How does one go about finding a good locksmith? What should be looked for? What should be avoided? Many don’t know how to choose a locksmith that is trustworthy. This article will provide the guidance you need.
Be on the lookout for a locksmith that offers a quote and then raises price. Some try this kind of ploy so they can get you to pay more money. Refuse to work with the individual and continue your search elsewhere.
You may think you’ll never need a locksmith, but you should be prepared just in case. Research locksmiths in advance, and know who you would call on if you were to have an emergency. Keep their number on hand for when an emergency strikes.
Business Hours
Avoid additional fees by not calling a locksmith after regular business hours. If they come outside business hours, you’ll pay extra. The after hours fees can often be double the fees charged during normal business hours.
If a locksmith quotes you one price by phone, then tries to up the price upon arrival, tell them you will do business with someone else. There are many scammers out there who want to rip you off.
Check the locksmiths credentials before they enter your home. Then call all of them! Because this person will have access to your belongings and family, you want to ensure that your trust is not misplaced.
Verify a locksmith’s credentials before letting them into your home. This can be done by cross-referencing the business address listed with the phone number. Due to the Internet, you can easily check a person out to see if you can trust them. Be sure you do not forget this important step.
Before scheduling a locksmith appointment, make sure you see their ID. When they are on the phone, let them know they need proper identification. A professional that’s good at what they do should be in a uniform as well, but you should at least be sure that they have an ID of some kind.
While you may want to get a great deal, you want to avoid a locksmith who charges very little. This sometimes means that person isn’t qualified for the job they’ve been hired to do. Get a few quotes, throw out the lowest and highest, then hire any of the middle ones.
Look for a good locksmith before you actually need one. You may limit your choices of locksmith if don’t plan ahead and already have one in mind. You do not want a disreputable person having access to your belongs and your family.
Inquire about the length of time any locksmith has been around before you commit to hiring them. Chances are, if they have been around for a while, they are trustworthy. Although a new locksmith shouldn’t automatically be viewed as untrustworthy, caution should be taken.
Do not hire the first locksmith that you talk to. As a good rule of thumb, call at least three before deciding. You will know what the rates are with various companies. You will be better prepared to see who is being fair with their pricing and who is trying to gouge customers.
Google the actual person who appears at your door to complete the work. This will help you to protect against scammers, allowing you to feel safe and secure. If something seems fishy, go with another locksmith. Most areas have a number of different locksmiths.
Ask about additional fees when asking for a quote. Are the prices inclusive of tax? Can you get any discounts, like for teachers or seniors? Do they charge extra for late night calls or those outside of a certain radius. These are all things you need to know in advance.
Emergencies will cost you more with a locksmith. Some people will use this to overcharge the clients. Before you hire someone, get more than one quote to ensure that you are getting the best after hours deal.
A reliable locksmith can do more than simply change a door lock. If you’ve been burglarized, they ought to switch out window locks too. Sometimes, they can even fix alarm systems.
If you have to file a complaint, file it immediately. If you do not, you might make your complaint too late. If the company will not correct the problem, contact the local Better Business Bureau.
Find locksmiths that have been around for long periods of time. If they haven’t been around for at least several years, find out where they last worked and call to see what type of employee they were. Do a search online for the company to see if you can find customer feedback.
Get in touch with the police to see if a prospective locksmith has been the subject of complaints. You will find the complaints that are on file. This will help you to gauge whether or not to choose them.
Hire locksmiths only when you must, because they can be expensive. You can change your own locks without hiring a professional. If you are completely sure you know you can’t tackle a certain job, then, by all means, call on a locksmith.
These tips have been assembled to make it easier for you the next time a locksmith is needed. Needing a locksmith is not pleasant, but it can go smoothly if you use your head. From getting back into a home to changing locks, when you know how to select a locksmith, you are prepared for many bad situations.
