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While the majority of those who claim to be locksmiths are professional and trustworthy, there are locksmithing scams that exist that you should do your best to avoid. In order to avoid a scam, however, you will need to know what to look for. To find a good locksmith you know you can trust, follow the recommendations below. These guidelines will help you narrow down which locksmith will serve your needs best and give you the best deal. When it comes to your security and safety, avoiding getting scammed is crucial.
The first place you can look in order to find a locksmith is online. However, it should be noted that not all business reviews sites function the same. Some are more honest, while others accept payments from businesses in order to take down or conceal bad reviews. Because of these shady practices, it is important to check several different online review sites. You may find a lot of reviews on one site that say one thing about a locksmith, while another site paints an entirely different picture. Do not just settle on the first reviews you come across. Instead, cross-reference several different review sites, if possible, to help you get the most realistic picture of how a given locksmith operates and treats their customers.
You can always ask friends, family members, and coworkers who they recommended. In fact, word-of-mouth is how a lot of locksmiths initially gained their reputations. You may hear about a locksmith from a friend that you did not read about online that provides exceptional services in your area. Ask those close to your area that you know if they have ever enlisted the help of a local locksmith. You may just find your go-to locksmith after a quick conversation with one of your neighbors or friends.
In order to avoid getting scammed, it is important to speak to a real person at some point in your search before you eventually settle on a particular locksmith. If you have found a locksmith you like, give them a call and discuss your specific plans in detail with their staff. Depending on how you are treated over the phone, you may decide not to hire that locksmith. Customer service is important and when it comes to your security, you will want to make sure you hire a caring and trustworthy locksmith. It can be easy to portray a certain imagine online on one’s business website, while one’s in-person experience may be quite different. You will get a better idea of how a certain locksmith treats their customers if you are able to speak to their staff members directly.
No matter which locksmith you pick, it is imperative that they are certified and insured. Certified locksmiths undergo a series of professional and on-the-job trainings in order to become certified. They must pass a state exam in order to become certified. There are also different levels of certification that a locksmith can carry, which may affect the work they are allowed to do or procedures they can perform. When you contact the locksmith you intend to hire, ask them about the certifications their locksmiths carry, especially if you plan on installing electronic or access control locks. Any kind of electronic lock installations usually require specialized training that not all locksmiths may receive with basic certifications. Be sure to communicate your needs and make sure the locksmith you hire is certified and capable of handling a given request.
Also, make sure that the locksmith you hire carries insurance. Usually, professional locksmiths are required to carry several different types of insurance that help protect both customers and themselves. Inquire about what protections and practices a given locksmith follows in order to protect their customers, as well as the insurance they carry. Knowing upfront about insurance and other protections they have can help you avoid any miscommunications later if something is to go wrong during the course of your locksmithing experience.
It is always a good idea to hire a locksmith that offers 24/7 services. This shows that a given locksmithing company is dedicated to its customers. Since locksmithing emergencies can happen at any time, it is important for locksmiths to offer flexible hours. If you are going to choose a locksmith to help you, make sure they offer around-the-clock services. Even if you do not need an emergency appointment right away, you may need one in the future. If you receive a lock repair or replacement from a 24-hour locksmith, you will know you can receive any follow-up assistance any time.
Now that you know more about what to look for when it comes to hiring a trustworthy locksmith and avoiding a locksmithing scam, you should feel confident moving forward and hiring a locksmith. Do not forget to ask questions and ask for proof of insurance or certification. With how many locksmithing scams out there, you can never be too careful. A professional locksmith will be more than happy to show you proof of insurance and certification or go over the specifics of their policies in detail with their customers.