Question

Import products to replace names not just SKUs

Forum|Forum|11 months ago
July 19, 2025
1 reply
3 views

Hello, I see that if we do a product import, it will overwrite, not duplicate products as long as the name is identical, according to this source: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-ca/help-article/import-export-files/common-questions-importing-data-quickbooks-online/L4OYJRFdj_CA_en_CA

However, when we export our products, many name fields are empty. However, the SKU fields are filled in.

We want to update the names of every product. If we import a file with identical SKUs, will that update the names of all our products, as long as we select to overwrite?

Or, will it create duplicate products?

And, is it possible to do the same with product bundles, and not just product names?

QuickBooks Online

E

EmanE17

QuickBooks Team

I'll shed some light on your queries about importing products in QuickBooks Online (QBO), ilovejwl.

Even if your SKUs are identical and you select the overwrite option, importing the file in QBO will not update the product names and bundles. Instead, it will create duplicates, as QuickBooks prioritizes the product names.

See this attached screenshot:

For additional information on how to import a list of your products and services in QBO, please refer to this article: Import products and services into QuickBooks Online.

Feel free to drop by if you have any further questions about importing data or any issues related to QuickBooks. We’ll be around the corner to lend a hand.

I

ilovejwlAuthor

Thank you.

Could you suggest a way that this can be accomplished without having to manually update names of products and bundles one by one? It seems very odd that a software wouldn't be able to overwrite names based on another 'anchor' data point, especially one as critical as a SKU.

For example, if we were to deactivate all current products and bundles and re-import them at the same inventory level numbers, would that work? Or do you foresee problems in the way inventory would be tracked for those items?

How would that affect current estimates, invoices and reports?

E

EvethC

QuickBooks Team

Hi there, @ilovejwl.

Currently, QuickBooks Online (QBO) doesn't support bulk editing of product names, meaning updates must be done manually for each item. Since product names take priority, importing items with identical SKUs can lead to duplicates if the names differ.

To enhance our product offerings, I encourage you to share your feedback with our development team. Here's how to submit your feedback:

Click the Setting (gear icon) in the upper-right corner.
Under the PROFILE section, select Feedback.
Enter your request or suggestions in the Feedback box.
Hit Next to submit your feedback.

As my colleague mentioned, you can re-import your products and services while maintaining your current inventory levels. After re-importing, make existing products and bundles inactive to prevent duplicates.

Please note that deactivating items will not impact any past transactions; it only updates your product list. Existing estimates and invoices that include deactivated products will remain unchanged. However, these items will not be available for use in new transactions.

You can still generate reports that include inactive items since QuickBooks Online retains all historical data. Deactivated items will only be marked as inactive in those reports.

For your reference, you can check this article on how to merge duplicate items, remove unused items, or reactivate items in QBO: Remove a product or service in QuickBooks Online.

If you have any questions or need further assistance with importing products, feel free to Reply below. The Community Team is here to help!

Sign up

Login with SSO

Let's get you signed in

Login with SSO