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October 7, 2025
Question

Why can't a customer also be a supplier. Currently one has to have a different name for each ID which can be confusing if they are the same details - name, address etc.

  • October 7, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 1 view

This also seems to apply to employees who can't be customers unless they use a different name!

1 reply

QuickBooks Team
October 7, 2025

Hi, KMK.
 

I understand how confusing it can be to use different names for the same person when they are both customers and suppliers, or when employees are also customers.
 

Customers, suppliers, and employees have different roles and transaction types in the system. Keeping separate records helps track sales and purchases accurately, ensures proper accounting and tax compliance, and maintains accurate reporting. It also supports different workflows and permissions, preventing data conflicts and maintaining security. That’s why a separate name or ID is needed even if the details are the same.
 

To reduce confusion, you can use the same name with a small addition next to it (e.g., “- Customer” or “- Supplier”). You can also add notes to indicate that they are the same person.
 

Please leave us a response if you have other questions or concerns.