Finding a Good Locksmith

When you are looking for a good locksmith no doubt you are looking for a knowledgeable and effective locksmith. Finding a good locksmith requires that you be a little shrewd and cautious in your efforts. You also have to be observant. Finding a good locksmith is more than just picking out a name online.

When you begin the process of identifying locksmiths in your area, you may not know it but you could be contacting the same locksmith several times. The reason for this is because a locksmith company may have more than one number and identity. You could actually be contacting a locksmith that you think is in another area but they could be in your own back yard. They might also use a call center to answer their calls. So when a locksmith is dispatched to your location, it is more than likely one of the most inexperienced locksmiths in the city. These same service providers will use low cost ads to draw you in. This is called the bat and switch method. Once they capture your attention, they draw you in and get you to use their services to another locksmiths. In some cases, when the locksmith arrives, they may even charge you more than you were initially quoted. In some cases, even when you attempt to dispute the charges, they will attempt to threaten you. Some will even insist on your using cash instead of a credit card, these are all of the types of locksmiths that you should steer clear of. If you aren’t looking for the cheapest locksmith then it would be in your best interest to call on a locksmith that at least offers fair pricing. If you want to know exactly what type of locksmith you should hire, continue reading.

Find a Local Locksmith

Listen for the name of the company when you call. A call center will often use some type of generic greeting but will not identify themselves by a business name. If the number you call uses the business name when answering your call, this is a good sign. You should add them to your list of possible service providers.
Check online business reviews. Most consumers are willing to write about their experiences and you benefit from them. Try to identify the locksmith company with the most favorable reviews because this is likely a good locksmith.
Make sure the company you hire has a physical address. It will help to identify them as a legit business. If a business address isn’t listed, you can simply ask if they have one.
Ask for a written estimate. A legitimate locksmith wouldn’t have a problem providing you with a written estimate, as it assures them that you understand the expenses that you will incur. Your estimate should include the following:
1. Mileage fees,
2. Emergency calls
3. Parts replaced
4. Labor
5. Service calls
Ask if they will show you the insurance that they carry in case of damages.
Make sure they have professional licensing to operate a locksmith business in your state.

What to Look for Upon Arrival

There are plenty of things that you should also look for when the locksmith arrives. This will solidify that you have hired the right locksmith.

The locksmith will immediately identify themselves
Check to make sure the vehicle they got out of is clearly marked with the name of the company you’ve hired. If it doesn’t then this might mean that they have hired a contractor. This can be dangerous because they may not do a background check. Proceed with caution.
If they are unable to show identify who they are and which company they work for then this is likely going to be a situation where you’ll have to use your instinct. If you don’t feel comfortable using their services then it is in your right to decline services.
Check the written estimate to make sure they are providing you with the services that they have indicated in writing.
If they are unable to show you proof of their credentials then it wouldn’t be a good idea to use their services.
Just like you would ask for the identification of the locksmith that shows up, you’ll also want to ask for their identification so that you can make sure that this is the locksmith that was sent to perform the work at your home.
Never sign anything that is given to you without first reading it.
If the locksmith is trying to drill your lock into the wall then go with someone else. A good locksmith wouldn’t have to do this to secure the lock. They are well-aware of how to secure the lock without putting holes in your wall.
Finally, make sure you get an invoice with the company name listed on it. All of the work they have performed should also be listed.

Good service can be very difficult to find but not impossible. It really depends on the amount of effort that you are willing to put into it. There are some locksmiths that are far more reputable than others and this is usually because they have satisfied customers. These are usually the ones that you want to rely on. However, some are reputable for the wrong reasons. That is why it’s important to do your research before hiring anyone. You only want to hire the locksmith that has a good, solid, verifiable reputation for providing quality service. A little research goes a long way. Just give it a try the next time you’re looking for a locksmith.