After spending the day outside, you can’t wait to let your feet dangle and watch movies at home. Filled with anticipation, you step right in front of your door with keys in hand. The only problem is none of the keys are working and you’re probably locked out. Hopefully, this doesn’t happen to you. But in the case that it does, knowing an emergency locksmith will prove handy—but how will you know if they’re the right one for you?
Finding a reliable, professional locksmith to back you up in case of a residential, commercial, or automotive issue is paramount for everyone. It could be changing door locks or programming car keys, the right locksmith has all the tools to save the day.
Choosing the right locksmith isn’t supposed to be finding a needle in a haystack. So, here are our tips for finding a reliable locksmith!
How to Choose the Right Locksmith: Tips for Finding a Reliable Professional
Identifying Your Locksmith Needs
Before we get into the complicated stuff, identify what you need from a professional locksmith. Not all locksmiths specialise in all three major categories: residential, commercial, and automotive. However, rest assured all locksmiths are masters in their crafts and specialties. Knowing what you require help with will be the first step to choosing the best locksmith. Here’s a quick guide on what each type of locksmiths do:
- Residential locksmiths work on fixing and upgrading your home security. They are responsible for fortifying your home to prevent unauthorised access and keep you and your loved ones safe. They can rekey and change your locks, duplicate keys, or even set up a comprehensive security system unique to your house.
- Commercial locksmiths are professionals who transform a working space into a safe place. They help businesses and other commercial establishments meet their security needs. Since hundreds and thousands of people work in these establishments, these locksmiths ensure that only authorised people can enter authorised rooms.
- Automotive locksmiths help with anything that has to do with car troubles. Their priority is getting you back on the road safely through services like fixing transponder keys, helping you get into your locked car, or even repairing car door locks.
Assessing Credentials and Reputation
Once you have chosen the right service, the next step is to check for their credentials and reputation. This ensures you and other consumers hire a reliable professional in times of dire trouble.
The first piece of credentials you must look for is their license. Assess if the locksmith is licensed by the regulatory body in your area. A license proves that the locksmith has met the necessary standards to work on locksmithing matters.
Secondly, check if they have official certifications from reputable locksmithing organizations like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) or the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA). These certificates prove locksmiths are qualified, have passed policy checks, and observe the bodies’ Code of Ethics.
Examining Pricing and Transparency
Once you’ve checked for credentials, the next step is to research the pricing of their services to avoid getting scammed. The bait-and-switch method has always been prevalent in locksmithing, so always be careful when you see services sold for cheap. If you want to go further, you can call the locksmiths to understand pricing structures and avoid being surprised by hidden fees and miscellaneous charges.
Be careful, though, as pricing may vary per locksmith. Some charge according to the service, but some have hourly rates. You must clarify these small details as they could be detrimental to the overall cost of the service provided—ensuring that this aligns with your budget and expectations.
Evaluating Services Offered
A locksmith doesn’t just fix a jammed lock and go about their day. Professional locksmiths have a wide array of services ready to tackle whatever locksmithing concern you may need. From something as small as key duplication to installing smart home security systems, a reliable locksmith must have an arsenal of services.
Some services may include emergency lockouts, lock services, master key systems, and security assessments. Once you have assessed the depth of their services, you can move on with selecting a locksmith to produce long-term solutions for your immediate concerns.
Recommendations & Word Of Mouth
There’s no greater reassurance than having someone recommend you a locksmith they have a great relationship with. It can come from family, friends, colleagues, or even just out there on the internet. Looking for recommendations and reviews is one of the fastest ways to connect yourself to local and reliable locksmiths.
Just as you look for great reviews and positive recommendations, you must also look for complaints about locksmiths. Some locksmiths might have unresolved issues with clients resulting in negative feedback. However, one or two small complaints shouldn’t be too concerning. Just be wary of those with consistently bad track records with clients.
