Tips on finding a great locksmith in Vancouver
Trusted locksmiths are hard to find these days. With all the news about scam locksmiths, you start to feel insecure about that creepy bald guy with the plumbers crack walking into your home. To find a good and trustworthy locksmith, here are some things you should look for:
- Professionalism. Locksmiths pride themselves on the work they do, and most will do everything but out right brag about it to let you know what it is that they’re about. If a locksmith seems timid, unsure, nervous, or scared, this is a moment to be skeptical. A good and genuine locksmith will make sure you know that they know what they’re doing.
- Logos. Most companies (though granted not all legitimate ones) will have company shirts, vans, stickers, magnets, and invoices with the company logo on them. This is not only a marketing tool, but it also makes the consumer more comfortable letting a stranger into their home.
- Tools. Every locksmith should have the necessary and proper tools to complete any job they may encounter, from rekeying locks to creating car keys and repairing ignitions.
- Knowledge. Even if you have a problem that a locksmith has never seen, they should still have the knowledge and know-how to fix any situation encountered. An illegitimate locksmith usually won’t know how to do anything but basic stuff, like car lockouts and house lockouts.
- Hardware. A good locksmith will have all types of locks, from doorknobs to high security commercial locks that are unavailable to the general public. They will be able to uninstall, install, and replace any type of locking mechanism.
- Quotes. Locksmith companies usually avoid giving direct quotes, and for good reason: we’re not there to see the problem, therefore we can’t really give a direct price. A range of prices is usually your best option. Even if you get a direct quote from a company, chances are it’ll be much higher. By getting a range, you know that the locksmith will not be able to charge you any higher than what was quoted.
- Timeliness. Always ask how long the technician will be. Some companies, while charging you more, will be there within 20 minutes or less. Companies that quote 30-50 dollars flat for lockouts usually take between 1-3 HOURS to get to you. Remember, time is money. So while you may pay a little more, you’ll actually be saving money on a locksmith who promises to be there within 20 minutes rather than a locksmith who gives you a better quote.
- Credentials. Not all states require it, but you want to look for a locksmith company that is bonded, licensed and insured. This guarantees that if any unnecessary damage is caused, you’ll be covered.
There is no way to guarantee you won’t get a scam locksmith. But, by following this simple guideline, you’ll be well on your way to finding a trusted, fast, and experienced locksmith.
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