You may not be able to rely on friends or family for locksmith referrals, as you likely do when seeking out professionals in other trades. The reason is because many people aren’t prepared for an emergency. Don’t risk being stuck out in cold and rainy weather. Read this article and you’ll figure out what to do when you need a locksmith to help you out.
Before you settle on a locksmith, do some research first. You want to make sure that you are not hiring anyone that is not working in your best interest. Unfortunately, there are a few shady locksmiths who make duplicate keys without authorization, so you need to be careful.
Be skeptical of any locksmith that offers one quote only to raise the price when he gets there. Many of them are trying to scam your money out of you. Don’t go with a company who wants more money than the estimate they gave you over the phone. If this happens, hire another company.
Avoid additional fees by not calling a locksmith after regular business hours. After hours, their fees go way up. For example, the regular cost for getting locked from a car is around $50; however, this fee may double if it’s after hours.
Check the BBB site to see if you can rely on a locksmith. You can see if they have any complaints against them. Check ALOA.org as well.
Choose a tradesman who is an active participant of his professional community. A locksmith that keeps himself current with the latest trends and developments will do a better job. Also, it will prevent you from getting scammed.
Ask any locksmith how experienced they are. Make sure that they’ve been operating from this location the whole time. A company with more than five years of experience would be a good choice.
Before you hire any locksmith, search the Internet for reviews about the quality of their services. You can find lots of good review websites online. Make sure the site you check for reviews is not however tied to any locksmith service or sponsor. Additionally, check with your local Better Business Bureau before hiring a locksmith.
Check out a locksmith’s credentials before letting him enter your home. Check the ID to make sure the address matches the business you called. Make sure the phone number is the same. The Internet has made it quite simple to check if someone is reliable and trustworthy, so make sure you check them out!
Many people wouldn’t know who to call in the event of a lockout. The issue is you may get ripped off or receive bad service. Use these tips to find a great locksmith ahead of time. You’ll be so pleased you spent the time now to save you grief later!