Trust is declining. The level of trust in government, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and the media is being eroded. When over 50% of people across the world don’t trust these institutions to do the right thing, who can you trust?
How do you find a trustworthy locksmith service? Read on to learn 9 tips for finding a reliable locksmith.
1. Recommendation
If you need a locksmith, ask for recommendations from friends, family, neighbors and business associates. If other people have had a good experience with a locksmith that is a good indication that you will too.
There are some notes of caution when choosing a locksmith based on recommendations. Make sure that the recommendation is based on an actual positive personal experience. Sometimes recommendations are based on hearsay and are not necessarily reliable.
Recommendations such as “my cousin is a locksmith” are not to be relied on. Be sure that the person making the recommendation can be trusted to act in your interests and is not gaining any benefit from your decision to choose the locksmith they are recommending.
2. Don’t Wait for an Emergency
The worst time to be searching for a locksmith is when you have an emergency. When you are in an emergency situation you may be less objective about your decision making. A quick solution may not be the best solution.
Many people try to find a locksmith in the early hours of the morning. Their premises have been broken into and the building is at risk. There’s no time to research the reliability of a locksmith.
The best time to find a locksmith is when you first move into a property. That’s a good time to change all the locks. You never know who has a key for your property if you inherit all the locks.
Selecting a locksmith at that time means you will be able to assess the quality of their work. If a problem occurs they have fitted the locks and any work may even be covered by a guarantee.
3. Check the Business Name
Any locksmith you are considering can be checked by calling their office. Ask for their company name and address. Do some research online.
You can check their address online and verify that it exists. If they have a local shop or office this suggests that they are more credible than having an online presence only. Visit their shop and talk to someone rather than just exchange email or phone messages.
4. Ask for a Written Estimate
A legitimate locksmith will be happy to give you a free estimate. Get it in writing and find out what variables might mean the price increases.
Ask how they expect to be paid and when. Don’t progress unless you are happy to go ahead on that basis.
The estimate might include a fee for their services and a fee for materials such as locks. You should be allowed to check and approve the estimate before the work starts. If the locksmith pressurizes you to start the work or pay before you have approved the estimate, walk away.
5. Credentials Check
Some locksmiths are members of locksmith’s associations. They may have websites where you can verify the qualifications and identity of locksmiths who are members of that association.
Don’t accept the locksmith’s explanation of the credentials. Contact the association and check that they are legitimate.
6. What About a License and Identification?
Some states require locksmiths to be licensed but Arizona is not one of them. If they claim to have one, you should be skeptical.
Ask for identification, a business card, business name and check their business vehicle. Check that everything matches up with the same names and logos.
Strangely enough, a legitimate locksmith should ask you for your identification and proof that it is your property that they are working on. If they don’t ask you to prove you have the right to change the locks or gain entry to a lock then they may not be legitimate.
7. Pay by Credit Card
When it comes paying you should be able to pay by credit card. Check beforehand that they will accept payment by credit card. A legitimate business is likely to be able to take payment this way.
Paying by credit card also gives you some protection against fraud. A cash payment can’t be traced and if there is a problem later you will have no way of getting your money back.
8. Check Insurance and Bonding
A legitimate locksmith will be insured and bonded. Check out their website and see if they advertise this. If they are, it adds to their credibility and reliability.
If they advertise these benefits they should be happy to provide you with evidence that they are insured and bonded. Ask for proof.
Check what the insurance covers. If your property is damaged during the course of the repair it’s good to know that the work is insured and any losses you might suffer are covered.
9. Stick with a Reliable Locksmith
If you have established that a locksmith is legitimate and they have done a good job, stick with them. All the hard work has paid off. You’ve found a reliable professional.
An honest reliable locksmith is interested in a long-term relationship. They deserve your loyalty. They want you to use them for all your locksmith needs and to recommend their services to your friends and neighbors so they will continue giving you reliable, trustworthy service.
Reliable and Trustworthy
More than most occupations, you need reliability in a locksmith. After all, you give a locksmith the access to your home or business premises that you wouldn’t normally give to a stranger. Use these checks to find a reliable locksmith you can trust.
To discuss locksmith services, contact us.
