When it comes to residential services, you know a locksmith can help you out. Commercial businesses can also find help from a locksmith, be it replacing an automatic door or providing new keys when a disgruntled employee doesn’t return theirs. Whatever your needs, the great advice below will help you find an amazing locksmith.
If a locksmith provides you with a quote, and then increases the cost when he gets there, be wary. Many of them are trying to scam your money out of you. If someone tries to tell you the services will cost significantly more than the quote you were given on the phone, cancel the job and call someone else.
Always get keys made by a locksmith that is close to your home. Sometimes keys are not calibrated correctly and they will not fit the lock in question. Going to someone too far means there will be a hassle if you have to take the keys back. Aim for a place that is a mile or two from where you live.
Be sure you get yourself a receipt after you get locksmith services. Most locksmiths are of course honest, but there are scam artists out there. That is why proof that they were completely paid is necessary. Keep your receipt safe and stored in case a problem arises.
One very reliable means of determining trust in your potential locksmith is the number of years they have been in business. Also, check that they’ve been set up in the same location too. Both of these facts are really good sings that you’ve found the best locksmith in the business and the one you can really depend on!
Always ask your locksmith for professional identification before you let him into your home. It’s all too easy to advertize as a locksmith when you really are not one. Also, be careful where you find yours. While there are many reputable businesses on places like Craigslist, you really never know!
Make sure the locksmith you hire is properly licensed and insured. While this may not impact his ability to fix you up a new set of keys, it offers a lot in terms of credibility and trust. Make sure anyone you use is up to date on all the paperwork and as professional as possible.
If you are trying to find a good locksmith, think about contacting a security company in the area. A construction company is also a good choice. Many times, these companies have a locksmith that they turn to when they need work done, so they can provide you with a good recommendation.
If a locksmith tries to bill you for an amount above what he had quoted you over the phone, tell him that you won’t be using him again. You need to hire someone who is honest.
Look for a good locksmith before you actually need one. Waiting until you have an emergency, like getting locked out from your car or home, will limit your options severely. The key to your belongings could end up in the wrong hands.
When searching for a reputable locksmith company, discuss any additional charges for the work you are having done. Some companies will charge significantly more for excessive mileage and emergency hours. They could also have a service call minimum where you may pay them over $50 for two minutes of work.
When the locksmith arrives on-site, make sure that the price matches the price you received on the phone. If the two prices do not match, do not let them work on your car or home. There are a variety of reasons the two prices do not match, most of them are not good.
Commercial security is a bit different than home security, so make sure that any potential locksmith has experience with commercial properties. Even if a locksmith has many years of experience providing services for residential properties, they may not understand the extra layer of security that is needed when it comes to businesses.
When you call the locksmith, ask him for a couple of phone numbers belonging to his most recent clients. Talk to a few people to determine their experience with the locksmith. This will not take as long as you think it will, and the extra few minutes you spend will be well worth it if you are able to get someone reputable out to your location.
The law states that all locksmiths are required to carry a pocket-sized version of their license on them. If you ask the locksmith who comes to help you for theirs and they don’t have it, send them away. You cannot trust the quality of their work if they are unlicensed.
Never use locksmiths who charge simply for coming to your home or business. This is not something most locksmiths will do, so it’s a sure sign that the person you are dealing with is a scam. If you make them leave because they are unlicensed or something, speak to the cops if they insist that you pay.
Check out the vehicle a new locksmith is driving. No, it’s not to see their sweet ride, it’s to see if the car is marked with their business on the side. Most reputable locksmiths brand their vehicles, both for marketing purposes and as a way to lower the risk you feel when a strange person shows up. An unmarked car could be a sign of something fishy. Use your best judgement.
If you can’t get into something, figure out exactly what’s going on. Have you left the keys inside the car? This is different than having your keys stolen. One just needs you to get back inside, and the other means you need to rekey the locks or have some new ones installed. This is why the locksmith needs to know what to do.
Ask about the pricing on simple tasks, like letting you into your home when locked out. A good locksmith can quote you an exact price. Try another company if you cannot get a straight answer.
You may not know as much as you think you do about locksmiths, but you should now know enough. Use the expert advice from this article to find only the best professional for your needs. Locks and keys may seem like simple and inconsequential items, but they protect everything in our lives. Trust yours to only the best.
Categories