Quality locksmiths are vital for times of crisis. You need to know that the person has a good reputation and standing in the community. A locksmith could cost you thousands if they are careless. Use the following advice to assist you in finding a great locksmith
Do not hire anyone until you have researched their business and their reputation. You’ll want to ensure they’re reputable and reliable. Be careful, there are people out there who will scam you and make unauthorized key duplicates.
When a locksmith is replacing a lock for you, make sure that they are using a new one that is in a sealed package. It is the only way to be sure that they haven’t made a duplicate. If they do, this means that they can gain access to your home whenever they like.
Before you hang up the phone with a locksmith, tell them you want a written and signed estimate before they start the job. Anyone who hesitates is looking to make a few quick bucks. You should also make sure to get a receipt after all of the work has been done.
If the locksmith gives you a price that is higher than their quotes, look elsewhere for your services. There are plenty of honest locksmiths out there, so you shouldn’t deal with one who is not.
Contact your local Better Business Bureau to ensure that there are no complaints lodged against your locksmith. The BBB will have records of any complaints along with what the locksmith has done to try to remedy any complaints filed. A reputable locksmith may have one or two complaints filed against him; however, if numerous complaints are recorded, look elsewhere.
When you make your first call to a locksmith, one of your first questions should be to find out the length of time that they have been open for business. Check to see if they have operated from a single location the whole time. A locksmith with more than a few years of experience would be a great choice.
You should always receive an estimate in writing before you have any work done with a locksmith. This will let you know how much their services will cost, and ensure that you do not pay more than the stated upfront cost. You do not need a surprise when it comes time to pay.
It is a bit scary to be locked out of your vehicle in an empty parking lot, but don’t allow a situation like this to cloud your judgment. If you call a locksmith and someone shady shows up, you should let them know that you will not be needing their services after all. Bad signs include lack of licensing, unmarked vehicles and a refusal to hand over an ID.
Be sure to Google the business you wish to hire to see what others say about the quality of their work. This is an easy way to figure out if the company is a scam or not, but only if they haven’t changed their name recently. If you can’t find anything, that is another red flag.
Look for a locksmith which not only offers a local phone number, but also a local address. Some unsavory companies use a local number but reroute the call to a national call center, sending out someone who may not be on the up and up. A local address means they really are in your town.
After reading this article, you are prepared to hire a locksmith, which could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Keep this article handy at all times. By being prepared ahead of time, you can find the right locksmith for any job.