Introduction
In recent years, consumer complaints have surged across various industries in Singapore, particularly in the beauty and travel sectors. This article explores the current trends and challenges consumers face, providing practical insights on how to protect yourself as a buyer in these fluctuating markets.
Rising Complaints in the Beauty Industry
In 2025, Singapore saw a staggering increase in consumer complaints against the beauty industry, reaching 2,113—up 76.2% from 1,199 complaints in 2024. This surge is alarming and shifted consumer focus onto potential pitfalls when engaging with beauty services.
The beauty industry was responsible for over $2.1 million in lost prepayments, with a significant portion attributed to the sudden closure of Wan Yang Health Product and Foot Reflexology Centre in November 2025. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) reported that approximately 40% of complaints involved consumers losing money due to unexpected business shutdowns, underscoring the importance of purchasing from reliable companies.
The Impact of Travel Complaints
The travel sector also faced challenges, experiencing a 47.4% increase in complaints, escalating from 420 in 2024 to 619 in 2025. Over half of these complaints pertained to cancellations, modifications to travel plans, and disputes concerning refunds. Notably, online travel agents accounted for a significant 91.6% of complaints, nearly doubling from the previous year.
As travel demand skyrocketed—recording an unprecedented 69.98 million passenger movements in 2025—consumers need to remain vigilant. It’s crucial to research and trust travel vendors that have a reputation for reliability when making bookings.
Other Notable Trends
Apart from beauty and travel, CASE recorded a total of 13,786 complaints across various industries, with electrical and electronic goods, motorcars, and renovation contractors also seeing significant figures. For example, complaints in the electrical sector dropped by 3.4%, with many related to defective products. On the other hand, the motorcar industry saw a 16.5% decline in complaints, primarily about defective vehicles and unfulfilled agreements.
In the renovation sector, proactive measures such as consumer awareness and the accreditation of contractors through CaseTrust have contributed to a notable decrease in complaints from 962 in 2024 to 787 in 2025. This trend highlights the importance of taking into consideration accredited professionals for home improvements.
Conclusion
The rising tide of consumer complaints in sectors like beauty and travel stresses the necessity for due diligence when making purchases. As a consumer, always verify the reputation of a service provider, especially when prepayments are involved. Staying informed and cautious can help mitigate risks and ensure a satisfying experience. CASE is committed to enhancing consumer protection standards, which speaks to the importance of systemic improvements in safeguarding buyer interests. By taking these practical steps, you can enjoy better transparency and trust when interacting with various service industries.
