If you need a locksmith, there are plenty of options available to you, each with its own pros and cons. However, choosing the wrong locksmith can have serious consequences, from physical injury to property damage to more lost time and money. In this article, we’ll review some common mistakes that people make when choosing a locksmith, and how you can avoid them.

Hiring an Inexperienced Locksmith

No matter how little you think it matters, the locksmith’s level of experience is important because you want someone who is qualified and not just an imposter. Don’t just settle for the first locksmith who answers your call and comes to your door. Hiring the wrong one can cost you money and bring additional problems. Think about it: if he breaks something in your home, that repair could cost more than what he charged you for coming out. Get multiple quotes from licensed locksmiths who have good reputations for service.

Not Asking for Multiple Quotes

It’s a mistake to assume that there is no difference between locksmiths. Many locksmith services charge completely different prices for almost identical jobs, and many consumers don’t realize they could save hundreds by shopping around. Before hiring a locksmith, make sure you compare their rates with multiple companies first—you may be surprised by how much money you can save. Just remember: quotes are easy to come by and free estimates are as well, so make sure you’re asking for both before making a decision. It’s also important to remember not all quotes are created equal; some will be more accurate than others (and some more biased than others) so take into account all of your options instead of just one.

Not Asking About the Work Schedule

Another common mistake is not asking the working hours of the locksmith. There are several good reasons for it. First, you need to know when they can come to your house or office and when you have to wait until their next visit. Second, there is no sense in paying for services that cannot be used at all times. And third, some companies will try to use the night shift for avoiding getting customers’ complaints about opening the door in inappropriate hours of the day.

Choosing the Cheapest Locksmith

If price is your main concern, you may want to think twice before hiring the cheapest locksmith in town. It’s always tempting to hire the first person who shows up to get the work done, but that rarely results in the best outcome. Instead, take the time to thoroughly research several companies and make sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples quotes. The additional time is well worth it for peace of mind—and for ensuring that your money is spent wisely.

Not Checking the Reviews or Feedbacks

You should definitely check the feedback or reviews that a locksmith has. Most of them have their own page on popular sites like Google Local, Yelp and Facebook where they get reviews from their customers. Reading the positive and negative feedbacks are a great way to understand the quality of service they offer. Be sure to ask for a list of references and call some of them up yourself as well before you hire one. This will give you an idea if they are worth hiring or not.

Not Checking If they Are Licensed

There are fourteen US states requiring a locksmith to be licensed.  Other states, such as New York, require locksmiths to register with their state. If you need a locksmith in one of these areas, it is important that you check if they are licensed or registered before hiring them. It’s also good practice to confirm they have insurance in case there is an accident while working on your property and that they have been vetted by other customers through reviews or testimonials.

Not Looking at the Hidden Fees

The upfront price you’re quoted may not be what you end up paying. You should read contracts carefully to ensure that you’re not on the hook for hidden fees, like overtime charges and fuel surcharges. Be wary of lock companies with very low prices; there could be something wrong with their service, or they may decide not to honor their quotes when you call them for service. A good rule of thumb is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things to consider when choosing a locksmith.

By learning from the mistakes listed above, hopefully you won’t make some of them yourself and will be able to get great value for your money.

At Hays NYC, we offer quality and timely locksmith services reviewed by thousands of happy customers in NYC. Whether it is an emergency lockout or you have lost the keys, give us a try and rest assured that you will thank us with a big smile (that will be our reward).