Have you ever had the experience of being locked out of the office, home or car? Either you misplaced the keys to your office, car or house. The first thought that comes into your mind is typically to call your friends or family for help or get a spare key, but maybe this did not work. The next thing you would do is to call your local locksmith, or any other company.
But before doing a deal with the locksmith company, you have to ask yourself whether they are honest or reliable. This is because there are some companies that are not local but still advertise their services in your local posting. Besides, these self-claimed experts might not be qualified or professionally trained at all and may damage your property further.
Check Locality
FTC has reported that there are some companies located away from your resident area but have names that are similar to business names of local locksmiths in the same area.
Characteristics of false local locksmith firms:
- Far away centers
These companies advertise in online directories and yellow pages giving local phone numbers and addresses. However, in reality, there are no store fronts and the numbers have been transferred to places very far from the local center.
- False or no quotes
Then, you might not get a locksmith quote, or the one you get is false. When these technicians come to your home or office, they may demand more finance and this makes you feel struck and pressured.
- Cash only
If they only take cash, this also a signal that they are not authentic local locksmiths.
- Multiple Listing
These false local locksmiths sometimes have several listings in one phone number, and at the same time the listings appear under different entities, but the all their phone numbers go to a single center. They may send untrained operators to your location.
Choosing the best locksmith firm
There are honest and reliable locksmith firms out there such as Best Locksmith Brunswick among others. But the best advice is to research diligently before you get yourself in an emergency situation or locked out.
- Internet search
Maybe you wish to step up your domestic security by changing door keys and locks, putting up deadbolt locks, or installing an alarm system. This is the best time to visit the World Wide Web and search for different firms. Make sure that you go through their reviews, see whether they have local addresses and telephone numbers, and also compare their quotes over the telephone. Besides, contact your friends, co-workers, family members for personal recommendations or referrals they may have.
- Save contact details
After finding a reliable locksmith, make sure that you keep the firms contact details safely maybe in your address book, phone or wallet. This can be very useful in future.
- Generic phrases on phone
If a firm answers your phone call using a generic phrase such as “locksmith services how I may help you?” instead of a specific company name, be on the lookout. Ask for the company’s legal business name. If their call center doesn’t respond to this, you may have to call another locksmith.
- Ask about insurance
You should ask the locksmith company whether they are insured. As you contact Locksmith service or others, they must also clarify whether they can cover your losses in case your property is destroyed during the work. If the firm does not take any responsibility for the damaged property in the event of repairing, go to another company that is insured.