The tough part . . . the fate of the Womans Planner is at a crossroads. The response in the Womans Planner and it's unique half page format has been completely positive, but I never realized how expensive introducing a new product could be, the cost of marketing is crazy!
This journey began with my frustration in not being able to find 'the' planner that I was sure was the answer in making life simplified. With the incredible support from my husband, I set out with an idea and a dream. It's been a ride, quite a few bumps but a lot of 'wow'!
One of my main priorities when setting out was to make sure the planner wasn't out of people's price ranges. I wanted to make it 'doable', for anyone and everyone. The half page format definitely created some huge obstacles. Another huge goal in starting out this business was to be able to contribute financially, to do 'my part', to give my husband a wee bit of breathing room.
That first year, after bringing my idea to printer after printer, they kept telling me that it was impossible and to just do it without the half page. When I did finally find a printer that didn't just laugh at me and said he would do it but they would cost me $50/planner just for printing! I laughed! I don't know what it is about me but I hate to be told no. So, with my husbands ok, I went and purchased all the equipment I needed to do it myself!
It was definitely stressful, because not only do I not like 'no', I wanted any product that I sent out to be perfect! As time consuming as it is putting planners together, as I compiled each one, I took that time to think of the individual who would be relying on it throughout the year and I prayed for whatever that year would hold for her.
By the third year, I finally found a printing company that would print them but them for $21 each, I jumped at the chance. Due to the cost, I had to raise the planners to $38.95, and they didn't sell near as fast as I had hoped. So this year, I decided once again to print them on my own. I was ready to quit. I ordered all the covers, paper and dividers and set to work. My printer chose to be extremely unco-operative and the nightmares just kept coming, my poor husband!
I need to say that I couldn't have done this without my family. In amidst of daily life of raising three kids, homeschooling two of them and working part time, I'm stuck. I want to provide a product that is 'over the top' and at this point, I don't know how to make that happen. I am still praying my way through this, because I don't want to be one who 'gives up'.
I want to thank all my wonderful customers and the blog owners who did reviews and giveaways on their sites. All the encouragment these last 4 years from you all has been huge to me! If you would like me to keep you posted on things as they unfold, let me know!
 Sue Date 12/19/2011 11:26:19 AM
Just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your planner, and would have no problem paying 38.95 for one! I hope you continue (altho I do understand the time issues!)this is the first planner that I can actually USE, and helps me to stay somewhat organized!!
Hang in there!
Corri Date 12/20/2011 8:30:03 AM
Sue, you are too sweet! Your encouraging words couldn't have come at a better time!
Tara Date 12/30/2011 4:17:03 PM
Your planner is honestly the best thing!! As Sue said, I wouldnt have a problem paying 38.95 for one either!! If you choose to discontinue the planner I would TOTALLY understand but would absolutly miss your expertise in my daily living!
Clara Date 1/3/2012 8:02:53 AM
I'm so upset that you are sold out and that you might not be making more! I certainly understand the struggles you have had but I would totally pay $38.95 for this planner. I've been looking for the perfect planner and I finally thought I'd found it, so I hope you decide to keep on going, there is definitely a need for a product as inventive as yours!!!!
Georgene Date 1/7/2012 12:45:46 PM
I would totally pay $38.95 for one! My daughter has one and I was so excited to order one...she gave me the web site and now I'm so disappointed that they are no longer available. If there is a change and they become available I would appreciate being notified.
Heather Date 2/1/2012 11:20:06 AM
If you would be willing, you could sell pdf's for the user to print and assemble themselves. I have seen people do it on etsy.com - and I would love it if you could do the same. If you did that you could sell optional additional pages or different sizes (I'm partial to 6 3/4 x 8 1/2 myself).
God bless!
Crystal Date 2/1/2012 1:37:02 PM
I loved it also. But why not come up with something that is more permanent. I'm thinking a whiteboard-type setup with the finances etc at the left and 2 calendars (erasable) one for the present month and one for the following. You can also have a column for occasions and goals. I'm trying to make one for myself but if you made one you'd still have a business with a great product. It would be environmentally friendly and easy to use. Just a thought! Good luck.
Crystal Date 2/1/2012 1:37:45 PM
I loved it also. But why not come up with something that is more permanent. I'm thinking a whiteboard-type setup with the finances etc at the left and 2 calendars (erasable) one for the present month and one for the following. You can also have a column for occasions and goals. I'm trying to make one for myself but if you made one you'd still have a business with a great product. It would be environmentally friendly and easy to use. Just a thought! Good luck.
Chaos...simplified Date 2/1/2012 4:58:51 PM
I love the ideas and thanks so much for taking the time to give such encouraging input!
When it comes to offering the planner as an ebook or available as a pdf, it gets a little tricky when it come to the half page format. I'm not sure if people would be interested in printing the pages out, cutting them in half and putting it all together. The white-board type sounds intriguing . . .
Mary Beth Date 2/6/2012 10:19:44 PM
Oh, I was sooooo disappointed that this planner was sold out. I've never used it, since I just found out about it in the middle of last year but I LOVE the half page idea and I certainly understand why it is expensive to print!
I like Heather's idea of offering a pdf, but I can see your concern about people not wanting to do all that printing, cutting and assembly with the half page issue. I'd consider it but I'm not sure how many other people would.
I have another idea: Could you do it
Julie Date 2/7/2012 8:30:48 PM
I just looked to order this for a gift! I am soooo dependent on your planner...I do not know how I will survive without it next year! Your dream needs to stay alive!!!!
Julie Date 2/7/2012 8:30:53 PM
I just looked to order this for a gift! I am soooo dependent on your planner...I do not know how I will survive without it next year! Your dream needs to stay alive!!!!
Jenny Date 2/20/2012 8:08:14 PM
I would spend more then $38.95, easily. I recently paid $60 for a 'life organizer', it's very cute but your idea is soooo much more useful and practical. I was so happy to came across your site but I understand your predicament, but I'm dying to try your planner!
Debbie Date 3/13/2012 9:29:54 AM
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't stop this product. I'm dying to get one and cannot find it anywhere. I don't have a 2012 planner and am desperately looking for one that does everything. My husband travels internationally for work, so trying to keep his schedule & mine together is truly tasking. Is there anyway in which I could purchase one from you and would be willing to pay $60 for it. I would also LOVE to be able to purchase a 2013 one as well. If you aren't going to produce these anymore,
Debby Date 3/21/2012 9:52:11 AM
I need this planner. It's the only way I can keep my life organized. I would be willing to grab the scissors and hole punch and put it together myself.
Please don't give up.
Sarah Date 3/29/2012 4:48:43 PM
I, too, would be willing to purchase .PDF files and put it all together myself, or pay the higher price for a completed version. I'm totally into customization, so
with the .pdf files I could take it to Kinko's (or someplace similar) and have them print it up and cut it, and then I would use the Rollabind discs to put it together. It would be worth it to me. Don't give up. There's a way through this, and obviously this is a needed product.
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