---
title: "Add a custom line item"
description: "Use the + on a section header to add a line that's not in the catalog. Custom descriptions bypass autofill. Negative prices are allowed — use them for discounts and credits."
group: "estimates"
lane: "how-to"
status: "published"
publishedAt: 2026-05-15
sidebarOrder: 80
tags: ["line-items", "custom", "discounts"]
relatedSlugs:
  - "estimates/edit-line-item-manually"
  - "estimates/edit-line-item-via-chat"
  - "estimates/add-note-to-line-item"
sidebarLabel: "Add custom line item"
---

When you need a line item that isn't in Wave's catalog — a one-off material, a customer-specific charge, a credit — add it as a custom line item.

## How to add

1. Find the section you want to add the line into (General, or a specific room).
2. Click the **+** on that section header.
3. Fill in:
   - **Description** — type whatever you need. Custom strings bypass the autofill catalog, so you can name the line however you want.
   - **Quantity**
   - **Unit** — pick from the dropdown
   - **Price** — see "Negative prices" below
4. Save.

The new line shows up at the bottom of the section. You can drag it into position — see [Reorder rooms and line items](/docs/estimates/reorder).

## Negative prices for discounts and credits

> **Price accepts negative values.** Negative totals render in red so they're easy to spot on the estimate.

Use this for:

- **Customer courtesy discounts** — *"−$200, courtesy discount for displacement"*
- **Carrier-approved write-downs** — *"−$150, deductible reimbursement"*
- **Volume credits** — *"−$75, repeat-customer credit"*

The total at the bottom of the estimate respects the negative, so the final number is what the customer or carrier sees.

## Add a note

If the custom line needs context — "scheduling caveat applies," "approved by adjuster on 5/12" — open the kebab → **Add Note** after saving. The note appears inline under the description on the estimate and on the PDF. See [Add a note to a line item](/docs/estimates/add-note-to-line-item).

## When you'd rather use chat

If you're already typing in chat, you can add the same line from there: *"Add a custom line to the hall bathroom: 'After-hours emergency callout,' 1 EA, $150."* See [Edit a line item via chat](/docs/estimates/edit-line-item-via-chat).

## Related

- [Edit a line item manually](/docs/estimates/edit-line-item-manually) — for items you've already added
- [Add a note to a line item](/docs/estimates/add-note-to-line-item) — clarifying text on a line
- [Reorder rooms and line items](/docs/estimates/reorder) — move the custom line where you want it