Ask yourself this question: Where is my spare key right now?
Also, ask yourself: When I leave my key for someone else, where do I leave it?
Under the doormat? Under the flower pot? On top of the windowsill?
This is a typical case of “EVERYBODY’S SECRET”. We all know where these keys are kept. Guess who also knows this? You’re right! Burglars!
They check those places first. Why? An intruder would much rather have quiet and easy access, perhaps not even arousing suspicion from neighbors if they are seen, rather than having to smash a window or force a door.
The first place any scammer worth their salt will check will be under your doormat, nearby rocks, around heating or cooling units, tucked away in bushes, or letterboxes.
What to Do Instead?
Move your key away from those places. Use an electronic lock and share access with people right from your smartphone.
Or, ask a trusted locksmith near you for a recommended solution.
But when you’re hiring a locksmith, be careful. Follow our tried and tested locksmith hiring tips:
Locksmith Hiring Tips
- Before you hire a locksmith, research their background. It’s important to hire someone who is trusted in the community.
- You want to make sure that you hire is working for your best interest and not their own. Some locksmiths are scammers and will make their own copy of your keys.
- Always be prepared, regardless of whether you think you’ll ever be locked out or not. You want to have a reputable locksmith in mind before an emergency arises. Then, save the number on your mobile phone.
- Always get a receipt. While most of the locksmiths you encounter will be honest, there are those few that try to scam others.
- You should prepare yourself even if you need a locksmith is necessary. Research to find reputable professionals that you can trust. Put a locksmith’s contact number on your cell phone so it is always available to you.
- Using a locksmith during regular business hours saves you excess charges. After business hours, locksmith rates can vary greatly. For instance, you might pay 50 bucks for a service call during the day, but at night it will cost you double that.
- If you’re unsure about the reliability of a particular locksmith, you need to look them up on the website of the Better Business Bureau. This will give you the information you need for your peace of mind.
- Get references before you allow a locksmith in your home. Call all of the references before hiring them. You need the best quality of service but also a person you can really trust.
- Look for locksmiths who are active within their communities. It’s comforting to know that he/she is a professional who is on top of current trends. Additionally, the locksmith is less likely to be disreputable.
- Get references and recommendations before you allow a locksmith in your house. Once you get these references, follow through and call them.
- One of the first questions you ask a locksmith is how long they’ve been in business. Make sure that they’ve been operating from this location to the same location. A business that has been in an area for a number of years probably will be easy to work with.
- Find out how long a locksmith has been in business. In addition, be sure that they have worked from the same location consistently. Try to find a locksmith who has been in business for at least 5 years.
- If time allows, search the web on the locksmith whom you are planning to call. There are a great number of consumer sites where you can find honest reviews.
- There are a number of reliable websites that can help you find a locksmith. Make sure the review website itself isn’t actually associated with a locksmith. You should also check to see if the locksmith you are considering has a locksmith.
- Verify the credentials of a locksmith. Cross-reference the address on the listing that you found with the phone number that is given to you. With easy online access, you can double-check anyone you want to hire.
- When you’re looking for a locksmith, the Internet can be a great resource. A lot of people love to write about their experiences online.
- Don’t hire the first locksmith you just considered one option. You should be calling at least three or more locksmiths before deciding. This will allow you to figure out what kinds of reasonable rates.
- Try looking up the locksmith you plan to hire online. Don’t be scared to get this done because it will help you to know that you’re being secure. If something seems fishy, go with another locksmith. Most areas have a number of different locksmiths.
- If a locksmith says they charge for showing up, even before doing the job, steer away from them. This is not a fee that you want to pay.
- Ask your locksmith for references from previous customers. Many businesses are happy to provide references, so try calling them.
- Ask about additional costs when quoting locksmiths. Is tax included? Can you get any discounts, like for teachers or seniors? Do they charge extra for late-night calls or those outside of a certain radius? Figure out the total, and then agree.
- Locksmiths are usually much more expensive when you call after normal business hours. There are companies that make the most of this and charge premium rates.
- The net is a great resource when you are in the market for finding a locksmith. A lot of people love to write about their experiences. You can find both positive and bad reviews. The good thing is that such reviews can help people decide whom to hire and not to hire.
- A good locksmith should be able to do more than just change a lock on your door. If you have been the victim of a burglary, they should be able to change the locks on your windows as well. In a few cases, you may also be able to get some help with your alarm system.
Get a Trusted Locksmith from Alcatraz Lock
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