Finding your way through Singapore’s many maid agencies can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. The fear of unexpected costs and complicated pricing can feel too much to handle. At Maid Avenue, we understand this confusion. That’s why we’ve decided to simplify things for you.
This post is to help you understand how the pricing structures of maid agencies work, why transparency matters, and how we stand out in providing clear, affordable, and straightforward pricing.
The Difference between Transfer Maids, New Maids & Ex-Singapore Maids
In Singapore, you have three options when it comes to hiring a maid. You can hire transfer maids, new maids, or ex-Singapore maids.
Transfer maids are domestic helpers in Singapore who have completed their employment with an existing employer or were let go for various reasons. They have hands-on experience in Singapore and often expect a slight pay raise from their previous employment.
New maids, as the name suggests, haven’t worked in Singapore before. They’re teachable and willing to learn and is an ideal fit if you have the time to train them. They’re usually the most affordable option.
Ex-Singapore maids have worked here before, went back to their home country, and decided to return. They’re familiar with the Singaporean lifestyle, albeit with some habits from their past employers. Their pay is generally higher than that of new maids.
Pricing Structures of Most Maid Agencies In Singapore
The challenge most employers face is understanding the intricacies of the pricing structures of maid agencies. Some agencies charge differently for transfer maids, new maids and Ex-Singapore maids. On top of that, they might break down their fees into multiple categories, making it hard to gauge the total actual costs.
At Maid Avenue, we simplify things by having only two pricing categories: one for transfer maids and one for both new and ex-Singapore maids. Whether you are hiring a Filipino maid, Myanmar maid or Indonesian maid, the price you see is the price you pay, no hidden costs.
Understanding Placement Fee When Hiring A Maid
When hiring a maid, a key aspect to consider is the placement fee, also known as the maid loan. This fee essentially comprises two elements.
- The loan amount a domestic helper has borrowed from an overseas counterpart due to a variety of reasons. This is only applicable to new maids.
- The fee that a maid agency charges the domestic helper for its recruitment and placement services.
There is no fixed price for how much maid agencies charge for their placement fees as they are determined by the loan amount incurred by the helper overseas. Typically, placement fees range between $2,000 to $4,000. However, some disreputable agencies may overcharge maids, driving fees up to a staggering $5,000.
At Maid Avenue, we value transparency and honesty, strictly adhering to all Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations. As part of our commitment, we continually offer our maid hiring services at rates lower than the industry standard for placement fees.
It’s important to clarify that the placement fee is NOT an expense that falls on the employer. Instead, it is a loan that your maid is responsible for repaying. Generally, the employer pays the placement fee upfront to alleviate the helper’s immediate financial strain, and the maid repays this amount over time.
Our Single Fee Structure
At Maid Avenue, our pricing structure is uniquely streamlined. Where most agencies segregate fees into multiple categories – such as agency fee, lodging, transportation, documentation, air tickets, medical exams, and the Settling-in Programme (SIP), we charge just one fee. By encompassing all these costs into a single agency fee, we’ve simplified your hiring journey while also being cost-efficient.
The common assumption is that cheaper prices mean poorer quality and service. But at Maid Avenue, we challenge this assumption. Our goal is to become the best maid agency in Singapore, and we never compromise on quality. Despite our competitive prices, we promise to deliver exceptional customer service and high-quality Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs). Our team ensures this through carefully curated training programs and rigorous one-on-one screening.
How Do We Keep Our Rates So Competitive?
Our ability to offer quality services at competitive rates stems from two primary reasons:
- We’re a digital-first maid agency, leveraging advanced software and AI to streamline our operations. This approach has effectively reduced our operational costs, and we pass these savings directly to our customers.
- The shift in shopping habits in recent years, reinforced by the Covid-19 pandemic, has seen more consumers shopping online and people adapting to remote work and virtual meetings. This change has made us rethink the need for multiple branches in high-cost locations or for retail storefronts. As a result, we’ve made significant savings, which we happily pass on to our customers. That said, we do have an inviting office centrally located just 5 minutes from Eunos MRT.
Comparison: Maid Avenue Vs. Other Maid Agencies in Singapore
Take a look at the comparison* below between Maid Avenue’s pricing model and that of most maid agencies in the industry.
However, remember that price isn’t everything. The simplicity and transparency of a pricing model are equally vital to prevent any unpleasant surprises with unexpected costs later on. At Maid Avenue, our pride doesn’t stem from being the cheapest maid agency in Singapore, but from our ability to uphold the highest standards while offering one of the most affordable services. After all, what’s the point in paying less if it means compromising on the quality of service and helpers?
What Our Customers Say
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from our satisfied customers who’ve appreciated our transparent pricing, affordable rates, and exceptional service:
In Conclusion
Choosing a maid agency in Singapore can feel like a daunting task. But at Maid Avenue, we’ve simplified the journey. With our straightforward, affordable, and transparent pricing, we take the stress out of the process.
Contrary to popular belief, we prove that low prices don’t equate to low quality. By using technology efficiently, we offer superior services without compromising on affordability.
If you’re ready to embark on a hassle-free journey to find your ideal domestic helper, we invite you to contact us at Maid Avenue. Our dedicated team is on hand to guide you through every step of the process, providing expert advice tailored to your specific needs. We’re here to provide solutions that work for you – clear, simple, and within your budget.
