SINGAPORE: In the first half of 2025, consumers reported a staggering S$108,000 (US$83,842) lost to prepayments in the beauty industry—a remarkable 464 per cent increase from the S$19,000 seen in the same period last year. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) highlighted that this surge underscores a rising trend in aggressive marketing strategies that have plagued the industry.
Heightened Complaints in the Beauty Sector
Despite a slight decrease in overall complaints—from 7,721 in the first half of 2024 to 6,253 in 2025—consumer losses in beauty services raised alarms. Out of the 558 complaints recorded in the beauty sector, 28 per cent involved feedback on misleading or high-pressure sales tactics, where consumers were often pressurised into signing hefty packages with unclear promises.
Case Highlights Notable Incidents
- One high-profile incident involved a contract exceeding S$370,000, where the consumer alleged aggressive sales tactics and false promises.
- Mr Melvin Yong, president of CASE, stressed the importance of patronising CaseTrust-accredited spas and beauty salons, which provide a cooling-off period and refund policies.
Complaint Trends Across Other Industries
The motorcar industry maintained the highest number of complaints, with 573 cases in the first half of 2025, marking a 16 per cent decrease from 681 cases last year. Complaints regarding electric vehicles (EVs) also saw a rise, jumping from 33 to 47 as owners reported issues mainly related to defective batteries and charging.
Consumer Protection in E-Commerce
The online marketplace is not without its troubles. Complaints against online travel agencies increased dramatically, with 139 reported cases attributing issues to misleading hotel descriptions and booking mishaps. Mr Yong indicated that CASE is advocating for stronger protections in the e-commerce sector, suggesting measures like merchant verification and escrow accounts for transactions.
Improving Access to Dispute Resolution
As transaction values rise—especially in sectors such as home renovations where contracts often surpass S$20,000—there’s a pressing need to reassess the jurisdictional limit of the Small Claims Tribunals. Mr Yong called on the government to enhance access to affordable dispute resolution options for consumers.
As Singapore’s marketplace evolves, these issues of consumer protection remain paramount, calling for both industry and regulatory responses to safeguard public interests.