Are you locked out? Calling the police is pointless since they will usually point you to a locksmith. Are you going to be able to trust just any locksmith? Do not use 911. Find a trustworthy locksmith now, so you know who you’re going to call later.
Always do research on a locksmith before you hire them for a job. You need a professional that will help to guard you, not scam you. Be aware of people who are out there to scam you.
Be wary of locksmiths who increase the quote once they arrive at your location. Some will try and get more money than they deserve. Don’t fall victim to this ploy.
Ask for a receipt from your locksmith. Though the majority are trustworthy, others are working to scam you. This is why you should have proof that you paid for the services in full. Keep the receipt inside a secure place in case there are questions about payment in the future.
Research with the BBB to ensure your locksmith is reliable. You will minimize the chance of being scammed if the person is in good standing with the BBB.
During your initial conversation with a locksmith, ask about his experience and how long he has been a locksmith. Check to see if they have operated from a single location the whole time. The companies that have served a specific area for years are usually going to be good choices.
Google your prospective locksmith. There are quite a few websites online that share reviews. Just make sure the website you’re looking at is not affiliated with that or any other locksmith. Check with the BBB to find out the claims towards your locksmiths.
It is very important the locksmith you hire has proper identification when they come to the job. While you’re on the phone with them, let them know that they will need to show you proper identification before they can enter your home. Professionals should be in uniform and have ID on them at all times.
It’s understandable that you want to find an affordable locksmith, but this is one area where you should be wary of anyone charging really low fees. This could indicate the individual is not that qualified. Get multiple quotes and then discard both the smallest and biggest ones. Choose from among the middle of the pack.
Do not hire the first locksmith that you talk to. Figure out the best of the top 5 locksmiths in your area. This will go a long way to helping to familiarize yourself with what the market price is for locksmith work. With this knowledge, you can be more sure that your locksmith is charging fairly.
You can always Google the locksmith that is sent to help. Don’t be too embarrassed to do it – protecting yourself means more than just installing additional locks! If something seems fishy, go with another locksmith. Most areas have a number of different locksmiths.
The tips here will help you find a locksmith for future needs. They provide a number of important functions. The reasons you want a locksmith does not matter as long as you use these tips to hire one.