Tips & Considerations
Some locksmith companies actually place several ads to make it appear as though there are a lot of different locksmith providers when in actuality, they are all the same place posing as different locksmiths. Just think about this. When you call a locksmith company and are comparing all the locksmiths in a certain area, you will eventually make a choice and it will likely be the same company, without your even realizing it.
Some of them use call centers. When they are dispatching locksmiths to assist you with your service needs, they may not even be familiar with the area or have experience in directing people to geographical locations. This means it will prolong your ability to receive the services you have requested. They generate business by enticing potential customers with really low prices, really unrealistic prices. However, they sound good and this is why they get the business. Now here is where the problem comes in, once they show up and change the price they quoted you. This is known as the bait and hook method. Once you are there, chances are that they aren’t going to send you away. In some cases, they might even make you pay for services upfront, which is a definite red flag that should make you question whether this is a legit locksmith or not. You don’t have to hire the most expensive locksmith in East Cobb but beware of the low-cost locksmith services because there is probably a catch, which you’ll learn about later. You should only rely on a locksmith who will be able to provide efficient services at reasonable rates.
Here is what you should look for when hiring a good locksmith.
Look Locally – Listen to the name of the company you are contacting. When you are calling a call center they will refrain from mentioning the name of a specific company. If you are able to pick up on this, this is a pretty good indicator that this is not an actual company that you are calling; rather, it is a call center.
Check On-Line Reviews – Don’t just refer to one business review website, look at several. You want to perceive how the company operates. You aren’t able to do this simply by reviewing two websites. When you look at several review websites you are capable of getting a better picture of how this company operates.
Check the Business Address – If they don’t have a physical address this might indicate that they are not a professional locksmith service. They may just call themselves a locksmith because they have the tools and equipment. If you don’t see the name of an address on your invoice or estimate, we would suggest you look for another locksmith. A good and trustworthy locksmith will have their business address listed somewhere.
Get a Written Estimate – You should be able to receive a written estimate without a fuss. If the locksmith seems reluctant to provide you with a written estimate, find another locksmith. A good locksmith will not hesitate to provide you with a written estimate. When you do receive one make sure it includes the following fees:
- Service call
- Parts
- Labor
- Mileage fees, surcharges, emergency call out fees
