Ask Andreas: the lowdown on helper agencies

We have the best Agony Uncle at Sassy Mama – Andreas is the author of one of our most-recommended books: Hiring & Managing Domestic Help. It’s an absolute must-have for Hong Kong mamas and you canbuy it here!

This week, we get the lowdown on agencies for helpers…

I’ve heard that it’s best not to use agencies to find new helpers as they charge the helpers a huge amount to find their places, but I’m running out of options. How can I be sure that an agency is reputable and can you recommend any?

Many agencies do gouge helpers, demanding perhaps half a year’s salary from the helper even for listing her. This is obviously despicable behaviour. However, by the same token, many agencies charge a reasonable amount (half the first month’s salary or less). The simplest way to know is just to ask the agency the question directly. Most would not lie about it.

AsiaXpat’s agency prides itself on only charging helpers a nominal fee – check it out here.

For the only guide you’ll ever need on working with a helper, check out Andreas’ fab book ‘Hiring and Managing Domestic Help’ and buy it here.

Do you have a question for Andreas? Email [email protected] with the subject line “Ask Andreas” and we’ll make sure it gets answered on the site!