Durian Trader Says She Couldn’t Even Recoup RM5,000 Cost Despite Working 12 Hours A Day

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While many people assume selling durians is a lucrative seasonal business, one durian seller is shedding light on the harsh reality behind the trade

In a series of candid Facebook posts, durian trader Caiyun Ang revealed that she could not even recoup her RM5,000 in costs after setting up a stall in Johor, despite working up to 12 to 16 hours a day, often with little to no rest.

Ang, who also manages a durian export business, said she made numerous efforts to clear her stock, from nightly promos and livestreams to handing out free gifts just to draw in customers.

Despite her efforts, she was forced to slash prices just to remain competitive, sometimes selling durians at cost price or even taking a loss.

"The cost is RM25, I sell for RM25. But if the durian goes bad, I have to bear the loss myself.

"Some customers complain that [the durians are] too wet, some say they are too dry, and they demand a replacement. I try not to offend my customers, so in the end, I'm the one losing money," she wrote.

Ang also pointed out the challenges of selling such a highly perishable product, saying fresh durians only last one to two days before they start to spoil

This creates immense pressure to sell quickly, especially in an oversaturated market where prices are often slashed aggressively to move stock.

Even though her durian export business provides more stable income throughout the year, she still runs a stall during harvest season to maintain customer relationships and keep her brand visible.

However, she admitted that the stress, mental toll, and financial loss may not be worth it.

"I don't recommend selling durians. If you grow them, that's okay, because at least you can control the supply. But selling them fresh at a stall? It's tough," she said.

In a later update, Ang said she eventually managed to recover her durian costs, but still took a RM1,500 hit in staff wages.

According to her, a worker who opens durians at the stall earns around RM300 a day. "Ask around if you don't believe me," she said.

"It is not uncommon for durian traders to lose RM10,000 or more. I only struggled with RM5,000… That's considered lucky," she said.

Ang, who spent 10 years as a Chinese school teacher, said she is now seriously considering a career change. She shared how far she has gone to attract customers, even resorting to singing and performing just to draw a crowd.

"People think durian sellers make big money. But really, we suffer in silence," she said, noting that the trade is no longer as profitable as it once was a decade ago.