The Gym Membership Paradox: Why "Breakage" is a Valid Business Model

The Observation January is here. You walk into a premium gym. The sales guy pitches you: Monthly Plan: ₹3,500/month (Total ₹42k/year). Annual Plan: ₹12,000/year (Effective ₹1,000/month). It’s a no-brainer. You buy the annual plan. You feel smart. But the gym owner is smarter. By March, you stop going. You have effectively paid ₹12,000 for 2 months of usage (₹6,000/month). The gym wins. The “Breakage” Revenue Model In the payments and gift card industry, “Breakage” refers to the revenue gained from services that are paid for but never used. ...

December 3, 2025