Whether you’re a home or a business, the relationship you’ll build with your locksmith is essential to keeping you and your surroundings safe. That means that no matter who you choose, you need to make sure that they’re 100% trustworthy. As locksmiths since 2008, we know a thing or two about the industry. Read on to learn how to spot a reliable locksmith.
The Locksmith Basics: Qualifications and Insurance
In New York City, locksmithing is a regulated business. All locksmiths working here must be licensed under the DCWP. To complete this process, the locksmith needs to submit proof of their qualifications, as well as their photos and fingerprints.
The benefits of this are obvious. First, you have proof that your locksmith is indeed qualified and knows what they’re doing when they tinker with your locks. Second, your locksmith’s fingerprints and photos are on a database to prevent them from using their expertise for dishonest reasons.
A registered locksmith is non-negotiable. It is New York City law. If your locksmith is happy to bypass this law by not being licensed, they may well be happy to bypass any other laws in relation to your lock.
Insurance is not required, but it is a helpful way of making sure that you’re financially covered in the case of damages. Look for a company insured with a third-party organization, such as the ALOA or BBB.
Before soliciting any services from a locksmith, ask them for their locksmith license number and enquire as to whether they are insured, and if so, with whom. A proper locksmith will not hesitate to give you these details, as they understand the importance of trust in their profession.
Locksmith Red Flags to Avoid
Now that you’ve made sure your locksmith is legitimate, keep an eye out for red flags in the locksmith’s service.
- Being dishonest or deliberately misleading. This applies for any part of the service. If a locksmith lies to you in order to get you to hire them, they are putting profit ahead of trust. Examples of this include telling you dramatically incorrect waiting times for lockout services that keep you high and dry for hours.
- Pricing. A poor locksmith will deliberately give you a low quote on the phone to get you to employ them, only to then charge a much higher price in person. To prevent this from happening, make sure you’re asking critical questions on the phone. If given a suspiciously low quote, ask whether this is the full price including all products and services. Then, have them give you the estimate in writing. If they’re squeamish about having a written document to be held to, you’re best off elsewhere.
- Damages that you’re expected to pay for. Locksmiths are professionals. If they’re causing damage to good locks without any particular reason, they should recognize this as their own responsibility, which should occur rarely enough that they can have their insurance cover the cost. The cost of damages that aren’t your fault should never be on you.
- Poor or no online reviews. Unless a locksmith is very new, they should have an online footprint. A reputable locksmith will know their customers are happy with their services, and will want to advertise this as a way to attract extra clients. Poor or no reviews at all could be a red flag – but keep in mind that in some cases, many positive reviews are also fake.
Locksmith Green Flags to Look For
- Experience. A locksmith who has been active professionally for several years is most likely trustworthy. People do not return to bad locksmiths, and after enough jobs, the locksmiths will most likely have gained excellent knowledge of the industry.
- Excellent products and tools. Your door is only as safe if your lock is good quality. Check to see which brands your locksmith works with. Most modern locksmiths will directly state this on their website, but if not, you can also call or email to verify. Brands to look out for include Yale, Schlage and Mul-T-Lock
- Friendly service. A locksmith should be able to approach business in a polite and friendly manner. Anybody who approaches you with a negative attitude is not worth your time or money.
- Taking time. It may seem counterintuitive to some, especially those who just want to get their locksmithing needs dealt with as soon as possible. But a good locksmith will work efficiently, without rushing. If you’re after, for example, a lock installation, you should feel at liberty to take the time to discuss what options are best for you.
- A compassionate and patient approach to your concerns. If you’re trying to verify the locksmith’s license number, for example, or want to ensure that the safety of your lock is irreproachable, your locksmith should be understanding. We know that you place enormous trust in us, so we are happy to answer your questions.
Other perks a locksmith can offer
These aren’t essential for determining whether a locksmith is reliable, but they are certainly helpful.
- 24 hour service. You can’t predict when you’ll be locked out or need a lock changed late at night, so if you’re already hiring a locksmith, it makes sense to look out for one who will be available to support you at any time.
- A wide range of services. You would be surprised how often you might need help from a locksmith. A locksmith who can help you with your apartment, office and car, without compromising on quality of service for any one of them, is a locksmith you’ll want to stay in contact with.
Conclusions
When you’re picking out a locksmith, don’t compromise. Always make sure your locksmith isn’t just qualified, but also experienced, committed, and friendly. Your locksmith should be someone you’re comfortable going to for any reason and at any time, even in vulnerable states. At Locksmith For Brooklyn NY, we make customer satisfaction our first priority – you should expect no less.
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