From a Young Hobbyist to a Leading Repair Service
For Zames Chew, fixing things wasn’t just a pastime; it was a way to make a difference. “Ever since I was young, I’ve always been into taking things apart, putting them back together, and fixing things when they’re broken,” he recalls. This hands-on passion evolved over the years into Repair.sg, a company that has served more than 17,000 customers across Singapore, offering services like electrical repairs, plumbing, air conditioning maintenance, and general handyman work. “This is something I’ve been doing for eight years. And it’s my first real job, I guess, and the only thing I’ve ever done,” Zames shares.
Turning a Hobby into a Business
Zames’s journey into the world of repairs began right after his O-levels. With some free time before starting Polytechnic, he stumbled upon the domain Repairs.sg while browsing online. “I built a website, people started coming in, and I was like, ‘Hey, maybe I could turn this into a real business,’” he recalls. What began as a simple project soon turned into a legitimate business opportunity, prompting Zames to pursue business studies to better equip himself for the growing venture.
Initially, the company operated under the Repairs.sg domain, though many customers mistakenly referred to it as Repair.sg. “In 2019, the person who owned Repair.sg let the domain expire, so I snapped it up,” Zames explains. “It took three years of camping every year to see if they’d let it expire. That was huge dedication, but I just knew I needed to have it.” The rebranding to Repair.sg in September 2024 signaled a new era for the company, solidifying its identity and commitment to reliable repair services.
Challenges of Scaling Up
As the business grew from a small operation to a 17-person team with ambitions to reach 10 teams and vehicles by the end of the year, new challenges emerged. “When we were one team, two teams, it was easy to speak with everyone every day, know the customers, and ensure everything ran smoothly,” says Zames. “But now, with more staff and vans, keeping those standards has been harder. We’ve put a lot of effort into systemizing everything and hiring people who are dedicated to fulfilling our mission.”
A Problem Young Founders Are Prone To Face
Hiring has also posed its own set of challenges. “We’ve had a lot of difficult potential candidates,” Zames admits. “Some people just can’t do what they claim they can, and being younger, there’s a lot of difficulty in finding people willing to listen to someone younger than them. A lot of people think, ‘I’m older than you, so you should listen to me.’ It’s been hard to find those who are willing to put down their ego and just focus on the job.” The company uses one-day trials to assess whether candidates are a good fit, ensuring they meet the best standards.
Photo Source: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Singapore (Facebook)
/Finding Fulfilment Beyond Big Brands
Working with high-profile clients like IKEA, Haidilao, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has been rewarding, but Zames finds the most fulfilment in everyday interactions. “I don’t like to mark my achievements based on the big brands,” he says. “What makes me happiest is when customers come to me and say, ‘Thanks for helping me, there’s no one like you guys.’ That’s really what makes me happy every day.”
Insights on a Changing Industry
The repair industry in Singapore is at a crossroads, with many older workers nearing retirement and younger generations not as interested in joining the field. “It’s an industry full of older people, and young children don’t want to do this,” Zames observes. “There’s more demand than supply, and if you genuinely care about your customers, they’ll keep coming back. If anyone wants to join this space, I’d be happy. It’s discouraging sometimes when I see that most people just want to retire. We need more people to grow together.”
Looking Forward
With plans to expand to 10 teams and vehicles, Repair.sg is set for further growth. “It’s a bit ambitious, but I love my customers and want to help as many as I can,” Zames says. His journey from a teenage hobbyist to a business owner has been defined by determination and a focus on solving everyday problems.
Source: Zames Chew
Advice for Aspiring Young Entrepreneurs
Zames encourages young people to seize opportunities and not overthink. “Don’t strive for perfection. Move fast and break things. When you’re young, starting out, if there’s something you think you can do that provides value, just do it,” he says. “Don’t let people discourage you. If you think it’s good, double down, triple down. And make friends who share your drive—you’ll learn from each other.”
Repair.sg promises commitment to providing reliable repair solutions across Singapore. Whether you need electrical, plumbing, or general handyman services, the team is ready to help. Visit their website to learn more about their services and future plans.
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