Yes, it is almost six months since the preorder started in June and the shipping notifications have come in November. In June, I am not prepared to decide on next year's planners. I feel September to October is a good period for ordering and receiving.
I think SI caters specifically to those customers who consider Hobonichi unsuitable. I’ve been a Hobonichi user for years, but I prefer SI for all the reasons that you prefer Hobonichi - no dates on the pages, no unnecessary colors and quotes, and no extra pages with info that I won’t use anyways. Just simple, clean and minimal design. I think both of them are good planners, they just serve different customer segments.
Hey, you have a valid point. As I said in the video, what are my pros could be cons for you and vice versa. So the SI planner suits your needs better. I'm glad it is working for you.
@@writeplando The Hun cover is so pretty, though! And the fast shipping, price and sturdiness of the planner are definitely important points, I totally understand why you prefer Hobonichi. It´s a great planner also. Great video, thank you for sharing.
Yes, I love the new HON and I am restless as I want to start using it. Maybe if Hobonichi had not brought all these good changes this year, I would probably deviate from it. But right now, they have made shopping from them quite easier. Happy you enjoyed the video.
The HON with its pretty covers was truly a stroke of ingenuity on Hobonichi's part! I do love the design and layout of the Sterling Ink planners, but that beautiful Tomitaro Makino sketch is hard to beat! I actually love that there are so many TRP planners now. If it hadn't been for the design covers of the HON, I would most likely have chosen the PaperTess Designs TN-sized planner because that company is from Germany, where I'm from. No import fees - yay! And shipping is low for me, too!
Hey, I probably would have shifted too if Hobonichi hadn't made all these major changes. The HON designs are gorgeous, and they have minimal versions too like the black gingham. I had looked into PaperTess earlier this year. I don't remember exactly why I decided to skip on hers, maybe she didn't have an A5. It is good that you have an excellent option in your own country.
I totally get what you mean. I ordered two gold-edged weeks so mine only got sent out on the 7th, and I pre-ordered in June. I keep going back and forth on what I want to do because I don't have them in my hand. I'm hoping they don't take forever to get here as I'm in Australia and it's already near mid-nov with black friday shopping and Christmas around the corner. Catherine did explain the logic behind her strategy for everything as she was due to give birth in Oct I believe it was, but then there were delays because everyone is making TRP planners for 2024. It's prob an unpopular opinion, but I think she shouldn't have committed to so much while she was pregnant and due to give birth but then again maybe this was in the works before she found out she was pregnant, we really don't know. June, for me, was absolutely too early to be making a decision for 2024. I think the only justification for how SI is more expensive again is that she is a small business so it costs her more to mass produce her planners compared to other companies like Hobonichi. We also have to factor in she's in the US versus Japan but also as a consumer, my Hon cost $66, and if I were to get the A5 FY from SI, it would be well over $100. My order which was posted as awaiting pick up hasn't moved since Nov 7th which has me worried too. Personally from my experience with her covers so far, I can't trust they won't fall apart. I fully acknowledge that I'm rather rough on my planners, but my 2023 one has some tearing and my week 520 notebook literally has a 1/3 torn cover on both sizes. For the price of these products, I expect them to last longer than a few months. I totally get what you mean about favouring the HON planner cover options. I have the same Hon as you and think it's absolutely stunning and I've recently come to the conclusion I probably don't need a cousin but it's really hard to part with it because you just don't come across that type of design with other brands. Lastly, I noticed the comments below. Don't worry about trying to prove your point to people hun. It seems like they're in a different country to you because my hon was $66, which is around $42 USD so you aren't wrong. Your opinions are valid.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I was trying to provide the US dollar information of both the planners which I guess turned into a mess😅. You are right regarding the frustration about the order and delivery gap. It makes it quite difficult to make decisions about the next year. I don't think I'll be shifting to other TRP planners anytime soon. There are so many options now, which can be useful but are extremely distracting too. I am trying to ignore all of that since I realised my current system works well for me and there is no need for a change. Thank you again for your kindness and for sharing your views.
Im in Australia. So I prefer to go for the Hobonichi. Mainly for the price point. I’ve seen a few people here sell their SI planners. Hobo all the way for me.
So true. The price is a very important factor in finalizing the decision. Now with Hobonichi offering free shipping and all other charges included, it will be very difficult for me to even think of another planner.
A wonderfully thought provoking video. I bought a take a note planner from Amazon and it's just gorgeous, only 40 dollars and lays flat, doesn't bend with that beautiful open stitching. I was going to try to get an SI this Friday, but I've seen you and another channel, my dandelion diaries, describe the SI as floppy which is making me want the Ivory Hon on second thought. Lol seems very flimsy on camera.
Hey, thank you for sharing your views. I've never tried Take a Note before, but glad to know it is something worth looking into. As far as SI is concerned, I wouldn't call it flimsy, but a number of comments mentioned that the binding is not good. Some people like that the planner is floppy because you can fold it backwards easily. I've not used it so cannot speak for its longterm user experience. Since the HON is a hardcover, it will be quite sturdy. Or if you are fine with cardstock cover, the Cousin is cheaper and has the same layout as the HON. I had almost bought the Ivory HON over this one.
I get crucified by SI users, I do not like how faint the grid is in her planner. I am going with the hobonichi this year. I loved the idea of the common planner until I got mine in the mail, and had to strain to see the grids on some of the pages. If there is any writing on the other side of the page, you cannot see the grid as well, and I worry that I cannot write straight, or make a layout if that is what I decided to do. Also, when some of these ladies and gents are older, I hope they enjoy the eye strain from such faint lines. This opinion of mine is something that has gotten me hate from some SI users for daring to criticize the planner. Like it is a cult, it has gotten to the point that I will just sell it on. It is like she has caved to people that do water colors and not functional planning. They tell me there is plenty of TRP out there and I should just find something else. I wonder why they want a planner to paint in that has any kind of grid, when you can find all sizes of TRP on Etsy with blank paper and hand sewn. I use a planner for the purpose it was made, to have executive function over the tasks in my life, that it is functional. I should not have to go onto Etsy and hand draw out my spreads, just so someone who does not do any functional planning have a monthly layout, weekly and goal setting that does not really even want to use those pages.
@@Stormbrise No, continue to speak openly, honestly and you'll get no hate from the many honest planners like myself who appreciate it. Yes, the "cultlike" mentality seems to follow in so many things that I'm apart of. I would rather learn from others and see what they're doing and if I too could find a use. I really didn't know that much about SI planners until recently when I was looking for a Hobonichi without quotes. I recall that they too mentioned, but briefly, that the gridlines were also too faint for their taste and to be honest, you could send the disappointment in their voices. My eyesight is getting a bit worse every year and as much as I don't like the quotes, Hobonichi's are vibrant and easy to read. Excellent point about the SI's expanding market....seems untenable and judging from some videos, people were not happy about the excessive wait times in shipping. I just wanted an A5 as a journal/common place as I already have the Take a Note, but for those customers who bought 4 different planners...and were disappointed by the whole experience, I don't know what this means going forward for small businesses. It will be a mass return to Hobonichi....and the colorful quotes. lol
@@StormbriseHello there, please do not hesitate to voice your opinions here. I'd like this to be an open space where we can discuss different ideas and views even if everyone may not agree with each other's perspectives. When I reviewed her planner after their launch last year , I had mentioned how the print is too light and uncomfortable to use. I think it is better this year compared to that. But I've noticed that there are still a number of complaints regarding the print and the binding. As far as cult following is concerned, like @michelleadams5609 has stated, they are a part of everything these days, not just SI. I remember people having issues with the clear cover for the CP, and the CP fans suggested dealing with it instead of asking for a refund or a replacement.
Uff the binding/stitching on the CommonPlanner is disappointing... I say this sadly, like anybody I hate wasting my money. I did reach out to Catherine but my guess is that she is busy with multiple customer inquiries but it was not good to say the least, it's a small business to support and hopefully next iteration will improve, I'll stick with Hobonichi ❤
Hey, I didn't realise it was bad again this year. I know the 2023 planners had binding issues but chalked it up to that being a first time planner problem. Many fans of CP were claiming better binding this year. Is the stitching already coming off? I was planning to give this to someone, so I wanted to be sure that I'm giving a good product.
I didn't know that the SI were $66 for the half year. Then when you factor tax, $72? And you'll need a cover, a leather cover. Oh, dear. That's a lot as I use around 4 planners. I saw another unboxing and remembered my comment here. My dog, 7 year old Lab, ate two stickerbooks and it reminded me what could happen to one of my planners. How devastating it would be if she ate a72 dollar planner.
Hey, yes, someone else had commented this too. Ofcourse, the amount differs depending on which country you are from. But the price difference between Hobonichi full year and CP compact itself is significantly huge. If you add in other charges too, it is not worth it. For those who are making international orders, I feel Hobonichi would be a better choice. It would be truly heartbreaking if your Lab ate this expensive planner😢.
Hello, I had mentioned this at the end of the video. Since I have a planner channel, I tend to have atleast one extra planner. Every year, I give it to an acquaintance.
My main pain point with the common planner is the preorder and long wait. It’s just too much pressure to have to decide so early.
Yes, it is almost six months since the preorder started in June and the shipping notifications have come in November. In June, I am not prepared to decide on next year's planners. I feel September to October is a good period for ordering and receiving.
I think SI caters specifically to those customers who consider Hobonichi unsuitable. I’ve been a Hobonichi user for years, but I prefer SI for all the reasons that you prefer Hobonichi - no dates on the pages, no unnecessary colors and quotes, and no extra pages with info that I won’t use anyways. Just simple, clean and minimal design. I think both of them are good planners, they just serve different customer segments.
Hey, you have a valid point. As I said in the video, what are my pros could be cons for you and vice versa. So the SI planner suits your needs better. I'm glad it is working for you.
@@writeplando The Hun cover is so pretty, though! And the fast shipping, price and sturdiness of the planner are definitely important points, I totally understand why you prefer Hobonichi. It´s a great planner also. Great video, thank you for sharing.
Yes, I love the new HON and I am restless as I want to start using it. Maybe if Hobonichi had not brought all these good changes this year, I would probably deviate from it. But right now, they have made shopping from them quite easier. Happy you enjoyed the video.
The HON with its pretty covers was truly a stroke of ingenuity on Hobonichi's part! I do love the design and layout of the Sterling Ink planners, but that beautiful Tomitaro Makino sketch is hard to beat!
I actually love that there are so many TRP planners now. If it hadn't been for the design covers of the HON, I would most likely have chosen the PaperTess Designs TN-sized planner because that company is from Germany, where I'm from. No import fees - yay! And shipping is low for me, too!
Hey, I probably would have shifted too if Hobonichi hadn't made all these major changes. The HON designs are gorgeous, and they have minimal versions too like the black gingham.
I had looked into PaperTess earlier this year. I don't remember exactly why I decided to skip on hers, maybe she didn't have an A5. It is good that you have an excellent option in your own country.
@@writeplando Yes, she doesn‘t have an A5 - just Weeks, TN and B6 sizes. These are big enough for me, though.
Lucky you. I need the A5 space for weekly planning. I tried the other sizes and it didn't work well for me.
I totally get what you mean. I ordered two gold-edged weeks so mine only got sent out on the 7th, and I pre-ordered in June. I keep going back and forth on what I want to do because I don't have them in my hand. I'm hoping they don't take forever to get here as I'm in Australia and it's already near mid-nov with black friday shopping and Christmas around the corner.
Catherine did explain the logic behind her strategy for everything as she was due to give birth in Oct I believe it was, but then there were delays because everyone is making TRP planners for 2024. It's prob an unpopular opinion, but I think she shouldn't have committed to so much while she was pregnant and due to give birth but then again maybe this was in the works before she found out she was pregnant, we really don't know. June, for me, was absolutely too early to be making a decision for 2024.
I think the only justification for how SI is more expensive again is that she is a small business so it costs her more to mass produce her planners compared to other companies like Hobonichi. We also have to factor in she's in the US versus Japan but also as a consumer, my Hon cost $66, and if I were to get the A5 FY from SI, it would be well over $100.
My order which was posted as awaiting pick up hasn't moved since Nov 7th which has me worried too.
Personally from my experience with her covers so far, I can't trust they won't fall apart. I fully acknowledge that I'm rather rough on my planners, but my 2023 one has some tearing and my week 520 notebook literally has a 1/3 torn cover on both sizes. For the price of these products, I expect them to last longer than a few months.
I totally get what you mean about favouring the HON planner cover options. I have the same Hon as you and think it's absolutely stunning and I've recently come to the conclusion I probably don't need a cousin but it's really hard to part with it because you just don't come across that type of design with other brands.
Lastly, I noticed the comments below. Don't worry about trying to prove your point to people hun. It seems like they're in a different country to you because my hon was $66, which is around $42 USD so you aren't wrong. Your opinions are valid.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I was trying to provide the US dollar information of both the planners which I guess turned into a mess😅.
You are right regarding the frustration about the order and delivery gap. It makes it quite difficult to make decisions about the next year.
I don't think I'll be shifting to other TRP planners anytime soon. There are so many options now, which can be useful but are extremely distracting too. I am trying to ignore all of that since I realised my current system works well for me and there is no need for a change.
Thank you again for your kindness and for sharing your views.
Im in Australia. So I prefer to go for the Hobonichi. Mainly for the price point. I’ve seen a few people here sell their SI planners. Hobo all the way for me.
So true. The price is a very important factor in finalizing the decision. Now with Hobonichi offering free shipping and all other charges included, it will be very difficult for me to even think of another planner.
I love your honesty! ❤❤ "I don't read the quote now that's in English" I'm the same way 😂
😂I really thought I would but I just don't. Nice to know that I have some company in this😄.
A wonderfully thought provoking video. I bought a take a note planner from Amazon and it's just gorgeous, only 40 dollars and lays flat, doesn't bend with that beautiful open stitching. I was going to try to get an SI this Friday, but I've seen you and another channel, my dandelion diaries, describe the SI as floppy which is making me want the Ivory Hon on second thought. Lol seems very flimsy on camera.
Hey, thank you for sharing your views. I've never tried Take a Note before, but glad to know it is something worth looking into. As far as SI is concerned, I wouldn't call it flimsy, but a number of comments mentioned that the binding is not good. Some people like that the planner is floppy because you can fold it backwards easily. I've not used it so cannot speak for its longterm user experience. Since the HON is a hardcover, it will be quite sturdy. Or if you are fine with cardstock cover, the Cousin is cheaper and has the same layout as the HON. I had almost bought the Ivory HON over this one.
@@writeplando so true, so many good choices,
I get crucified by SI users, I do not like how faint the grid is in her planner. I am going with the hobonichi this year. I loved the idea of the common planner until I got mine in the mail, and had to strain to see the grids on some of the pages. If there is any writing on the other side of the page, you cannot see the grid as well, and I worry that I cannot write straight, or make a layout if that is what I decided to do. Also, when some of these ladies and gents are older, I hope they enjoy the eye strain from such faint lines.
This opinion of mine is something that has gotten me hate from some SI users for daring to criticize the planner. Like it is a cult, it has gotten to the point that I will just sell it on. It is like she has caved to people that do water colors and not functional planning. They tell me there is plenty of TRP out there and I should just find something else. I wonder why they want a planner to paint in that has any kind of grid, when you can find all sizes of TRP on Etsy with blank paper and hand sewn. I use a planner for the purpose it was made, to have executive function over the tasks in my life, that it is functional. I should not have to go onto Etsy and hand draw out my spreads, just so someone who does not do any functional planning have a monthly layout, weekly and goal setting that does not really even want to use those pages.
@@Stormbrise No, continue to speak openly, honestly and you'll get no hate from the many honest planners like myself who appreciate it. Yes, the "cultlike" mentality seems to follow in so many things that I'm apart of. I would rather learn from others and see what they're doing and if I too could find a use. I really didn't know that much about SI planners until recently when I was looking for a Hobonichi without quotes.
I recall that they too mentioned, but briefly, that the gridlines were also too faint for their taste and to be honest, you could send the disappointment in their voices. My eyesight is getting a bit worse every year and as much as I don't like the quotes, Hobonichi's are vibrant and easy to read.
Excellent point about the SI's expanding market....seems untenable and judging from some videos, people were not happy about the excessive wait times in shipping. I just wanted an A5 as a journal/common place as I already have the Take a Note, but for those customers who bought 4 different planners...and were disappointed by the whole experience, I don't know what this means going forward for small businesses. It will be a mass return to Hobonichi....and the colorful quotes. lol
@@StormbriseHello there, please do not hesitate to voice your opinions here. I'd like this to be an open space where we can discuss different ideas and views even if everyone may not agree with each other's perspectives.
When I reviewed her planner after their launch last year , I had mentioned how the print is too light and uncomfortable to use. I think it is better this year compared to that. But I've noticed that there are still a number of complaints regarding the print and the binding.
As far as cult following is concerned, like @michelleadams5609 has stated, they are a part of everything these days, not just SI. I remember people having issues with the clear cover for the CP, and the CP fans suggested dealing with it instead of asking for a refund or a replacement.
Uff the binding/stitching on the CommonPlanner is disappointing... I say this sadly, like anybody I hate wasting my money. I did reach out to Catherine but my guess is that she is busy with multiple customer inquiries but it was not good to say the least, it's a small business to support and hopefully next iteration will improve, I'll stick with Hobonichi ❤
Hey, I didn't realise it was bad again this year. I know the 2023 planners had binding issues but chalked it up to that being a first time planner problem. Many fans of CP were claiming better binding this year.
Is the stitching already coming off? I was planning to give this to someone, so I wanted to be sure that I'm giving a good product.
I didn't know that the SI were $66 for the half year. Then when you factor tax, $72? And you'll need a cover, a leather cover. Oh, dear. That's a lot as I use around 4 planners. I saw another unboxing and remembered my comment here.
My dog, 7 year old Lab, ate two stickerbooks and it reminded me what could happen to one of my planners. How devastating it would be if she ate a72 dollar planner.
Hey, yes, someone else had commented this too. Ofcourse, the amount differs depending on which country you are from. But the price difference between Hobonichi full year and CP compact itself is significantly huge. If you add in other charges too, it is not worth it. For those who are making international orders, I feel Hobonichi would be a better choice.
It would be truly heartbreaking if your Lab ate this expensive planner😢.
What do you plan on doing with that planner I was just wondering
Hello, I had mentioned this at the end of the video. Since I have a planner channel, I tend to have atleast one extra planner. Every year, I give it to an acquaintance.