Long before an emergency happens, look for a reliable local locksmith. The best way to track down a trusty locksmith from your local area is to look before you need one. Do you want to augment your home’s security, or the security of your business? Perhaps you’d like to upgrade your locks to deadbolts, install bump-proof locks, or a keypad. What if it’s time to change all your locks? Maybe it’s time to heighten your security with an anchored safe, a smart key system, an intercom system, or a video surveillance system. Whatever the case may be, to avoid getting scammed or overcharged, do your homework ahead of time.
Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Word of mouth from a satisfied customer is truly always your best bet.
Look for a locksmith company that’s local. Check the phone book, call directory assistance, or search the Internet. If you find a locksmith’s street address, it’s important to verify that the business address given actually belongs to that locksmith. Sometimes, a disreputable company will say it’s local when it’s really not. You can match phone numbers with street addresses using the Web. If a person answers the phone with a generic greeting, such as “locksmith services,” rather than the company name, then beware. Ask for the legal name of the business, and if the person refuses, it’s time to call another locksmith.
Ask the right questions. Some perfectly legitimate locksmith companies simply may not include a street address in their listing because they operate a mobile business, which dispatches one of their professional locksmiths who is local to you. Therefore, when you call a locksmith without an address listed, be sure to find out why there’s no address given.
For future reference, write down all the names of the potential good locksmith companies you find, with their phone numbers and addresses, in case you don’t want to choose the first locksmith you call. Keep track of which locksmiths specialize in the exact type of services you require.
Remember, you can consult the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints on file. You can also check with your local consumer protection agency and your state’s attorney general’s office.
Get a formal estimate beforehand. No matter what the job is ~ routine or emergency ~ before any work begins, make sure that you get a written estimate that includes all the labor, parts, and fees. If you’re locked out ~ of your home, your car, or your business ~ a professional locksmith will give you a ballpark estimate over the phone for the total cost. Then, ask about any possible additional charges before you choose to hire the locksmith. There may be a minimum fee; extra fees for responding to a call after hours; a mileage charge; and so forth. If the price the locksmith gives you upon arrival doesn’t match up with the estimate you got on the phone, say thanks but no thanks.
Check out the locksmith’s credentials. When the locksmith arrives, ask for ID, as well as a business card, and license number. Make sure the locksmith’s invoice includes the company name, and confirm that the locksmith’s vehicle has a name on it matching the business card and the invoice. Of course, for security purposes, the locksmith must also ask you for your identification. A proper locksmith will verify your identity, and make sure that you’re the genuine property owner prior to doing any work ~ whether pertaining to your home, vehicle, or business.
You’ll want to be sure the locksmith is fully insured, officially licensed, appropriately bonded, and thoroughly background-checked. Depending upon the service that’s provided, the job carried out ought to be backed by a warranty. If the worst happens, and your property is damaged during a service call, or if the locksmith ends up doing faulty work, the locksmith has to be insured to cover the loss.
If you’re ever locked out, be doubtful of any locksmith’s claim that you’re going to have to drill or replace the lock. An experienced expert locksmith will carry the right tools, and certainly know that such drastic moves aren’t needed. A consummate professional locksmith can unlock almost anything.
If an emergency arises, such as being locked out of your vehicle, you should call your roadside assistance service first. Roadside assistance companies usually keep their own list of pre-approved companies that they regularly subcontract with to perform standard services for you, such as unlocking your vehicle, giving you a jump, and so on, so if you’ve relied on your service before, you already know you can count on them to do just what you need.
Otherwise, choose a locksmith company that specializes in automotive lockouts and other automotive challenges such as replacing car keys, programming transponder keys, installing a new ignition cylinder, and more.
Once you’ve identified a reputable locksmith, and you’ve had a good experience, keep that company’s information around for future reference ~ in your wallet, on the fridge, and on the bulletin board at work, so you’ll always be able to get yourself out of trouble should any problems come up regarding locks and keys. Whether you need a locksmith for a one-time job, or you want a dependable professional to work for you on an ongoing basis, of course you’ll want that individual to be absolutely reliable. Whether it’s a locksmith service pertaining to your residence, car, or place of business, you definitely don’t want to allow access to just anybody when it comes to resolving issues with keys and locks.
If you’re not caught in a crisis with locks and keys at the moment, now is the time to find the right locksmith! The best locksmiths will offer to give you a FREE consultation, so it never hurts to ask for one. Bring all your questions and concerns to an expert. For example, if you’re in Mableton, Georgia, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, the staff mobile professional locksmith technicians of Mableton Locksmith GA carry out automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency services.
Aricle source here: HOW TO FIND A GOOD PROFESSIONAL LOCKSMITH
