'Our lives are much easier and we still complain': Woman realises after a conversation with a road side juice seller

It started as a routine stop for a glass of juice, the kind of everyday interaction most people barely think about. But one conversation between a woman and a roadside vendor turned into a quiet reality check about money, effort and perspective. What she learned about his daily earnings, long hours, and responsibilities has now struck a chord online, with many reflecting on how easily comfort can blur the understanding of someone else’s struggle.

Nalini Unagar, a Surat-based woman, shared her experience on social media, explaining that she regularly visited a roadside vendor for orange juice and coconuts. Over time, a casual exchange turned into a deeper conversation about his work and income.

According to her, the vendor sells around 60 glasses of orange juice daily, priced at Rs 35 each, bringing in Rs 2,100. In addition, he sells about 25 coconuts at Rs 60 each, adding another Rs 1,500. That takes his total daily revenue to Rs 3,600. But revenue is not profit. She noted that after factoring in the cost of raw materials and daily transport, the vendor’s profit margin is roughly 30 per cent. This brings his daily earnings to about Rs 1,080, translating to approximately Rs 32,400 a month, assuming he works every single day.




Even that number does not reflect reality. The vendor pays Rs 6,000 every month as rent to the shop owner just for the space he occupies. After deducting that, his earnings come down to about Rs 26,400, and that too only if he works all 30 days. In practice, that is rarely possible.

The woman pointed out that the vendor’s workday stretches across two shifts. He starts early in the morning at 6 am and works until 1 pm, then resumes again from 5 pm to 10 pm. That adds up to nearly 12 hours of work every day, often standing, serving customers and managing supplies. Despite these hours, his actual monthly income often falls in the Rs 20,000 to Rs 22,000 range.


From that amount, he supports his entire family, including his wife and two children. His expenses include house rent, school fees and daily household needs, leaving little room for savings or emergencies. She also highlighted a detail that stayed with her. Customers often consider Rs 35 for a glass of juice expensive, yet the person selling it earns only a fraction of that amount after all costs are accounted for.

After hearing his story, she reflected on how different her own circumstances felt in comparison. She realised that many people living relatively comfortable lives still find reasons to complain, often without fully understanding the realities faced by those working long hours for modest earnings.

Internet reacts

Her post quickly went viral, drawing a wide range of reactions. Some users said it offered a powerful reality check, highlighting how small roadside businesses often involve long hours and thin margins despite appearances. Others broke down the numbers, pointing out that after rent, seasonal demand shifts and daily costs, the vendor’s earnings could drop further, especially after peak summer months.


However, many questioned the calculations. Some argued the pricing of oranges and coconuts seemed inaccurate, while others claimed street vendors in busy locations often earn significantly more, sometimes ranging from ₹50,000 to even a few lakh per month. A few shared examples of vendors near hospitals or high-footfall areas earning well due to steady demand. The discussion soon turned into a debate on perception versus reality, with users split between empathy and skepticism.