SingaporeA movers' company damaged my furniture. Can I claim from them?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if the movers breached their contractual duty to deliver your furniture safely — the Supply of Goods Act implies terms about care and skill in service contracts.
What the Law Says
The Supply of Goods Act applies not only to sale of goods but also to contracts for services involving the supply of goods — including moving services where furniture is handled and transported. Section 4 implies a term that the service provider must carry out the work with reasonable care and skill.
When you hire a moving company, you enter into a contract for services. Even if the contract doesn’t explicitly say so, the law automatically adds (‘implies’) certain terms — one of which is that the mover must perform the job with reasonable care and skill.
If your furniture was damaged due to negligence — for example, improper packing, rough handling, or failure to secure items during transit — this may amount to a breach of that implied term under section 4.
You do not need to prove intentional wrongdoing — only that the standard of care expected of a competent moving company was not met.
Statutory Text4. In a contract for the supply of a service there is an implied term that the supplier will carry out the service with reasonable care and skill.
— Supply of Goods Act, s. 4 — Implied term as to service
What to Do
Gather evidence: photos of the damage, original quote/invoice, packing list, and any communication with the mover.
Notify the moving company in writing within a reasonable time — ideally within 7 days of discovering the damage.
Request a written explanation and proposal for repair, replacement, or compensation.
If unresolved, file a claim at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) — maximum claim amount is $20,000 (or $30,000 if both parties agree).
Keep all records — the SCT process is designed for consumers without lawyers.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.