Customer List Summary (Array?)

**robert_shindorf** · 04-09-2011, 08:51 PM

Hello,

I have a list of Customers like this in a column:

A
John
James
Eric
Steve
John
Eric
Wendy
Wendy

I want it to return their name once only by using a formula
John
James
Eric
Steve
Wendy

This is so we can see if a customer ordered during a specific time period. Other formulas will link to it.

I've done this before, I just can't remember how... I think it was an array but I don't know exactly how it was accomplished.

Thanks!

**MarvinP** · 04-09-2011, 09:34 PM

Hey Robert,

Your question is a little too vague. Could you update your profile so we can see which version of Excel you are using and if it is a MAC version.

Three possible answers come to mind from your question segments.
1. Delete Duplicates from a copy of column A - If you have 2007 or 2010 Excel
2. Advanced Filter using the Unique check box in the dialog
3. VBA code to build an Array using no duplicates.

I don't know if you are looking for a validation list or a Userform ComboBox dropdown.

See if any of the above jog your mind to remember how to do it.

**abousetta** · 04-09-2011, 09:41 PM

This is almost identical (de ja vu) to another thread a saw a while back. Here is the link

Unique list

Is this what you were after (if MarvinP's excellent suggestions are not)?

abousetta

**MarvinP** · 04-09-2011, 10:26 PM

Hi abousetta - you made me find the VBA code I was impressed with.

It was from Charles in the thread of
http://www.excelforum.com/excel-prog...-transfer.html

He created a Collection and added strings to it. If there was a match, it wouldn't add it, essentially deleting dups.

Pull up his post from above and read the code. That was what I was thinking when I mentioned #3 above.

**abousetta** · 04-10-2011, 12:26 AM

Thanks for sharing this MarvinP.

abousetta

**robert_shindorf** · 04-10-2011, 06:58 PM

Well, i was really hoping to have a formula solution to this and not a macro / vba solution.

I can't remember what the solution that I saw in the past was, there may have been some cheater cells with unique ID's in it or something.

The solution that was shared relating to the other post wouldn't quite work as I don't need seperate worksheet, just a list on one worksheet.

The purpose of this is to summarize the purchases from a customer and analyze their buying habits / trends. The first step is the list of customers, the second is summarizing the purchases (which i can do).

Hopefully that helps clear up the confusion?

**MarvinP** · 04-10-2011, 07:06 PM

Hi Robert,

I think you threw us off when you suggested an Array. You can do this by a simple Delete Duplicates on the Data Tab of 2010 Excel.

If you were to supply a sample workbook it is much easier to see what you are asking. Attach a sample workbook and we can show how to delete duplicates for beginners.