Like most people in this digital age, you probably rely on good ol’ Google to connect you to various service providers. Which local deli you should go to, what is the cheapest laundromat in your area, or where can you go for the best shoe repair–all these can be found with just a few simple clicks of a button.
So it makes sense if you check with the Internet giant that is Google for your locksmith needs too. While this may be convenient, it’s still important to perform your due diligence before you book with the first locksmith company you see online.
By following the tips we’ve outlined for you below, you might be able to avoid falling victim to locksmith scams–or at the very least, you will be able to choose the right locksmith for the job.
Keep the following tips in mind the next time you find yourself in an emergency lockout situation.
Do a little background check.
Imagine this–you’re locked out of your house at 11 p.m. and it’s starting to frost. You can’t think of anything else but to settle in for the night inside your cozy, but at the moment very locked, home. Does this mean that you should be calling the first number that comes up in the search engine results? We bet not–that’s a stranger tinkering with the locks of your door, after all.
So what you should do first is to do a little research about the locksmith. Is he or she actually from around Brickell, Florida? Do they have a well-established network of clients? If so, have these clients written positive reviews about them? It only takes a few minutes to confirm these details, but this can save you a whole lot of trouble in the future.
Choose a local locksmith instead of a nationwide company.
You want to be able to talk to representatives from your area instead of simply being routed to a big-time call center that will likely choose the next best team to respond to your call. By choosing a locksmith within the vicinity of Brickell, Florida, you will be able to establish connection and rapport. If the same emergency happens, then at least you’d be able to know who to contact right away.
Not to mention, big-time companies often have much higher rates than local companies.
Find out what their service hours are.
Most locksmith companies will charge extra for out-of-office-hours services. Make sure that you prepare ahead instead of being caught off-guard once they give you the bill. Include questions such as after-hour rates and other possible extra charges when you call for an estimate.
Ask for a cost estimate ahead.
While we’re at the subject of billings and invoices, do make sure to check in ahead how much their services are. Some locksmiths prey on the vulnerability of people in emergency situations and might jack up the price just for the fun of it.
On the other hand, if they do give you a quote that is exceptionally low, that’s a little suspicious as well.
The right locksmith should give you an estimate of the total price, complete with the breakdown of its inclusions such as the travel costs, the tools, and their services. Not to mention, this estimate should be written down ahead too. This is to make sure that there won’t be any major discrepancies between the phone quote and the on-site estimate.
Double-check for licenses and operation permits.
Once the locksmith arrives, make sure to ask for identification too. If the people who responded to your call cannot present the proper credentials, then it may not be wise for you to allow them to pick at your locks. If they cannot present locksmith licenses, then you can also ask for insurance.
Alternatively, professional locksmiths will ask for some sort of identification from you too. This is a standard procedure that will ensure that that it is indeed your house you are trying to enter.
Don’t agree to lock-drilling.
One thing you should ask ahead is their locksmithing method. If they insist on using the drill to pry your lock open, then treat this as a red flag. Unless you have a very advanced security lock system in your house, there should be no drilling involved. Any good locksmith should just be able to open a lock with their regular tools.
Ask about their methods of receiving payment.
If you’re locked out in the middle of the night, there might be a high chance that you won’t have any extra cash on you too. The good thing is that most established locksmith companies should be able to provide you with payment options other than cash. Let this be a consideration the next time that you pick up your phone to call for assistance from your local locksmith.
Don’t just wait for an emergency situation to call for a locksmith.
A mistake for most first-time homeowners is neglecting to find a locksmith right after they move into their new homes. But you forget–the previous tenants, your real estate agent, and even your contractor will likely have keys to your house. Make sure that you keep your home safe at all times by remembering to change your locks once you move in.
Don’t wait until the last minute to get in contact with a local, trustworthy locksmith company in Brickell, Florida. You’ll save yourself the panic, the trouble, and the extra costs if you already have established a connection with your locksmith from day 1.
Want a locksmith you can trust?
Now that you know what it is you should be looking for in a locksmith company, then it’s time to get to know a company that ticks off all the right boxes. If you hail from Brickell, Florida, be sure to check out Professional Locksmith and Security System LLC. We’re a reputable locksmith company that puts a premium on efficiency, billing fairness, and security. Give us a call on (305) 402-4778 to learn more about our services.
