How do you merge two customer records if there are duplicates?

• A. Use the Merge function: open one customer, choose Merge and select the duplicate to combine into the master record.
• B. Use the Merge tool from the Customers list by selecting both records and choosing Merge.
• C. Export the customer records and reimport as a single record.
• D. Inactivate the duplicates and keep one active.

Answer: (A)

Merging duplicates into a single customer record keeps all history attached to one place and avoids having two separate records that could lead to confusion in future transactions. The correct approach is to open the master customer, use the Merge function, and select the duplicate to combine into the master. Once you confirm, the duplicate is removed and all transactions that were linked to it are re-linked to the master record.

Choose the master record carefully because the merge consolidates data into that one record and the duplicate is deleted. Data from the duplicate, such as custom fields, may not transfer unless the master already has that information, so it’s wise to verify any fields you want preserved before merging. All prior transactions stay intact but now point to the single, active customer.

Exporting and reimporting would not truly merge records and risks losing historical links or duplicating data. Inactivating duplicates hides them but does not consolidate history or links, so it’s not a true merge.