Hiring a maid in Singapore is not just about finding someone to help with daily chores, it’s about finding the right person to care for your loved ones, keep your home safe, and bring stability to your household. Yet, one critical factor is often overlooked by many employers: the transfer rate of maid agencies.
⚠️ Here’s the warning: If an agency has a high transfer rate, it means many of their placements don’t last, costing you more money, more stress, and more wasted time. On the other hand, a low transfer rate maid agency often signals better matching, stronger support, and more reliable outcomes.
This article uncovers the truth about transfer rates, why they matter, and how to use this information to protect yourself as an employer.
What Is a Transfer Rate?
The transfer rate measures how often helpers switch employers after being placed by an agency.
- High transfer rate = many failed matches, frequent replacements.
- Low transfer rate = stable matches, happier employers and helpers.
According to MOM’s placement data, agencies are often ranked not just by the number of placements but also by their success rate. Employers who ignore this indicator risk ending up in a stressful cycle of repeated hires.
Why Employers Should Care About Transfer Rates
1. Hidden Costs of High Transfer Rate Agencies
Every failed match means:
- Paying new agency fees 💸
- Restarting paperwork & contracts 📑
- Adjusting your family routine all over again ⏳
It’s not just financial, it’s emotional exhaustion too.
2. Stability = Peace of Mind
A helper who stays long-term provides stability for your family. A low transfer rate agency usually has stronger processes in screening, training, and support to make sure placements are not just quick, but lasting.
3. Signals of Agency Quality
Transfer rate is a hidden quality benchmark. Agencies that rush placements often have higher transfers. Those that invest in proper matching, interviews, and post-deployment support maintain lower rates, proving they care about long-term success.
Warning Signs of a High Transfer Rate Agency
Here are red flags employers should watch out for:
- No transparency about transfer or retention statistics
- Too good to be true promises, “100% perfect matches, guaranteed”
- Little or no training for helpers before deployment
- No after-sales support, once the maid is placed, you’re left on your own
- Frequent negative reviews mentioning replacements or mismatches
⚠️ If you see these, take it as a warning to reconsider.
How Low Transfer Rate Agencies Work Differently
Agencies with low transfer rates usually follow best practices:
- Thorough employer interviews → to understand household needs in detail.
- Detailed helper screening → looking at past experience, skills, and preferences.
- Helper training & orientation → preparing helpers for Singapore household standards.
- Active mediation & check-ins → solving small issues before they escalate.
- Ethical practices → no rushing, no hiding weaknesses, no “just place anyone available.”
At EELIT Agency, this approach is our standard. We prioritize the right match over the fastest placement.
What Employers Should Ask Before Choosing an Agency
When meeting any maid agency, ask these critical questions:
- “What is your 1-year transfer rate?”
→ A transparent agency will share or at least explain their track record. - “Do you provide helper training before deployment?”
→ Training is key to reducing mismatches. - “What support do you offer after placement?”
→ Agencies with low transfer rates usually have ongoing follow-up. - “What happens if I need a replacement?”
→ Understand the replacement policy, costs, and process. - “Can I see testimonials from long-term employer–helper matches?”
→ Real proof of stability.
Why EELIT Focuses on Lower Transfer Rates
At EELIT, we believe a happy home starts with the right helper match. That’s why we:
- Conduct personalized consultations with every employer.
- Provide helper training in cooking, cleaning, childcare, and elderly care.
- Follow up after deployment to check progress.
- Mediate concerns to avoid unnecessary transfers.
This results in higher satisfaction and lower transfer rates compared to industry norms.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Many employers fall into the trap of looking at only fees or speed when choosing a maid agency. But the transfer rate tells the real story.
⚠️ Agencies with high transfer rates will keep you stuck in a frustrating cycle of mismatches.
✅ Agencies with low transfer rates, like EELIT, give you peace of mind, stability, and long-term trust.
If you’re looking for a helper who stays, not one who leaves, partner with EELIT Agency today. We’ll guide you with transparent advice, proper training, and support, so your next placement is the right one.
📞 Contact us now to learn more about our transfer and retention rates.