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Originally Posted On: https://championlock.com/6-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-locksmith/

 

When you need a locksmith, you need someone you can trust. Someone who will keep your property safe and secure—and who won’t give you the runaround.

As experienced locksmiths ourselves, we’ve run into one or two customers who, before coming to us, had a less-than-satisfactory experience with other locksmithing companies. It can be difficult to find a trustworthy locksmith.

For that reason, we’ve put together this list of 6 critical questions to ask any locksmith, regardless of whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or stuck in an emergency situation.

These are questions we answer ourselves all the time, and we’re always thrilled when we see a customer who’s done their research and knows what to look for.

Here are 6 questions to ask before hiring a locksmith.

1. What Locksmithing Services Do They Offer?

Before hiring any locksmith, it’s paramount you know what services they offer and whether they can help you.

There are a ton of services locksmiths can offer—for example:

• Duplicating keys
• Changing locks
• Lock replacement
• Lock repair
• Lock installation
• Electronic access installation
• Electronic access repair
• Emergency lockout services

What’s more, some locksmiths specialize in residential, commercial, or automotive locking systems. Altogether, it’s best to find out beforehand what your locksmith can do and how they can help you.

Ask about their specialties, their work history, and whether they have any experience with the type of service you need.

At Champion Lock & Safe Company, we’re proud to be a full-service locksmith, so we have a fully equipped shop that can handle just about anything out there. We offer a complete range of services for homeowners, business owners, and drivers, but we’re always happy to answer questions about our services to ensure our clients feel confident in our hands.

2. Are They Licensed and Insured?

This question is one of the most important to ask.

Always, always, always make sure that the locksmith you’re hiring is a licensed and insured locksmith. A reputable business should always be certified and carry insurance, because otherwise, they’re putting the safety and security of their customers at risk.

If the service you need is covered under your insurance, then that’s even more reason to find a certified and insured locksmith. Doing so will ensure you can report any repairs or other services to your insurance company without raising any red flags. A reputable locksmithing company will have plenty of experience working with insurance cases, meaning they’ll know how to work with your insurance company to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

3. Do They Have Good Online Reviews?

Nowadays, online reviews are the cornerstone of a company’s reputation.

They carry a lot of weight, and before hiring any type of service provider, you should undoubtedly consider the reviews they’ve received. If they’re a one-star business, don’t expect 5-star service.

Look at your locksmith’s Google reviews. You can do so by entering their name in a Google search. Their name and rating should appear on the right-hand side, along with how many reviews they’ve received:

 

Check their overall rating, but also be sure to sift through individual reviews to see what clients are saying about them? Are they friendly? Timely? Professional? Are they communicative? Do they offer upfront quotes?

You can also check reviews on other sites besides Google. Some of the most popular are:

• Facebook
• Yelp
• Mapquest
• HomeAdvisor

Sometimes, online reviews don’t always tell the whole story. If you notice one or two bad reviews on a company’s Google page, don’t be afraid to ask them for their perspective. Seeing how a company handles negative feedback can be a great indicator of whether they take their customers’ needs seriously or not.

4. What Are Their Service Rates?

Service rates can vary from locksmith to locksmith. While the price a locksmith charges doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of their work, it can be a useful indicator, as well as a factor in your decision of who to hire.

Different locksmithing companies use different pricing formulas. You may find some that charge a fixed piece-work rate, where each task or service has a fixed price. You may find others who charge a flat hourly rate, or you may find some that offer a combination of the two. Some may also charge a trip fee if they need to travel to your location. Either way, it’s best to know that information upfront.

Beware locksmiths whose prices are considerably lower than the going rate. Most locksmiths will try to keep their prices competitive, but if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Can They Give You a No-Obligation Quote?

While on the topic of service rates, don’t forget to ask your locksmith for a quote before you hire them. Most locksmiths will be happy to give you a detailed estimate or quote. At Champion Lock & Safe, we pride ourselves on transparent, honest service, so we make sure to inform every customer of what to expect price-wise beforehand. We think that’s what every client deserves—and what you should expect.

6. Do They Offer a Warranty Period?

Last but not least, check to see if a locksmith offers some sort of warranty or guarantee on their services. A reputable locksmith should back their services with a 30-day warranty in case of any hardware or mechanical issues. If they’ve done the job right, they should have no issue guaranteeing your satisfaction. After all, the last thing you want is to get locked out of your home due to shoddy workmanship. To avoid that, invest in a reputable, trustworthy locksmith you know will do the job correctly.

Looking for a Trusted Locksmith in the San Antonio Area?

Look No Further Than Champion Lock & Safe Company!

We hope you’ve found our tips useful, and they’ve helped you understand how to find a reputable locksmith.

If you’re in the San Antonio area, our team will be happy to assist you with all your locksmithing needs. As a full-service locksmithing company, we’ve set ourselves apart as the area’s premier locksmith. Business owners, homeowners, drivers: All can depend on us for quality locksmithing, fair prices, and stellar service.

To get a quote, call us at (210) 590-6033 today. We look forward to working with you.