Why This Noida Professional's Failed Gym-Side Hustle Is a Wake-Up Call for Salaried Employees
In a candid Instagram post, Vishwas Verma, a professional from Noida, has sparked widespread discussion by sharing his sobering experience with a failed side business. His story serves as a crucial reminder that small ventures are far from easy money, challenging common misconceptions among salaried individuals.
The Allure of a Side Business
Verma's entrepreneurial journey began when he noticed a vacant shop near his gym, located in a basement. Attracted by the low rent of Rs 10,000, he and a friend decided to open a health-focused outlet, expecting steady demand from gym members. "We went into it without thinking," Verma admitted, highlighting the initial enthusiasm that often blinds aspiring entrepreneurs to potential pitfalls.
Unexpected Challenges in Pricing and Costs
The shop offered items like juice, protein shakes, and boiled eggs, but managing pricing and costs proved more complex than anticipated. Verma detailed how fluctuating fruit prices, such as for pineapples, made it difficult to set margins. "We priced pineapple juice at Rs 90 per glass, only to realise we were barely breaking even," he said, noting that a cold-press machine yielded just one glass per pineapple.
Similarly, assumptions about eggs backfired. "We thought we could buy eggs for Rs 5 and sell them for Rs 10, but they cost Rs 7 or 8, and we ruined several during cooking," Verma explained, leading to losses even on basic items.
The Harsh Reality of Overhead Expenses
Even seemingly profitable items like Maggi, sold at Rs 30 per packet against a cost of Rs 11, failed to generate profit once expenses like staff salaries and rent were factored in. Verma realised the low rent was a red flag, as the area attracted only gym-goers, limiting customer traffic.
Lessons for Salaried Employees
Reflecting on the experience, Verma emphasised that many salaried employees underestimate the preparation needed for side businesses. "This reel isn't meant to scare or discourage anyone. It's my personal learning that every business demands understanding, research, and real-world exposure, not just surface-level calculations," he stated.
The video garnered significant traction, with users praising its authenticity. Comments highlighted that over 90% of food and beverage outlets close within a year, underscoring the importance of thorough planning and alternative strategies like using carts to avoid high rents.
Verma's story is a wake-up call, urging professionals to approach side hustles with caution, realistic expectations, and in-depth research to avoid common pitfalls in the entrepreneurial world.
