Oh my... I just have to jump in here... this is insane!

You are asking us to perform functions that increase our workload substantially! where, if Quickbooks had a means of using customers.. as suppliers.. the problem would be quick and easy for us.  Have you guys never run a business in the real world? Oh, stupid question.. of course not.

I have used the 'work arounds' that you suggested.  I have a customer contact and a supplier contact.  I have to create sales (and divide by supplier), put a bill in for suppliers for me to pay them... then an invoice to charge them my fee. And neither will 'merge' to create a statement  for them.  IF I could use the supplier as a customer, then I could create the bill (A/R) and the invoice for what they owe me (A/P).. and viola.. a statement shows the balance... done!  But, no.. I have two different and distinct people according to your software.. adding more work to my 'routine'.  And your last suggestion just adds even more!

So, how about this... Quickbooks support writes a simple 'clients' database that I can select if a person is a buyer, a client, a supplier.  When I add the person, I select what is appropriate.  When I go to suppliers, that person shows up.. if I pick customer.. that same person shows up.  Then.. all transactions will fall under that person and a statement can be prepared.  It also allows me a means of picking just buyer.. so I can do marketing to my store customers and not have to harass my clients or suppliers with unwanted email.  (or.. I know, sign up for yet another expensive add-on to do that simple task.. right?)

I am not a computer 'engineer'... I don't get paid the big bucks.  But, this is such a simple 'change' that it is silly that Quickbooks spends all this time telling us ways to 'work around' the issue... or give us stupid steps to increase our workload.  Take about 10 minutes and fix the darn thing.