How do I receive a deposit from a client so that they have money in their account I draw from? How do apply this deposit to new invoices?

Hi there, 

Running a small business means you're working with a really busy schedule. QuickBooks Online is here to help save you time and effort, with smart tools for your bookkeeping needs. 

Based on your question, it sounds like you're trying to record a customer credit. Credits can be used to store a balance for a client that can be drawn from or applied to future purchases. I'd be happy to explain how to record a credit, and how to apply it to invoices. 

Your first step will be to create the credit. To do this, follow the steps here: 

1. Select + New.
2. Select Credit memo or Give credit.
3. Enter the customer’s name, then fill out the required fields:
   • Date
   • Products/service items
   • Quantity
   • Amount
4. Select Save and close.

Next, you'll apply the credit towards an invoice. There's two options to review based on whether this is an invoice that's already been created, or if it's a new invoice. The steps are listed below. 

a) Apply the credit to an invoice you already created

1. Select + New.
2. Select Receive payment or Receive invoice payment.
3. Select the customer, then the credit and the invoice.
4. Select Save and New or Save and Close.

b) Apply the credit to a new invoice

1. Select + New.
2. Select Invoice or Send Invoice.
3. Create the invoice.
4. Select + New. Then select Receive payment or Receive invoice payment.
5. Select the credit and then Save and New or Save and Close.

Here's a few additional resources that may help if you have further questions:

• Handle a customer credit or overpayment in QuickBooks Online.
• Create and apply credit memos or delayed credits in QuickBooks Online.

If this process doesn't quite suit your needs, I'd suggest reaching out to our tech support team to discuss alternative solutions. 

I hope this helps get you back on track. 

Cheers!