Be Secure Locksmith

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How Do I Determine the Best Local Locksmith?

 

No matter where you live chances are that sooner or later you’ll need to call upon the expertise of a locksmith. Finding a local locksmith typically isn’t difficult, but trying to determine the best local locksmith might be if you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use when choosing a locksmith to ensure that you enlist the services of a reputable, trustworthy, and skilled professional.

Where To Find a Reputable Locksmith

Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool for any business, and a good reputation goes a long way. Check in with family, friends, and neighbors in your area to ask for names of locksmiths they recommend and trust. This is often the best and easiest way to find a reputable locksmith and gives you peace of mind right from the start. However, if you are unable to get a good recommendation, you can take to the internet. Search for locksmiths near you and take a moment to read testimonials and customer reviews. When you find a locksmith that has positive reviews and a seemingly good reputation, give the company a call to continue your assessment.

Don’t Wait Until You Need One

One of the most common reasons that people turn to a locksmith is because they’ve accidentally ended up locked out of their home, car, or business. Being locked out is stressful, and trying to find a locksmith at that moment can be doubly distressing and can often lead to you overpaying or working with a less than stellar locksmith. To avoid this scenario, prepare in advance. If you don’t have a go-to local locksmith, take efforts to find one long before you find yourself locked out. Not only will it ease the stress of the situation, but it might save you money and the frustration that comes with potentially poor work. A good rule of thumb is not to wait until you need a locksmith to seek out a reputable company in your area. 

Establish Which Services You Need and Get an Estimate

Before you commit to hiring a locksmith, it’s important to be clear about which services you need so you can not only be sure the locksmith is up to the task, but so you can ask for an estimate. It may be helpful to provide the locksmith with photos to ensure clarity. Let the locksmith know how many and which types of locks need changing or servicing and whether or not you’ll need additional or upgraded locks. Find out how much the locksmith will charge for those services and ask if there are any additional fees, charges, or taxes. Be sure to request a written copy of the estimate for your records.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

lock repair-or-replacement near meLocal locksmiths value your business and want to build long-lasting relationships with their customers that are based on trust. Any reputable provider will be happy to answer all of your questions and spend time giving you the information you need to make you feel safe and secure. Some key question you’ll want to ask include:

  • What forms of payment do you accept?
  • How information can I provide you about the lock in advance? Would you like a photo?
  • Where is your office located?
  • What is the process you’ll use to get into the house, vehicle, office, etc.
  • What factors will influence the estimate to change?
  • What is the name of the locksmith I should be expecting?

If there are other questions that pertain to your unique set of circumstances you should feel confident asking those as well. Remember, a locksmith is responsible for the security of your home, so they should want you to feel as comfortable and at ease as possible

Request Credentials and References

Some states require locksmiths to have credentials, licenses, and certifications, while other states require none of the above. Professional and trustworthy locksmiths will be happy to share their certifications, insurance, and bonding with you, so be sure to inquire. (1) Ask to see the locksmith’s business card to ensure that they are who they say they are; the name of the company should be in line with the name on the written estimate. Reputable locksmiths proudly back their work, so they will also happily provide with you references from previous clients.  It’s very important to take these steps to confirm that the locksmith is a legitimate service provider.

Request Documentation and Invoices

Once you’ve hired a locksmith and they arrive to perform the agreed upon services, request confirmation of the estimate that was previously provided. Any trustworthy locksmith will be more than happy to provide this for you. Make sure you agree to the work that has been quoted before you pay for any services. When the locksmith has completed the work, request a copy of the invoice, which should include the final cost of the services provided. Not only is it important for you to have a copy for your own records, but you may need an itemized invoice if you are planning to submit a claim to your insurance company.

A reputable locksmith is likely to ask for proof that you are the owner of the home, car, or other property prior to performing any services. They may ask for a form of identification and/or that you fill out an authorization form that asks for basic information like your name, address, phone number, services requested, and signature. While this is generally standard procedure, it is always recommended that you read over the details of what you’re signing to be fully aware of the terms to which you are agreeing.

You should feel empowered to ask potential locksmiths if they provide this documentation and itemized invoices when you first make contact prior to hiring them.

Be Aware of Scams

Locksmith scams are not pervasive, but they do happen so it’s important to stay informed in order to avoid ending up in a bad situation. Some tell-tale signs of a potential scam include toll-free phone numbers, a lack of branding on stationary and vehicles, and suspiciously low prices. Fraudulent locksmiths are likely to quote only $20 to $40 up front, then gouge customers later after the work has been performed and there’s little recourse.

In the event that you are locked out of your home or vehicle, be wary of any locksmith who insists on drilling your lock. A reputable, professional locksmith should have the skills to unlock any door. Drilling is rarely necessary except when it comes to high-security locks. 

Keep in mind that reputable locksmith companies want to set themselves apart and grab your attention in order to secure your business, so companies that don’t have a clear name should arouse your suspicions. Most importantly, if something feels off it is always advisable to go with your gut instinct. There are plenty of other locksmiths if one company seems fishy.

Tips and Tricks for Hiring a Locksmith

When hiring a local locksmith, keep in mind a few key tips:

  • Local locksmiths tend to work in a relatively tight service range. Search for a provider that prides itself on performing work specifically in your area. Companies with very broad service areas often use middlemen, driving up prices and depersonalizing the relationship.
  • Legitimate providers will always have a specified business address and cohesive branding across materials, including business cards, invoices, and other types of written communication.
  • Prices that appear too good to be true usually are. Trustworthy locksmiths will inform you of all charges, fees, and any other additional costs from the start so you are never surprised or hit with an unexpectedly high bill.

Be Secure Locksmith Is a Certified Locksmith You Can Trust

Residents of Florida’s Gainesville, Ocala, and other surrounding areas need look no further for a reputable and professional local locksmith than Be Secure Locksmith. A family-operated business, Be Secure has been providing customers the highest quality of service for the last fifteen years. With competitive and fair prices coupled with a wide range of expertise, Be Secure is dedicated to being the local locksmith you can trust. We treat our customers the way we’d like to be treated, which means you’ll never receive a surprise bill with additional expenses.

Our team of certified technicians are skilled at delivering excellent automotive, residential, and commercial service. At Be Secure, we hold our relationships with our customers in the highest regard and we approach our work with integrity. We pride ourselves on being accountable, performing top-quality work, and continuously seeking improvement. 

No matter the size or scope of the job, Be Secure Locksmith is standing by ready to assist, and our team of experienced professionals will be with each step of the way. Whether you’re locked out of your house, installing commercial-grade locks for your business, or need your car keys programmed, Be Secure Locksmith’s lock solid integrity will ensure you have peace of mind.