Ask yourself these questions before you make a final decision about the locksmith you choose:
1. Is the locksmith reputable?
When it comes to reputation, there are many ways to determine this. It’s hardly likely that you’ll get an honest and reliable answer if you call their office. But there are many sites online where you may be able to find reviews written by previous customers. Ask around in your community too. Someone may be able to share their experience with you.
Remember though, all reviews may not be positive. That’s ok! But, if you’re getting mostly negative reviews, it may be best to start looking elsewhere. If the answer to this question is predominantly positive, you may think about skipping the remaining questions. But, there’s a lot more that you should check out.
2. Are their prices reasonable?
It doesn’t matter if you have all the money in the world. You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune on locksmith services. There are many good locksmiths that are affordably priced. Just keep searching. We’re sure you have one in your area.
When it comes to prices, please be careful. Finding the locksmith that charges the least for their services may not be the best thing for you. Remember, you’re not trying to find just any locksmith. You’re trying to find one that’s good, but affordable.
3. What are their credentials?
Locksmiths often need some amount of training before they can perform several tasks. In some states, they’re even required to be licensed before they can deliver services. Check for these things! You should look for a professional that’s insured and bonded too. It enhances your protection if something goes wrong.
This type of information should be readily available. So, if you ask, the locksmith should be able to answer you right away. Some may even opt to provide proof of these things.
4. Do they offer a variety of services?
What do you need a locksmith to do for you? Is it something rather small? Or, is it something that’s more complex? Either way, you should think about the future. If you do need a locksmith again, it would be much more convenient to call the same locksmith again. Imagine having to find a new locksmith altogether. Sounds tedious doesn’t it?
So, when you choose a locksmith, make sure that they offer a wide variety of services. There are many locksmiths that offer residential, commercial and automotive lock and key solutions. It’s best to find one that can offer as many solutions as possible.
5. How accessible are these services?
Your locksmith need may not be urgent today. But who knows if it won’t be urgent the next time around? Your reason for needing a locksmith can vary greatly and the time you need a locksmith can also vary greatly. So, if you can find a locksmith that works 24/7 that would be great.
Some locksmiths may not offer every single service at midnight or outside of regular business hours. But, make sure you find one that at least offers all its emergency services right round-the-clock. This may come in handy one day when you least expect it to.
6. Is the locksmith reliable?
Was your bad experience with a locksmith a ‘no-show’ situation? That’s a complaint that many people have. After waiting for a locksmith for hours, no one shows up. Find out about their history of reliability before you hire a locksmith. You’ll want to know how likely it is for them to show up when they say they will- appointment or emergency.