Over 7 billion people on this planet with different languages, skin color and cultural backgrounds. But there are a few things we have in common. One of which is a need to feel safe and secure. Our need to avoid harm and loss has made us use ever-evolving ways to restrict access to our properties. To do this, we use keys and locks and sometimes technology.
However, there are unfortunate moments when this backfires on us. Like losing our keys, or forgetting our passcode. Then we end up getting locked out of our own homes. This could be frustrating, time-wasting and infuriating. This is the kind of moment when a locksmith can be of incredible help. That is if you are lucky to find the good ones. So, which leads us to ask, “How do I find a good commercial locksmith near me?”
I will like to say “That’s easy! Here’s how…”, but that’s hardly the case in many situations. This demands skill, knowledge and experience in hiring the best commercial locksmiths out there. That is why people go to college for four years to study how to hire employees and later pursue careers in Human Resource management. But you can’t do that just to hire a locksmith. Heck, you don’t even have the time. So how do you condense the wisdom earned by Alcatraz Locksmiths honed over 10 years of practicing in the Locksmith industry in Phoenix into one blog article?
Well, tighten your seat belts, grab some popcorn. This might be one of the longest posts you’ll ever read. But I assure you, it will be the most helpful locksmith post you will ever read online. It will save your money, time, headache and frustrations.
Timeless Tips to make your best Locksmith Hire
Research anyone you plan to hire. You need to be sure that you’re not going to hire someone that doesn’t have your best interest in mind. There are certainly unscrupulous players out there who will copy your keys.
Locked outside your house? Don’t agree to replace your lock immediately. A good locksmith can get the door open without needing to replace your current lock. Replacing your lock will force you to spend extra money for no reason.
Ask for a receipt from your locksmith. Most locksmiths are trustworthy, but there are those who try to cheat other. That is why you need proof that you paid them. Put the receipt in a safe place in case a question about the payment arises later on.
Cover the locks when you begin painting. It may take a bit of time to cover all the locks, but it will save time and expense because you won’t end up having to have the locks changed later.
Check the locksmiths credentials before they enter your home. Once he does give them, take the initiative to call them. You of course want the best in service, but you also must be able to have 100 percent trust in the person you let into your home.
When you talk to any locksmith for the very first time, inquire as to how long they personally have been in the trade. Make sure that they’ve been operating from this location the whole time.
Be skeptical of a locksmith that offers one number over the price when he gets there. This is generally a ploy to squeeze more money from a desperate person.
If you can, try searching online for the locksmith you plan on calling. You can find many reputable websites that provide reviews online. When locating these review sites, make sure no locksmith is associated with them. Another valuable resource is the BBB.
Be sure to request identification from any locksmith you are thinking of hiring. When they are on the phone, let them know they need proper identification.
Get a receipt once the work is completed. That is why you need proof that you paid is necessary. Keep the receipt in case there is any question with regard to payment issue comes up later.
Check out the good locksmiths in your area before you encounter a problem. When you have locked the keys in your car or home, you will have limited resources. You may find yourself in the position of having given your keys over to someone who really should not be trusted.
Before hiring locksmiths, be sure to find out how long they’ve been in the business. Chances are, if they have been around for a while, they are trustworthy.
Avoid additional fees by not calling the locksmith in his business hours. The locksmith charges goes up after hours. The fee can almost double on services you need.
Do not hire the first locksmith that you talk to. Figure out the best of the top 5 locksmiths in your area. You will get a good idea of the costs involved. With this knowledge, you can be more sure that your locksmith is charging fairly.
Prior to handing over your keys, make sure you get references from any prospective locksmith. Most companies will gladly give you the references you ask for, and you should actually call those references.
Check with the BBB to make sure that a locksmith is truly reputable. This will let you whether or not you have found someone honest or dishonest.
Look out for any locksmith that says they need to drill out the lock and put in a replacement in order to solve a lockout. A skilled locksmith should be able to get you in without any damage to the lock, and should be able to produce a new key for you as well, so keep that in mind.
Don’t try using locksmiths that charge you for them just appearing where you are. Most locksmiths won’t do that, and those who do are scamming you.
One of the first questions you ask a locksmith is how many years they have ran their business has been around. Check to see if they have operated from the same location. A company that has usually been in an area for at least five to ten years.
A good locksmith can work on more than just your doors. If you were a victim of a robbery, get your window locks switched out too. Some have the knowledge to reconfigure your alarm system.
TIP! Ask for licensing and I.D.
Check a locksmith’s credentials before you hire. You can accomplish this by comparing his business address and cross-reference it with their given phone number. Thanks to the Internet, you can check reputations of qualified locksmiths very easily these days.
If you want to file a complaint about the services you received, contact the company quickly. If you wait too long, it could go past the deadline where the company lets you make changes. If the answer you receive from the company is not satisfactory, turn to the consumer protection agency in your area.
Find a locksmith with a long track record in your community. If a locksmith is new in town, ask for some references from their last city where they worked.
Look for a locksmith long before you actually need one. Waiting until after an emergency may lead you to hiring someone less than savory. You may even end up with a disreputable person having access to your belongs and your valuables.
Tipping a locksmith is a common practice, so do it if they have done a good job. This is especially true if this was an emergency situation. Fifteen percent is a decent tip, but go for twenty percent for an after-hours job.
Should you be locked out, understand what the specific issue is. Are your keys inside? If so, you will require a different set of services than you would if your keys had been stolen.
Ask the locksmith for a customer list.Most businesses are happy to provides references, and it’s important that you actually call them.
Hire locksmiths only when you must, because they can be expensive. You can do some things, like changing locks, yourself. If you are completely sure you know you can’t tackle a certain job, then, by all means, call on a locksmith.
When you ask for an estimate, find out what the “worst-case” option’s price would be. A locksmith with lots of experience has probably encountered everything that can go wrong and will be able to quote you a “worst-case scenario’ price.
The Internet can be very helpful if you out when you’re looking to get help from a locksmith. You will find that people who have used certain locksmiths. You can find both positive and bad reviews. It is vital to choose someone worth hiring.
Find someone familiar with your needs. For instance, a commercial locksmith might not be able to get your car door open. On the other hand, residential locksmiths may have trouble with commercial locks, such as is found on automatic doors.
Once you have a list of potential locksmiths to hire, check out their reputations with your local Better Business Bureau. You will be able to find out if they are currently a member with the BBB and if they have had any complaints lodged.
Beware locksmiths who say they must drill out your entire lock or wants to replace it when you are locked out.
When you can, try obtaining quotes from all kinds of companies. It doesn’t matter if you’ve already been locked out or not, you should still be able to get an over the phone estimate. Do not pick the cheapest option, as this may lead to the poorest quality.
Never use locksmiths who charge simply for just showing up! This is far from standard practice, so it’s a sure sign that the person you are dealing with is a scam. If you make them leave because they are unlicensed or something, ask them to leave.
Ask for identification and their license when the locksmith gets there. Make sure you compare both so that the person who shows up is the person that is on the license. A reputable locksmith typically has a license whether required by the state or not.
Try and hire a locksmith with a long history in your town. If a locksmith is new in town, then ask for references from the last place they worked. Look up their name and prior location on the Internet to see if you can find any customer reviews.
Contact the police to make sure the locksmith doesn’t have any complaints filed against it. You will be able to quickly ascertain if the complaints that are on file. Do not select a locksmith that has complaints against him.
Ask your locksmith about how secure your home’s overall security. Locksmiths know quite a lot on home security. They can provide you valuable advice that will increase your home is well protected or not. They can help you upgrade your existing safety measures.
When asking for quotes, ask for the “worst-case scenario” option in addition to what they expect will happen.
Find a locksmith experienced in the types of experience. For instance, someone who specializes in commercial work might not have the skills necessary to open your car for you. Residential smiths are not want to address commercial issues like problems with automatic doors.
You will be able to find out if they are currently a member with the BBB and if there have been claims filed. If this is the case, see if they have been resolved satisfactorily.
You can always get over-the-phone estimates if you have been locked out. You shouldn’t be looking for the cheapest deal, but having a variety of quotes does give you an average idea of good price.
Most people don’t use a locksmith unless they have an emergency. The problem that arises with that is you might get charged more or receive shabby service. Use these tips to find a great locksmith ahead of time. This will pay off in the future.
In conclusion…
Now, you’re done gulping down over 2000 words of locksmith hiring wisdom. For free. Well done! This should mark the beginning of less headaches, less disputes with workmen & less time wastage. Bookmark this page, and come back occasionally to skim through and remind yourself of these timeless tips to hire the best commercial locksmiths.
Hiring the Best Locksmith in Phoenix
Let’s help you out here. Who better to trust than the 24/7 locksmith service that brought you all these sounds tips for free? We have amassed enough experience to handle your locksmith needs swiftly and efficiently. You won’t be locked outside your house one second longer than you need to. Call Alcatraz locksmith now and have your needs met in Phoenix, Arizona.