the IIF file:

 

  1. Sign in to your company file as an admin.
  2. You can go to the File menu and Switch to Single-user Mode.
  3. From the File menu, select Utilities.
  4. Click Import, then select Import IIF.
  5. Choose the IIF file you want to import, then select Open.
  6. Then, select OK to confirm.

 

Refer to this article for more details: Export or import Intuit Interchange Format (.IIF) files.

 

To learn more about managing estimates in QBDT, please see this article for future reference: Use Progress Invoicing.

 

I'll be around if you have any other queries about managing your sales transactions or importing and exporting data to QBDT. Have a great rest of the week!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Importing an Estimate?

@BlinkBookkeeping 

Prepare your Estimate data with the following template

CustomerTransaction DateRefNumberPO NumberClassTemplate NameTo Be PrintedBillTo Line1BillTo Line2BillTo Line3BillTo Line4BillTo CityBillTo StateBillTo PostalCodeBillTo CountryShipTo Line1ShipTo Line2ShipTo Line3ShipTo Line4ShipTo CityShipTo StateShipTo PostalCodeShipTo CountryPhoneFaxEmailContact NameFirst NameLast NameRepTermsDue DateCustomer MessageMemoCust. Tax CodeItemQuantityDescriptionPriceItem Line ClassFOBCustomer Acct NoMarkupMarkup is PercentSales Tax ItemTo Be E-MailedOtherOther1Other2Unit of MeasureCurrencyExchange RateSales Tax Code
Home Town Bank01/10/2020100999  YHome Town BankOne Hundred State Street  AnytownNJ12345USAHome Town BankOne Hundred State Street  AnytownNJ12345USA(123) 456-7890      Net 30 Days  Remodel Cabinet2Cabinets1000             Non
Home Town Bank01/10/2020100999  YHome Town BankOne Hundred State Street  AnytownNJ12345USAHome Town BankOne Hundred State Street  AnytownNJ12345USA(123) 456-7890         Remodel Hardware4Hardware100             Non
Jane's Supermarket01/10/2020200123  NJane's SupermarketOne Main Street  AnytownNJ12345USAJane's SupermarketOne Main Street  AnytownNJ12345USA(999) 999-9999         Rehab Wood Door1Wood Door500             Non
Johnnies Sunoco02/10/2020201   NJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USAJohnnies Sunoco1 North Street  AnytownNJ12345USA          Rehab Flooring100Wood Flooring10             Non

 

then use one of these importer tools

https://get.transactionpro.com/qbd

https://partners.saasant.com/affiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=5051_2

 

BlinkBookkeeping
Level 3

Importing an Estimate?

@Fiat Lux - ASIA  Thank you for these links. I'm not sure why I would use that template as the columns do not correlate to an Estimate at all. But I will check out these links and see if I can use them. Thank you so much!

lukeclubcare
Level 1

Importing an Estimate?

Any luck with this?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Importing an Estimate?

@lukeclubcare 

Any specific concern? Have you tried my solution? 

JackC6
Level 1

Importing an Estimate?

This issue has not been addressed. The question is how to import an Excel generated worksheet into QB to populate an Estimate or Invoice. An IIF is a Quickbooks format file - So importing a QB file into QB is not relevant, and frankly a non-answer response.

 

Excel is a very popular spreadsheet application. It is nearly negligent IMO that QB can't import .csv or Tab delimited data files. 

Retyping tabular data again into QB is tedious and does add value or 'delight' to your customers.

I have numerous workers generating Excel table data estimates and invoices - import these is a essential feature in QB.

 

ShyMae
QuickBooks Team

Importing an Estimate?

I understand that importing your estimates and invoices saves time by eliminating the need to enter them manually, @JackC6

 

Currently, importing an Excel-generated worksheet into QuickBooks to populate an estimate or invoice is unavailable. 

 

Our team is constantly improving our product for a better user experience. I can see its relevance for your business, so I'd recommend sending feedback to our product engineers.

 

Our product development team will review your suggestion and may consider adding it in the next updates.

 

To submit your suggestion:

 

  1. Select the Gear icon, then choose Feedback.
  2. Type in your product suggestions.
  3. Select Next to submit.

 

If you've received a payment from your customer, you can record the payment so your invoices will be marked as paid

 

You can still reach out to me if you need further clarification for importing estimates and invoices. Please know that I'm always here to help you. 

4Gal
Level 11

Importing an Estimate?

@JackC6 

You can switch to QB Desktop Accountant or Enterprise edition. Purchase from selected partners to get a perpetual discount for renewal.

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/invoicing/enter-transactions-batch-qu...

 

Otherwise, you can use an importer tool. It's a one time license ($299)

https://get.transactionpro.com/qbd

 

irunfree
Level 1

Importing an Estimate?

Not having this simple functionality directly within QBO is frustrating. If third-party apps can do it, why can't Inuit? QBO's limits, in general, have made us regret moving from QBD.

summjohn
Level 1

Importing an Estimate?

it is too bad that so many "expert" in QB processing have no clue. and/or do not understand English.  you can Import Estimates using ".IIF" files, and it does take a rocket scientist. OR, a QB "Expert and/or Advisor".  if you want to know the process you may email me and i will be happy to send procedures, (FREE). thanks

summjohn
Level 1

Importing an Estimate?

there is an easy process to import Estimates into QB using their ".IIF" transactions.  if you would like the procedures, i will be happy to send to you. (FREE !!!!). thank you

JackC6
Level 1

Importing an Estimate?

Summerjohn,

Can you send us the process - [PII Removed]

 

Regards

Jack

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