A year planner or planner notebook is a small book or binder that is designed to be portable.
It usually contains a diary, calendar, address book, blank paper and other sections containing maps and telephone codes.
By the end of the 20th century, paper-and-binder year planners started to be replaced by electronic devices. This process has accelerated in the beginning of the 21st century with the advent of smartphones, tablets and a myriad of mobile apps.
However, year planners in Iran, which date back to ancient Persia, have not disappeared but only changed in function.
In fact, these are usually handed around as gifts and souvenirs during the Iranian New Year holidays (starting March 20).
Year planner production can also create sizable job opportunities, as it requires graphic designers, bookbinders and printers, as well as he services of ink, glue and spring manufactures.
The Persian daily Forsat-e Emrooz recently published an article on production of year planners in Iran and the sector’s investment potential.
According to Abbas Ezzatbakhsh, a veteran of the field, setting up a year planner production workshop requires at least $57,000. He says the initial capital might go higher, based on the location of the workshop.
Ezzatbakhsh believes that what makes year planner production “potentially profitable” is the value added the sector can create.
By using imported paper, which is relatively expensive, each year planner can be sold for $1.5 to $50, depending on its design and shape.
According to Ramin Ahmadian, an industry player, procurement of paper accounts for over 80% of year planner production costs, with purchase of thermoplastic polyurethane leather and art designing taking the next ranks in terms of costs.
Ahmadian added that potential investors can also eye neighboring markets for exports, since countries like Afghanistan and Tajikistan have much in common with Iranians when it comes to language and calendars.
There is also the added advantage for companies seeking to advertise their goods or services in the regional countries through year planners.
“Innovation in design is the key to making a profit,” Ahmadian concluded.
