When you’re looking for a locksmith you want to know the person who’s carrying out the work will do a good job and charge a fair price for the work. You want quality service and quality workmanship.
So how do you guarantee a good locksmith?
The first stop is to ask your friends and family. It could be a simple outcome and that you get a great recommendation – or even told who to avoid. If friends and family know a good locksmith, then you’re off to a winning start.
If you’ve not found anyone this way, you’ll probably turn to the internet. It’s here that things become a bit more ‘wild west’. You never know what you’re going to get. So, what do you do?
Definitely look for locksmiths that have a physical address listed and a local phone number. Check online review platforms such as Google or Yelp to see what customers are saying about the locksmiths you’re considering. Look for negative reviews as well as positive. Why… ?
- Firstly, you get to see if there are any dissatisfied customers and why they are unhappy. Looking at positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective.
- You can’t please everyone and even the best locksmiths will come across someone at some point who hasn’t been happy and leaves a negative review, even if it’s for something trivial. When reviews are genuine, there’ll likely be a negative review or two. So, it can pay to be wary if, for example there are all 5* reviews but no negative ones. Also see if the locksmith has responded to any.
What else should you look for when you google locksmiths near me?
Estimates
Contact different locksmiths and request a quote. Be wary of significantly low or high prices. Extremely low prices could be a sign of a scam or poor-quality work, while excessively high prices may indicate overcharging. But you’ll only know by getting a few estimates. A reputable locksmith won’t have a problem explaining your issue and giving you a quote.
Insurance
Ask the locksmith if they have liability insurance to cover any potential damages that may occur during the job. There is a risk of damage to a door, even if accidental. Realistically, any tradesperson’s work incurs a risk of damage or accidental injury.
What to Look for in a Locksmith
A reputable locksmith will have expertise and skill and they have experience. They will know the industry and the latest developments and have the necessary understanding to carry out the work competently. A reputable locksmith will act in a professional way too.
Trustworthiness is a key quality. You want to feel the locksmith you choose is being honest about pricing and not embellishing the work that needs carrying out. A reputable locksmith will be happy to answer any questions and explain the work that needs doing.
Trust Your Instincts
There is no regulatory body for locksmiths in the UK, so reputation is everything. And it’s potentially your home’s security at stake.
Strong doors and secure locks work together. You can’t have one without the other. They are one of the most basic forms of physical defence against intruders.
The majority of burglars gain access through your doors and windows and addressing any vulnerabilities in your door or window’s locking mechanism, can reduce the risk of break-ins. Burglars often find weaknesses and can quickly take advantage of an opportunity.
Knowing you’ve chosen a good locksmith gives you greater peace of mind and also a more secure living environment.
So, trust your instincts and avoid locksmiths who give you vague answers or pressure you into unnecessary services. If you feel uncomfortable, move on. Reputable locksmiths are transparent, professional and have a sense of pride in a job well done.
Final Thoughts
With just a few precautions, you should easily be able to find a reputable locksmith who can help you improve your security and your peace of mind.
And ultimately, if you’re feeling uncomfortable with a tradesperson, in any capacity, then don’t feel pressured into making a decision. It may even be worth having someone else with you if you’re getting an estimate.
