We hear you, @BethFL.

Since the feature isn't available, you can submit feedback to our software engineers. They may consider adding this feature to our future product updates.

Here's how:

1. Go to the Gear Icon.
2. Select Feedback.
3. Type in a brief description of your suggestion and click "Next".

If you want to stay in the loop about the new features and product updates, you can visit this link: QuickBooks Online Blog.

For future reference, if you want to make your vendor permanently inactive since it cannot be deleted. You can read through this article: How to make a vendor inactive.

If you have additional queries about managing your vendors' list, never hesitate to reply to this post. I'll be willing to lend a hand. Take care!