A compilation of the best 33 tips to avoid the bad locksmiths in 2017

It’s less than 30 hours to 2017. As a way to say thank you for being with us for the year 2016, following up on our blog posts and keeping this website buzzing, we made a compendium – No, skip the big word – a compilation of all the best tips to make sure your 2017 is free of bad locksmiths. These tips to avoid the bad locksmiths will help you stay secure and avoid any locksmith-related problems in the upcoming year.

1. Locked out from your house? Don’t just agree to replace the lock immediately. Locksmiths are able to unlock most doors without replacing any locks. Lock replacement forces you to incur extra charges unnecessarily. One of the tips to avoid the bad locksmiths is to ensure you’re only dealing with a professional who can provide an effective solution without unnecessary upselling.

2. Be sure you’re able to research the locksmith of your choice before you hire them for any work. Are they thinking about your best interests? There are scammers out there and people who will make unauthorized duplicates, so be careful. One of the tips to avoid the bad locksmiths is to always check their credentials and reviews before making a decision.

3. You should prepare yourself even if you don’t really think you’ll need a locksmith. Research to find someone you can trust. One of the important tips to avoid the bad locksmiths is to save their contact information in your phone, so you can speed dial them if something happens.

4. Be wary of a locksmith who quotes one number over the phone and a higher price when they arrive. This is just a way to get money out of you. Never work with someone who tries to pull this trick. Following these tips to avoid the bad locksmiths will help you ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy professional who won’t take advantage of you.

5. It is advisable to be prepared even if you never think you will need a locksmith’s service. Research to find reputable professionals that can be contacted for emergencies. Additionally, here are some tips to avoid the bad locksmiths: always check reviews, ask for identification, and ensure they provide an estimate before starting any work.

6. Get a receipt after locksmith services are rendered. That is why you need proof that you paid, which is necessary. Keeping the receipt can be useful if you have any questions regarding payment later. Following tips to avoid the bad locksmiths can also help ensure that you receive trustworthy service and avoid potential issues.

7. Get a receipt. Many may be honest, but there are several that will try to scam their clients. Therefore, you need to have proof you have paid in full for services done. Place these receipts in a place that’s safe if questions about payments come up later. Following tips to avoid the bad locksmiths can help protect you from these situations.

8. Check the Better Business Bureau to find out if a locksmith is truly reputable. This will allow you to know if you’re dealing with someone who will scam you. This is one of the important tips to avoid the bad locksmiths, ensuring you hire a trusted professional.

9. Avoid extra expenses by using a locksmith during regular hours. The price a locksmith cost can vary widely after hours. The after-hours fees can often be double on services you need. Following tips to avoid the bad locksmiths can help you find more reliable and affordable options during regular business hours.

10. Choose locksmiths who are active members of the professional community. It is wise to know that you have a locksmith who stays updated on the latest industry trends. It will also allow you to know that they’re not just going to try and take your money and not do their work right. Following tips to avoid the bad locksmiths can help ensure you hire a professional who values integrity and quality service.

11. When you call a locksmith for the first time, always ask how long they have been in business for. Confirm that they have been in the same location for a long time. This is one of the tips to avoid the bad locksmiths who may not have the experience or reputation you’re looking for.

12. Before scheduling a locksmith appointment, make sure you see their ID. This will help to ensure you have the proper person handling your locks. Uniforms can be misleading and are easily faked, so check for ID and make sure their company is reputable before hiring a locksmith. These are crucial tips to avoid the bad locksmiths, ensuring that your security isn’t compromised.

13. Before you contract the services of a locksmith, inquire about the length of time they have been doing this sort of work. If it is a long time, the are likely reliable.

14. Do not use any locksmith who charges more than you expected. There are too many locksmiths out there who want to rip you to deal with one that is not upfront and honest with you.

15. The world wide web is an important tool in the search for a locksmith. You can find businesses, of course, but you can also find reviews from former customers. This includes good and bad experiences. Both types of reviews can be a tremendous help when determining who to hire. In fact, reading reviews can provide useful tips to avoid the bad locksmiths, ensuring you make a more informed decision.

16. Avoid locksmiths who tell you they need to replace a lock. A capable locksmith will get your door open without drilling and replacing your lock; and you should also be able to get a new key. Remember, following tips to avoid the bad locksmiths can save you time and money, ensuring you choose a trustworthy professional.

One of the first questions to ask a new locksmith is how long their business has been operating. It is also important to ensure that they have been working in the area. A company that has five years of experience would be a good choice. Additionally, knowing some tips to avoid the bad locksmiths can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a reliable locksmith for your needs.

18. Don’t hire a locksmith that charges for making an appearance. Most locksmiths won’t do that, so it indicates this person is not on the up and up. If you tell the person to leave, because they are not licensed, insured, etc., be sure to call the cops if they won’t leave without giving them money. These are important tips to avoid the bad locksmiths who engage in questionable practices.

19. Ask if there are additional costs when hiring a locksmith. Is tax included in the estimate? Are discounts for veterans, seniors or other groups available? Does the locksmith charge fees for mileage or service after hours? Ask for the total you will actually be charged.

20. You can find websites that provide reviews in your particular area. Make sure the review website itself isn’t actually associated with a particular locksmith. You should also go to your local BBB when you’re going to hire a locksmith.

21. If you are unhappy with the service, it is important that you let the company know right away. Often, there is a limited amount of time for complaints to be filed. If the company will not correct the problem, contact the local Better Business Bureau. Additionally, consider learning tips to avoid the bad locksmiths in the future to ensure a better experience next time.

22. Identify the locksmiths who have been operating in your community for a number of years. If they are new to the area, ask them for references from wherever it was they last worked.

23. Check the credentials of a locksmith before you let him entry to your house. You can check out their business address with their given phone number. Thanks to the Web, it’s actually pretty simple to make sure you hire someone you can trust. These simple tips to avoid the bad locksmiths will help ensure that you don’t fall victim to a scam or poor service.

24. Tipping a locksmith is good practice, so give the locksmith a tip for good work. This is particularly appropriate if you called him out in an emergency. Try to give at least 15% to the locksmith.

25. When you are looking for a locksmith, find one who offers emergency services. You can get locked out at the most inopportune times, so you need someone that can help you in all situations.

26. Be sure to check the identification from any locksmith you plan to hire. A professional run business will gladly show his credentials before beginning to work on your lock.

27. Talk to your locksmith and find out how secure he or she thinks your home is. Locksmiths really know their field, and home security falls into that realm. Advice on what you need based on your personal situation is key. Also, they can upgrade your system if needed.

28. Find out all of the stipulations of the deal that they offer. Skilled locksmiths can anticipate potential problems and ought to have no problem giving you this type of price estimate.

29. Ask your locksmith for references of previous customers. Most businesses will be happy to give you references, and you should actually call those references.

30. Don’t hire a locksmith who doesn’t offer proof of insurance. If something doesn’t go right and your car or home is damaged, their insurance is what will cover the replacement and repair costs. Always make certain that the company you employ is insured fully.

31. Is your locksmith well groomed, with a professional appearance? Their attire and hygiene are good indications of their professionalism. One thing you really need to look at is if they have a uniform for their company because that will allow you to see if they’re an established company.

32. You can always do a Google search for the locksmith that is sent to help. Don’t be scared to get this – you to know that you’re being secure. If you aren’t comfortable with them, call the company and ask for someone else to come out.

33. When you are able to do so, get competing quotes from more than one locksmith service provider. Estimates should be given over the phone, even when you’re locked out.

Above all, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. We wish you a safe, secure and happy 2017!

Contact us today (602) 677-5045 for any locksmith service you require.