Do you know how to locate a locksmith? Waiting around for an emergency is not a good idea. This great article can help you prepare for an emergency situation that requires a reputable locksmith.
You should prepare yourself even if you don’t really think a locksmith is necessary. Find a reliable locksmith with a good reputation and keep his name on hand for emergencies. Put their number on your phone so it is always available to you.
Locked out of your house? Don’t just agree to replace that lock immediately. A locksmith should have the door open without putting on a new lock. Replacing a lock will just end up unnecessarily costing you to spend extra money for no reason.
If a lockout has occurred, figure out precisely what has gone wrong. Have you left the keys locked in the car? This is quite different from a stolen key emergency. You need to get inside for one, while the other one requires new locks or re-keyed locks. The workloads are quite different so the locksmith needs to understand your situation completely.
You get a price on the phone and then a locksmith wants you to pay more after they show up, tell them you are no longer interested in the service they offer. It is best to hire a locksmith that is honest and upfront Try to find a locksmith who actively participates in the community. Although it is not absolutely necessary, it is always good to know that the locksmith you select is well-versed in current technology and trends.
Cover your locks when you are painting. It might take some extra time, but it will save time and expense because you won’t end up having to have the locks changed later.
Hiring a Locksmith
Make sure any locksmith you hire will have an id before you schedule an appointment. Inquire while you are still on the telephone and make it clear that you will verify the information. A good locksmith will be in uniform and have ID ready to show you. Before you contract the services of a locksmith, inquire about the length of time they have been doing this sort of work. If they have been in business for many years, then it is a good bet that you could probably trust them.
Look for locksmiths who are active in the professional community of locksmiths. It is wise to know that you have a locksmith who stays updated on your locks. It will also let you know he’s dedicated to what he’s doing.
Do not hire the first locksmith you speak to. Call at least four or five businesses first, then make your decision to hire. This will give you a reasonable expectation of what the average charge is. Once you figure this out, you will be able to select locksmiths that give you a rate that’s fair. If a locksmith wants to drill your lock or replace it, find out if that is required. This will cost you a large sum of money and is not necessary.
There are quite a lot of websites with reviews that contain reviews of consumer services. Make sure review websites are not however tied to any locksmith service or sponsor. You should also go to your local BBB before you are considering has a good record with the Better Business Bureau.
Research the Locksmith
Google the locksmith’s name when they arrive. Don’t be embarrassed by this since it can protect you better than a few locks can. If you aren’t comfortable with them, try to get another locksmith. Avoid locksmiths who charge for simply coming to you. Good locksmiths will not do this; if he does, then you are not dealing with a legitimate business.
Check that the credentials of any locksmith are who they claim to be prior to allowing him entry into your home. You can check out their business address with their given phone number. Thanks to the Internet, it’s actually pretty simple to make sure you hire someone you can trust.
Most Locksmith service calls are more costly after hours. Sometimes they’ll add on fees which are unfair. Get several locksmith quotes to avoid price gouging such as this. Keep in mind that when you use a locksmith, you are allowing someone with knowledge of locks into your home. If the locksmith makes you feel uncomfortable, do not hire them.
Sometimes this will mean that you can’t trust the person is not qualified to do the work correctly. Get several quotes from different places and find the one you want to hire.
You want a locksmith that has a long-standing good reputation. If they’re new, try to ask for references from previous customers. Do a Google search for their name and previous location, and see if any reviews are available. Your local police department can probably tell you whether or not they’ve heard complaints about a particular locksmith. Complaints will be filed with them, so this information should be there.
Find a Solution before the problem comes
Look for a locksmith long before you actually need one. Waiting until after an emergency to call one will really limit your choices. You may also end up giving someone shady having your valuable possessions.
What does the company hold on to after the job is finished? For instance, are they keeping a duplicate of your key? This could be a major issue if the wrong person accessed your file. Learn about what they keep before you hire them. Tipping a locksmith when a job is done well is common practice, so remember to tip that person for the job done. You may want to tip especially well if you called during off hours.
The net is a valuable resource for finding a new locksmith. A lot of people go online to share their experiences online. You can find both good and negative reviews. The good thing is that such reviews can be great in aiding a hiring decision.
Choosing your locksmith for your Home Security
Do not choose locksmiths who charge you just for showing up! Most locksmiths won’t do that, so it’s a sign that you hired a scammer. If a locksmith arrives and demands money before they do the work, call the cops.
Never assume that a telephone quote will be exactly accurate after the work is finished. They will need to see it with their own eyes. Red flags should go up if the price increases a large amount above what you had previously been quoted. When picking your locksmith, look for one able to provide emergency service. Emergencies are unpredictable by nature, and knowing which locksmith to use in a pinch is critical to your sense of calm.
Ask about additional costs when hiring a locksmith. Is there a service tax included in the stated price? Do you they offer discounts for people like veterans or seniors? Do they tack on any high fees if you call them after business hours or if you live outside a particular service area? You must ask them about all pricing up front before you hire a locksmith so that there are no upsetting surprises.
In the end, you should be with a locksmith who understands your needs and is experienced in solving them. Call on Alcatraz Locksmiths anytime you need a 24-hour locksmith service in Phoenix. Our services are certified and guaranteed to give you the best results.