Singapore Maid Agency – How to Choose?

Published - 28 May 2019, Tuesday

How do you choose a good Singapore maid agency?

Most expats, old and new will read lots of different reports on what to look out for when selecting a helper. Always be open to “hidden” factors to consider. Here’s a summary of points to consider when choosing a Singapore maid agency:

1. Check out the MOM EA Directory for a listing of the licensed agencies. Sometimes, the MOM change their links, simply Google “MOM EA Directory” and you’ll find the latest directory. You can easily check the demerit points, retention rate, etc. of all the agencies in Singapore.

2. Does the agency have a lot of testimonials from happy employers? This is an indication that they are doing a good job in matching the correct maid to the right employer. 

3. Does the agency have a “hidden” agenda? That is to say, are they “using” employers in Singapore to “churn” sales and re-export girls to other countries at a premium.

4. Does the agency have a Match-Point system to match the character and work preference/work experience of the girl to your work priorities and what you require in the character of the girl? One point that is frequently missed is that girls do have certain work that they like to do. If the girl likes cooking and ironing and those are the household chores you need help the most, that girl is probably the best person for the job.

5. Try to go to a few agencies when you are searching for a maid so that you can compare their service levels and widen your search network. This will increase your chance of finding the right girl.

6. Think about whether the package provided to you is value for money and the charges are reasonable. It is also very important to read the Service Agreement and other documents given to you by the agency. Specifically, check about refund, the guarantee period and the number of replacements given to you. Are the replacements free or are there other charges? Typically, you’ll have to pay the outstanding maid’s loan if the girl has only been in Singapore for a few months and such a girl is being transferred to you.

7. Is the agency accreditated for Good Business Practice by the Consumers Association of Singapore? In case of disagreements, you can get CASE to assist you in claiming refunds. In addition, such an agency is also audited by CASE to upholad certain service standards and keep to the rules and regulations of CASE’s accreditation panel.

There are probably many other factors to consider for each individual employer. But, the above factors are some items for your consideration when engaging the service of a Singapore maid agency.

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If you want sound advice Expat Choice suggests you contact 121 Personnel Services Pte Ltd

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Comments

Reviews

  • 1948 comments
  • ELITE
RATED 8 / 8
What are people saying about 121 Personnel Services:

We definitely made the right choice. You listened well when I told you how my maid should be..."

"I always wanted to thank you for your service. With your help I found a very good maid. My husband is travelling a lot and I sometimes want to travel with him. We have our youngest son (aged 16) with us in Singapore. I don't want to leave him alone when I am travelling. So we decided to look for a live-in maid. I wanted someone with some experience and not too young. I told you what I needed and was soon afterwards invited to interview some candidates in your office. One of them I liked best. I invited her to our apartment and my son liked her as well. We definitely made the right choice. Maria now works for us more than half a year and I am very content with her work. Besides, she is a pleasant person to live with. We have a lot of visitors from Germany and everybody likes her. I can rely on her to manage the household alone when I am not in Singapore. Once again, thank you for your help. You listened well when I told you, how my maid should be, and made a good choice. Your service was fast and reliable. I already recommended your agency to different friends and will continue to do so.

Mrs Sabine Leppkes

"121 Personnel Services was highly recommended to me upon my arrival in Singapore..."

"121 Personnel Services was highly recommended to me upon my arrival in Singapore. Hiring a maid was a new experience, and I was feeling a little anxious. Joy and Helen were very supportive and patient while I asked questions and learnt about the hiring process. They worked diligently to understand the needs of my family and subsequently choose well-suited maids for the interview stage. Throughout the whole experience, Joy and Helen were professional and supportive. I frequently sought their advice while making this important decision. I felt I could trust their assistance to be honest and act in everyone's best interest. I was very impressed by the exceptional level of communication I received throughout our time working together. I am now enjoying the fabulous lifestyle here in Singapore in large part due to the wonderful maid I have hired. Thank you Joy and Helen for making hiring a maid such a positive experience."

Mrs Shelley Merkel

Charmé

  • 344 comments
  • ELITE
RATED 7.5 / 8
The customer service is great, but interview your potential maid and set realistic expectations from the get-go to save much grief later. I have interviewed some maids who have been demanding about their expected salaries and had no-shows or was adverse to work in general. While 121 does their best to match you, sometimes the maids themselves are the limiting factors. Good luck!

Emma

  • 75 comments
  • CONTRIBUTOR
RATED 8 / 8
My neighbour used the placement services of 121. They managed to find the perfect helper Hilda. She is a dream. So polite and efficient. I wish I could have a helper.

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