You need a locksmith in an emergency and you are not sure who to call. There are plenty of companies that offer the service, but how do you know which one is right for your needs?
If there’s something about their website or company that seems offputting, it could be anything from poor customer service reviews to being non-licensed. The following questions will help guide you in making the best possible decision for your situation.
1) What types of locksmith services does this company provide?
Locksmiths often have different specialties so make sure they can handle what type of work you need to be done before calling them!
If you are looking for specific types of locksmith services, be sure to ask about the full list before booking an appointment. If the company only offers one type of service, it could end up causing problems for you down the line.
2) Do I have to be present at the job site? Can you replace the car keys without me being there?
Some locksmiths offer mobile services which can make it easier to get new keys made or a broken key removed from your vehicle. If you are not available for an appointment, this type of locksmith should be able to meet you at the location of your choice to complete the job.
3) Do I have to pay a fee just to get an estimate?
Not all locksmiths charge for estimates, but some do. If you are on a budget, this could be an important detail. For less than $20 you can make sure that the company is worth hiring in the future.
4) Can I get a written estimate?
If they give you an oral estimate that sounds too good to be true, request a written quote. They should include all types of pricing information you need to know before hiring a locksmith service.
5) How many years have they been in business?
Old doesn’t always mean better when it comes to hiring a locksmith, but it’s a good idea to know how many years of experience your potential service provider has. If the company has been in business for several years, there is a good chance you can trust them with your money and home security needs.
The best businesses have an established track record for offering quality service to customers who are truly satisfied. And that should be a great sign that you can trust them!
5) Do they have an online presence beyond the services page on the website?
In this day and age, almost every business has an online presence. If this company does not have a website or social media accounts, you should be cautious about hiring them. When evaluating the company’s online presence, look for reviews and photos of jobs they’ve completed in addition to basic information like hours of service and contact information.
6) Do they have references?
References should always be one of your top priorities when looking for locksmith service. Referrals from past customers can help you find the right business for your needs and save hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in the process!
If you have a trusted referral from someone who has used this company’s services before, that can be an easy way to go. Otherwise, the number of positive reviews should be another great indicator of how well they handle jobs.
The best companies will be able to provide happy customers who are willing to tell people about their experiences with the business. If you don’t get this type of answer, try asking for specific references and contact information before booking an appointment.
7) Do I pay afterward or is there a deposit? How much is it?
The best companies don’t require a deposit to begin working, but some will ask for one. If there is a fee, try to avoid any locksmith service that charges more than $100.
8) What are the additional costs? Are taxes included in the estimate I receive over the phone?
You should always get an exact quote before hiring any type of service. If the company you are speaking to does not offer an exact price or requires you to pay additional fees, read between the lines and try your best to hire elsewhere!
9) Can I schedule my appointment online?
Some businesses prefer in-person visits while others have made things easier by allowing customers to schedule their appointments without ever having to pick up the phone and call. Which method works best for you?
10) Can they provide a free quote before starting any work?
If you know what type of service this company is going to perform on your property, ask if they will give you an estimate before starting any work. If there’s no pricing information, it could be a red flag that the company is trying to take advantage of you.
11) Are there any additional charges if they show up and find out I locked myself out?
Some companies will charge extra for this type of situation, so be sure to ask before booking an appointment. If the locksmith tells you before booking that there will be an additional charge if this is the issue, you can ask them to provide a quote over the phone and compare it with the cost of other services.
12) What types of payment do they accept? Can I use my credit card or check?
There are some businesses that only accept cash for any type of service while others accept various forms of payment. Some will even take credit cards or checks!
13) What kind of warranty do they offer?
Some companies offer a limited warranty that covers their work for a year or less. If the company does not provide any type of warranty, there is a good chance you won’t be satisfied with the work once it’s complete.
14) Can I check their license and insurance information online?
The best businesses are the ones who don’t worry about hiding behind their websites. Look for any type of online licensing board where you can view their licenses and insurance information to ensure they meet your local requirements. If this doesn’t exist, hire with caution!
15) Can I get discounts or free services?
Every company has a different policy when it comes to discounts and “hidden” fees. If you’ve used this business before and were satisfied with the work, try asking if you can receive a discount for your next service.
16) Do they offer 24/7 emergency locksmith services?
Every business is different when it comes to its business hours. The best companies will stay open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in case you run into any type of lock or security issues in the middle of the night.
17) Will they give me a written estimate?
The best businesses will provide you with an estimate that covers all types of pricing information before starting any work on your property. If the locksmith only quotes you over the phone, there’s a good chance they are trying to take advantage of you by increasing their price once they see your property.
18) Will they send someone out quickly?
The worst thing you can do is wait around for several hours before anyone arrives to help you with your emergency locksmith needs. The best businesses will offer fast response times at all hours of the day so their customers are never waiting for service!
19) Can I hire them for an hourly rate?
A locksmith may offer an hourly rate depending on the service that you need, so be sure to ask before booking an appointment!
This is especially important if you are planning on hiring a locksmith for security consultations or any other type of service where they have to spend time at your property looking around.
20) Does your company offer locksmith training courses?
Locksmiths that take formal education or training courses are often more trustworthy than those who do not. Make sure to ask if the company offers continuing education for their employees so you know they are updating their skills regularly.
21) What is their emergency number?
For those who need 24/7 locksmith services, this question is important. You can have the number programmed into your cell phone so you are ready anytime you need it!
Call Twenty-Four Hours Locksmith and Door Services at (240)-744-4689 today!
When you need a locksmith, it’s important to do your research. The more questions that you ask before hiring someone, the less likely they are to take advantage of you with hidden fees or poor workmanship. We recommend asking these 21 questions when looking for an emergency locksmith near me so you can make sure the business is reputable and trustworthy! If all of this seems like too much work- let us know. Our team is happy to answer any questions about our products or services via email at manager@twentyfourhourslocksmith.com.
