Create Parent Services & Products in QuickBooks Online (QBO)

Last updated: November 10, 2026

If you want cleaner reporting in QBO, you can organize services using parent and sub-service items. This helps group income and makes reports easier to read.


Benefits of Parent/Sub-Service Structure

  • Cleaner reports: Group related services together.

  • Easier navigation: Helpful if you have many services.

  • Flexible mapping: Sub-services can map to different income accounts if needed.


Step 1: Create a Parent Service/Product

  1. In QBO, go to ⚙️ Settings > Products and Services.

  2. Click New.

  3. Choose Service (or Non-inventory/Inventory if applicable).

  4. Enter a broad name (e.g., “Consulting Services” or “Dumpster Rentals”).

  5. (Optional) Leave rate/price blank if it’s just a category placeholder.

  6. Choose the Income Account it should map to.

  7. Save.


Step 2: Add Sub-Services

  1. In Products and Services, click New.

  2. Enter the sub-service details (name, description, rate).

  3. Check Is a sub-product or service.

  4. Select the Parent Service from the dropdown.

  5. Assign the correct Income Account.

  6. Save.


Example Structure

Parent Service

Sub-Service

Income Account

Consulting

Strategy Session

Consulting Income

Consulting

Implementation Support

Consulting Income

Maintenance

Monthly Checkup

Maintenance Income

Maintenance

Emergency Support

Maintenance Income


Summary

  • Create a parent item as a broad category.

  • Add sub-services under the parent.

  • Assign each to the correct income account.

  • Use this structure to keep reports clean and flexible.