Content Creator's Manali Maggi Stall Earns Rs 21,000 in a Single Day, Internet Reacts
In a fascinating social experiment that has captured widespread attention, content creator Badal Thakur recently set up a simple roadside Maggi stall in the bustling tourist hub of Manali. His venture, conducted during the peak tourist season, demonstrated the remarkable earning potential of selling the beloved instant noodles to travelers, with his single-day revenue stunning online audiences and sparking humorous discussions about career shifts.
The Setup and Instant Success
Badal Thakur's stall was remarkably basic, consisting of just a table and an LPG cylinder, strategically placed in an area teeming with visitors. He offered a straightforward menu: a regular plate of Maggi for Rs 70 and a cheese Maggi variant for Rs 100. This pricing stands in stark contrast to the market cost of a 75-gram Maggi packet, which is approximately Rs 15, highlighting the premium that tourists are willing to pay for the convenience and experience of enjoying Maggi amidst the mountains.
In a video documenting his experiment, Thakur revealed that business commenced almost immediately upon setup. Within a mere four to five hours, he had already sold close to 200 plates. The demand remained consistently high throughout the day, with a steady queue of tourists ensuring that sales did not wane. By the end of his operational day, total sales had reached an impressive range of 300 to 350 plates.
Revenue Figures and Profit Considerations
Calculating based on the Rs 70 price point for a regular plate, the day's gross revenue approached Rs 21,000. However, Thakur was quick to clarify in his video that this figure represents total sales before accounting for any expenses. Operational costs such as gas for the LPG cylinder, disposable plates, and the actual cost of the Maggi packets themselves would need to be deducted to determine the net profit. While the exact profit margin was not disclosed, Thakur emphasized that his initial investment was very minimal, suggesting a potentially high return on investment despite these overheads.
Viral Online Reaction and Humorous Comments
The video of Thakur's Maggi stall experiment quickly went viral on social media platforms, amassing over 5 million views and generating a flood of reactions from astonished netizens. Many viewers were taken aback by the sheer revenue numbers, with several calculating that maintaining such daily sales could translate to monthly earnings exceeding Rs 6 lakh.
The online commentary was filled with humor and curiosity. One Instagram user quipped, Looks like it's time to move to the mountains and open a Maggi stall, while another joked, Don't be surprised if you see me selling Maggi. A particularly notable comment asked, Will I get an internship?, reflecting the lighthearted envy and interest in the venture's success. Others inquired about the startup investment, to which Thakur replied succinctly about its minimal nature.
Context and Cultural Significance
This experiment taps into a well-established cultural phenomenon in India, where Maggi and mountain trips are often considered inseparable. For countless travelers, a hill station visit feels incomplete without indulging in a steaming plate of instant noodles, even at a premium price. The Maggi of the mountains craze is so potent that Thakur's decision to test its commercial viability resonates deeply with both tourists and online audiences.
Badal Thakur's venture not only highlights the entrepreneurial opportunities in tourist hotspots but also showcases how content creators are leveraging real-world experiments to generate engaging, viral content. The story underscores the blend of traditional roadside vending with modern digital storytelling, creating a narrative that is both economically insightful and culturally relevant.
