Most people avoid hiring a locksmith out of fear that it’ll cost them a fortune. In some cases, they have been proven correct because some profiteering locksmiths take advantage of their client’s vulnerable situation and charge them exorbitantly, especially if you call them outside of business hours. Sometimes they may even add hidden charges to your bill, amplifying the cost and then threaten you into paying for it.
Paying so much just to be allowed back in to your home or car can be very frustrating. However, just know that any locksmith worth its salt will not exploit you in your dire situation. But how to know that you are being ripped off?
According to experts of Tulsa Lock and Key, that locksmith services are not exactly cheap and this is why they are ripe for rip offs.
They recommend you lock replacement when rekeying can do the job
If you have moved in to a new house or bought a second hand car, every locksmith will recommend you to get the keys changed. However, there are two ways to do that – one is the costly lock replacement method and the other is not-so-costly rekeying. Naturally, the scope for making more money lies in the former option. So if you are being advised to change all your locks, then do take a second professional’s opinion before getting it done.
They charge you a “premium” for after-hour service
Locksmiths understand that the nature of their business is such that a lock and key emergency can arise at any time of the day. Charging customers exorbitantly extra because you are making a house call in the middle of the night on a weekend is unfair. While customers are already prepared to give you a tad extra for your timely services, exploiting them into paying a lot more than necessary is plain ripping off. To avoid being in this situation, take quotes from at least 2-3 local locksmiths to get an idea about the ongoing rate.
They are hesitant to give you a written quote
This is the biggest red flag and the one you shouldn’t ignore. If you found a locksmith you like, then ask them for a detailed quote that clearly mentions the services that are included and not included in the prices. Make sure you have carefully read the fine print of the deal to fully understand what the cost entails. This is necessary to make an informed decision and secure yourself from the risk of being charged hidden fees and surcharges that can add on to the bill and you will be forced to pay because you didn’t read the quote properly.
Not all locksmiths are the same, some really do want to help you and charge you fairly. However, these tips right here will help you spot a scammer. Make sure you don’t ignore these warning signs when hiring a locksmith.