What do you do if you can’t get into your house or your car? Calling the police is pointless since they will usually point you to a locksmith. Will their referral be a good bet? Instead of calling the police, call a good, reputable locksmith who will help you out.
You may think you’ll never need a locksmith, but you should be prepared just in case. Find a reliable locksmith with a good reputation and keep his name on hand for emergencies. Put their number into your phone so it is always available to you.
Ask for a receipt from your locksmith. While a lot of locksmiths can be trusted, there are people out there that try to scam other people. That is why it is important to get proof you paid. Make sure you store your receipt somewhere secure in the event that a payment issue pops up later.
Business Hours
Talk to locksmiths during business hours to avoid getting extra charges. After business hours, locksmith rates can vary greatly. For example, if you get locked out of your car, the standard cost for the service is about $50; however, after hours this fee can double.
If you don’t know if a locksmith can be trusted, the BBB’s website can help you determine that. You can screen out scammers this way; you can also consult with ALOA.org, which can provide verification on the legitimacy of locksmiths across the country.
Do not use a locksmith who charges more than you expected. There are far too many options for locksmiths. Those that will be dishonest are not worth the time.
Try to target a locksmith that is part of a community of locksmith professionals. It’s comforting to know that he/she is a professional who is on top of current trends. It will also allow you to know that they’re not just going to try and take your money and not do their work right.
Get an ID from the locksmith before you make an appointment. Ask while you have them on the phone and tell them you expect for them to be able to properly identify themselves. Most good professionals wear uniforms as well, but at minimum a valid ID should be presented.
Although saving money is always a goal, do not hire a locksmith whose price seems to good to be true. This sometimes means that person isn’t qualified for the job they’ve been hired to do. Get multiple estimates, throw out the high and the low number, and choose one of the mid-range quotes.
Obtain a list of previous customers from a locksmith before you trust him with your keys and locks. Many businesses are happy to provide references, so you should actually call them. Inquire about trust, costs and especially the price for emergency services or a call on a Sunday afternoon.
Online resources are great for finding good locksmiths. A lot of people love to write about their experiences online. You should be able to access both good and bad reviews. Both types can help you to make a choice when choosing a locksmith.
Google the locksmith’s name when they arrive. Never be embarrassed – you should always protect yourself! If your search yields information you’re not happy with, call the company to ask for another worker.
The tips here will help you find a locksmith for future needs. You can also use them to find a professional to upgrade your locks or install a new safe. No matter what your reasons for needing a locksmith, these tips can help you out.