How do you record a payment from a customer in QuickBooks?

To record a payment from a customer in QuickBooks, the correct method is to select "Receive Payments" from the Customers menu. This option is specifically designed for recording payments against customer invoices. By navigating to this menu, you can efficiently input details about the payment, such as the amount received, the payment method, and which invoice the payment is applying to. This process ensures that the payment is accurately reflected in your accounting records, updates the customer’s balance, and maintains an accurate accounts receivable ledger.

The other methods mentioned do not effectively serve the purpose of recording customer payments. Sending an invoice is a way to request payment, not record it. Modifying the customer's account balance directly bypasses the structured process of tracking payments against specific invoices, which can lead to inaccuracies in financial statements. Selecting the right path to record receipts ensures that the financial data remains reliable and easy to track.