Choosing a good locksmith when you’re locked out can save the day. Finding a good price in these situations is a bit complicated.
When a client gets locked out, they often panic. Then you need to find a locksmith near you to get good fast service. You need to carefully collect as much information about them as possible. It is your service as advertised. Do you offer a lockout service when you need it? Always ask your proximity at the time of consultation. You should also tell the locksmith over the phone the number of locks on the door that need to be picked. Some doors have 2 locks. Often for a block of units there may be a common door with a high security lock. Yes, sometimes you can call an intercom and a neighbor will let you in. I will list a few questions to ask your locksmith or your company representative when making an inquiry:
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Can you attend our closing in a timely manner?
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What is the current waiting period?
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Do you work on an open door price or a per lock price?
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Does the price include the service call fee?
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Are there any hidden charges that we need to know about before booking the call?
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What is the procedure if the lock cannot be picked?
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Do we still have to pay any fees if you can’t perform the service as promised?
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What are your payment methods.
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Do you have a current approved security license?
Most of the time, clients are quoted one price over the phone, and when the job is complete, it’s another price. Why did this happened? There can be multiple reasons. For example, a locksmith might advertise door openings starting at $95 and then specify for weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm. Okay, the customers call at 4:30 pm and demand that a locksmith meet them at exactly 5:00 pm for $95. The reply is sorry I can’t give you an exact time. We will arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The cost will be $95 plus an additional $15 for coming in after hours. The client agrees. The locksmith arrives at 5:45 pm. It opens the door that had a lock attached to it in a few minutes. You have now completed the job, as requested by the customer.
Now the customer requires keys made for that cylinder. This was not mentioned on the phone at the time of booking. Basically the locksmith now needs to quote a new price for this extra work. The cylinder needs to be removed. They then need to replace the old clevis pins with a new code that matches the new key provided. Most of the time, a locksmith should have a new cylinder with pre-made keys in his van, which can fit the old lock. This will prevent the customer from getting a new lock. Customers ask, “how much will it cost”? “You’re looking at an additional $56 that includes 2 keys,” the customer agrees. The job takes another 20 minutes and the locksmith leaves with $166.
The customer has entered your home. They also have a new combination lock. Other people who possessed previous keys are now unable to enter.
