Every property owner, both residential and commercial, should have a reliable locksmith who can service any of the locks in their property.
If you are new to an area or have never found a locksmith that meets all your needs, there are several things that you can keep in mind that will aid you in your search. By using some of the following tips, you should be able to find a local locksmith that you can depend on for many years.
Hire a Licensed Locksmith
This may seem like a no-brainer, but not all states require licenses for locksmithing, so taking the time to ask for credentials is a great way to avoid sloppy work. By making sure that your locksmith is either state-certified or accredited with a reputable organization, you can ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle your situation correctly.
Research a Locksmith Before You Need One
The middle of a lockout emergency is not the most convenient time to start researching local locksmiths. You can safeguard yourself against any situation that could come up by already having a locksmith company in mind for when you need them. This allows you to take your time looking at reviews and ask around to ensure you are hiring a reputable company.
Work with a Local Locksmith
National corporations or call center locksmiths cannot provide you with the level of service that a locally owned company can. If possible, try to find a locksmith that you can build a relationship with and that you feel confident will stand by all of the work they provide.
Check for Appropriate Safety Measures
Hiring a bonded and insured locksmith is the best way to increase your peace of mind during the interaction. Search for a company with full coverage so that you never have to worry about damage to your property or losing money on faulty locks.
Be Clear About the Services You Need
Nothing is worse than going through the trouble of contacting a locksmith, only to have them arrive at your property unable to solve the problem. A good locksmith will make sure to ask you all of the relevant questions regarding the services you request, but it never hurts to be extra specific to avoid any mix-ups.
Do They Require Documentation?
Being able to unlock doors and vehicles is something that must be handled responsibly. It is standard industry practice to request authorization forms in order to verify that the client is actually who they say they are. If a locksmith requests that you provide identification and help document the service provided, it is a good sign that they are a reliable and professional company.
Hire a Locksmith with a Storefront
Although you might think a physical location may not seem like the most relevant factor for a company that will be servicing your property, it helps to ensure that your locksmith will take accountability for all of the work they provide. A storefront signifies that a locksmith is serious about their work and that they have a history in the local community.
Ask for a Quote
Any trustworthy locksmith will be able to provide you with an estimate on the work you need. Ask them for an overview of the expected costs, and then confirm with your locksmith when they arrive at your property.
It is also worth noting that you should watch out for prices that seem too good to be true. These are usually an indicator that you will be charged extra fees at the end of the process.
Make Sure They Provide Invoices
It is important to get a breakdown of the replacement parts and labor costs from your job. Working with a locksmith who provides itemized invoices helps you with your insurance processing and helps you verify that you are paying a fair price for the services you need.
Be Careful of Locksmiths Who Only Accept Cash
A credible locksmith is more likely to accept a wide variety of payment options, such as credit cards. Only accepting cash payments is a red flag and implies that the company wants to prevent its transactions from being traced.
Read the Reviews
Online testimonials are often a good indicator of what you can expect from a company. Check out local locksmiths on Google, Facebook, and other platforms to get a feel for what people are saying about their experience with them.
Ask Around
Even better than online reviews are the testimonials of people that you trust. Find out if any of your family members, friends, or neighbors have a locksmith that they rely on, and consider hiring them for your next job.
Look for a History of Success
A locksmith company with a long history in an area means that they must be doing something right. Try to find a licensed locksmith with at least a few years under their belt so that they can approach your job with the required expertise.
Check for 24 Hour Service
When you find yourself locked out of your home in the middle of the night, it is impossible to overestimate the value of a locksmith with open availability. By keeping an emergency locksmith in your contacts list, you can ensure you get prompt attention for any situation that requires an immediate response.
Find a Locksmith Who Respects Your Time
Lastly, we recommend trying to find a locksmith who values efficiency in their work. A dedicated company will ensure that everything from the scheduling process to the locksmithing itself will be conducted with minimal interruption to your schedule.
Speak with a Certified Locksmith Today
If you need a locksmith in or around Dallas, we here at Advanced Locksmith Inc. would be happy to help. Get in touch with us by calling (214) 468-0007 or emailing us at [email protected] for more information. We look forward to showing you why we are one of the area’s most trusted locksmith companies.