What are your options when you are locked out? Calling the cops will usually point you to a locksmith. Is the company they direct you to trustworthy?
If a locksmith tries to tell you that you need to replace a lock completely when you have locked yourself out, find a different locksmith. A locksmith that knows what they are doing will not need to change the lock. Lock replacements could end up costing you money that you did not need to spend.
You need to ensure that the person you hire is working for your best interest and professional. Some will make copies of your keys.
Avoid extra expenses by calling a locksmith in his normal business hours. The cost of locksmith charges goes up after hours can vary widely. The fee can be double the fees charged during normal business hours.
Be skeptical of any locksmith that offers one quote only to raise the price when he gets there. This is a scam used to squeeze you out of more money. You should call another locksmith if he tries to raise the price after arriving at the scene.
Get references and recommendations before allowing a locksmith in your home. Call the references before you engage in business.You surely want the best quality service but also a person you can really trust.
One of the first questions to ask a new locksmith is how long their business. Check to see if they have operated from the whole time. A company that has five or ten years of experience is a great choice.
Get a receipt when all of the work is completed. Most locksmiths can be trusted, but there are some that are out to scam people. So make sure that you have a receipt that says you have paid in full. Make sure you store your receipt somewhere secure in the event that a payment issue pops up later.
There are quite a few websites that you can find if you just look. Make sure the review websites are not run by a locksmith. Check the BBB to find out the claims towards your locksmiths.
Check the credentials of any locksmith is who they claim to be prior to allowing him entry to your home. You can accomplish this by comparing his business address and cross-reference it with their given phone number. With the wide reach of the Internet, it has become increasingly easy to look someone up and make sure that they are trustworthy, so don’t skip this step!
Avoid additional fees by not calling a locksmith after regular business hours. After hours, their fees go way up. For example, it usually costs about $50 to get a car unlocked, but this can rise to $100 or more after hours.
Sometimes this will mean that you can’t trust the person to do the job they have been hired for. Get several quotes and find one you feel comfortable with.
Do not hire the first locksmith that you consider. You should be calling at least three to five locksmiths before making a hiring decision. This can help you understand what the going rate is.
Find a locksmith who has current credentials and stays active in learning more about his trade. While it’s not required, knowing that they keep current with technology and trends is reassuring. It also lets you know he’s dedicated to what he’s doing.
Ask your locksmith for references of previous customers. Most businesses will be happy to give you references, and it is important to actually call the referred customers.
Be wary of any locksmith says your old lock is necessary to get in your home.
If time allows, search the web on the locksmith whom you are planning to call. There are lots of reputable websites that provide reviews online. Make sure the review website itself isn’t actually associated with a locksmith. Also you should check with the Better Business Bureau prior to getting locksmith services.
Ask about additional costs when you hire a locksmith. Is there a service tax on top of what they quoted? Do they offer discounts for veterans or any associations you may belong to? Will extra fees when the work is completed? You must ask for all pricing up front before you let them start working!
Locksmith services are more costly after regular business hours. Some locksmiths will know this practice to their advantage as an excuse to charge unreasonably high rates during these times. You can avoid this if you get a quote from multiple locksmiths.
Check out a locksmith’s credentials before letting him enter your home. Verify both their address and phone number. Thanks to the Internet, it’s actually quite easy to check someone out and make sure they are worthy of your trust – make sure you do so!
Some have enough knowledge to reconfigure your alarm systems too.
Ask for an ID and a license when your locksmith arrives. Make sure the person who shows up is the person identified.on the license. A qualified locksmith typically has a license.
Before scheduling a locksmith appointment, make sure you see their ID. When you call a locksmith, let them know that you will be verifying their identity when they arrive. Professionals should be in uniform and have ID on them at all times.
Try and hire a locksmith with a long history in your town. If a prospective locksmith is new in the area, then ask for references from their previous location. Look them up online to see if they have reviews.
You have just been provided with advice on how to find a great locksmith who will assist you when issues occur. A good locksmith can also help you install new locks and make your home more secure. Hiring the best professional is a must in either case.
Of course you want the best value when you hire a locksmith, but you should be careful about hiring someone who charges an extremely low price. This sometimes means that the contractor lacks the qualifications for the job. Try to pick a locksmith that does not charge at the high or low end of your quotes.