Foot reflexology chain closes down abruptly, customer concerned more about its staff than her unused packages
Since the sudden closure of Wan Yang Health Product and Foot Reflexology Centre, its customers have reported losing more than $29,000 in unutilised prepaid packages to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).
The association has received 15 complaints as of Nov 13, said Case president Melvin Yong in a social media post.
He added: "Case has reached out to Wan Yang to seek clarification on how the company would refund consumers the unutilised amounts of their prepaid packages as well as any other remedies."
But for one long-time Wan Yang customer, Stomper Celine, her concern is not her unused packages but the foot reflexology chain's employees.
When she visited the Wan Yang outlet in Ang Mo Kio on Nov 21, the Stomper was surprised to see a sign at the entrance that read: "This company has ceased operations effective immediately and will commence formal liquidation proceedings.
"For any outstanding matters, please contact the liquidators who will be appointed in due course."
She told Stomp: "It was unbelievable when I saw the notice as I had been with Wan Yang for almost 20 years, starting from Causeway Point to Northpoint.
"My friend who lives in Ang Mo Kio said she walked past the shop on Nov 20 and business was as usual. There were no signs of them clearing shop or unhappiness."
The Stomper herself had gone to Wan Yang as recently as Nov 15.
"The reception staff happily asked me to visit more often because they had increased the number of massage therapists in the outlet, so I would be able to get a booking easily," she recounted.
"I set my next appointment for Nov 21 at 3pm at AMK Hub. When I reached the shop, it was shuttered, which was extremely unusual as they never shut except during Chinese New Year.
"Given that, I am very concerned about the livelihoods of their staff as most of them had worked at Wan Yang for a very long time. I hope they are given proper compensation."
Asked how much in unused pre-paid packages she has left, the Stomper said: "Actually, I forgot.
"They're kind of always asking me to sign up for new packages even when my old ones have still not been used. Since there is no expiry, I agreed."
Wan Yang also closed its outlets at locations including Our Tampines Hub, HarbourFront Centre, Parkway Parade and Thomson Plaza.
Mr Yong said in his post: "Case is deeply concerned about the issue of prepayment losses in the beauty and wellness sector due to sudden business closure."
In the first half of this year, consumers reported prepayment losses of $108,000 against the beauty and wellness sector, a 464 per cent increase from $19,000 in the same period last year.
"To address the perennial issue of prepayment losses, Case has called on the Government to introduce a mandatory five-day cooling-off period for the purchase of prepaid packages in the beauty and wellness sector," said the Case president, who is also the MP for Radin Mas.
"Case will continue to engage the Government and the industry on stronger prepayment measures to protect consumers, including encouraging businesses to keep prepayments in an escrow account so that consumers monies are not unfairly held in the event of a business closure."
He added: "Case strongly encourages consumers to patronise CaseTrust accredited beauty and wellness businesses as they offer prepayment protection for prepaid packages.
"Accredited businesses also offer consumers a five-day cooling-off period and a stress-free treatment."
