
If you ask your family, friends or neighbors whom they would recommend as a locksmith, you would probably get quite a few blank stares. Many people aren’t prepared for these key and lock emergencies. Don’t get stuck in the cold. Read this article and you’ll figure out what to do when you need a locksmith to help you out.
Be sure to get a receipt after you pay for any locksmith services. Even though the majority of locksmiths are legitimate, there are always people out there looking to scam you. Get proof that you paid for the service before the locksmith leaves. Keep the receipt to ensure you have it available if a payment issue comes up later.
Business Hours
You don’t have to pay all the extra fees if you get a locksmith you can talk to during business hours that are normal. After hours, the cost of a locksmith can greatly vary. For example, finding yourself locked outside of your car during business hours may cost $50 or so, but after hours this can easily double.
Check the BBB site to see if you can rely on a locksmith. Another great place to determine the legitimacy of the locksmith is to check with the organization that specializes in verifying them, and that is ALOA.org.
Choose locksmiths who are active members of the professional community. It’s comforting to know that he/she is a professional who is on top of current trends. Also, it will prevent you from getting scammed.
When speaking with a locksmith, inquire as to how long the company has been around. Be sure that they’ve been operating from the same location for these years. Try to find a locksmith who has been in business for at least 5 years.
If you have a chance, do a quick search online for any locksmith you are thinking about using. You can find many reputable websites that provide reviews online. It’s best that you don’t simply trust the reviews that any locksmith puts on their own website. In addition, check with the local BBB office before you hire a locksmith.
Always research multiple locksmiths prior to making a decision. Figure out the best of the top 5 locksmiths in your area. This helps you understand what price is considered to be average. With this knowledge, you will be able to find a fair price.
Get a customer list before you trust a locksmith. Most businesses are happy to provides references, and it is important to actually call the referred customers. Inquire about trust, costs and especially the price for emergency services or a call on a Sunday afternoon.
Few folks know which locksmith to call unless they had troubles in the past. The problem with that is they can do a shabby job or overcharge you. Avoid unknowns and be prepared to use this advice. You’ll be so pleased you spent the time now to save you grief later!