It’s finally closing time. The last customer of the day is out the door, the floors have been swept and mopped, you’ve counted, double counted, and triple counted everything on the list and you’re ready to lock up. You can feel the relief of walking out the door…. And you just broke your key in the lock. Isn’t that just lovely? You need help hiring a locksmith… quick.
Luckily, you don’t have to actually think about the last time you used a locksmith, or flip through the yellow pages because it’s 2014 and these days when in doubt, simply Google it out!
You don’t even have to reboot the office computer because of the handy smartphone glued to your hand! The only problem with this scenario is the mind numbing number of search results that are returned when you search for a locksmith in your area. You don’t have time to go through the 10 pages of local locksmiths to find the perfect one!
Feel free to call the first number that pops up on the list – Google ranking counts for something right? – But don’t dispatch them to do the work unless they can wow you with their answers these questions.
Hiring a locksmith – Are you licensed and insured?
Why you should ask – Some states require locksmiths to carry a license, but all technicians should be insured. A reputable technician will know if your state requires licensing; if they aren’t licensed, they will let you know that your state does not require it. If they are not insured, it’s time to keep looking.
Hiring a locksmith – What types of work do you do? (Ask this question before you tell them what you need done.)
Why you should ask – With the best of intentions, some techs are great at saying “oh sure, we can do that” when in reality, they have never done that type of work before. After the job you will end up sub-par work that needs to be repaired by another company.
While it’s true that nearly all technicians are capable of removing a key from a door lock, if you need door work performed, your safe lock is on the fritz, or your electrified hardware has seen it’s better days, you need a technician that specializes in that specific field.
Hiring a locksmith – What is your warranty period?
Why you should ask – Any reputable technician will offer a minimum warranty period of 30 days to cover unintentional installation or hardware issues. If they don’t offer at least 30 days – run for the hills.
Hiring a locksmith – What are your rates?
Why you should ask – While this doesn’t necessarily indicate the quality of a technician, its important information for you to have up-front. Some technicians will charge a piece-work rate. This means, they charge a set amount per task. If you need a lock rekeyed, you will pay per lock instead of by the hour. Other locksmiths charge an hourly rate, with a standard one-hour minimum regardless of how quickly the job is completed. That being said, there are a few techs out there that will charge in 15-minute or 30-minute increments.
Technicians also charge a trip fee. Be sure to ask for the charge to your location. The fee usually increases past a certain mileage, and if there are tolls between their location and yours, those will be included as well.
Hiring a locksmith – Do you have any relevant certifications?
Why you should ask – A reputable locksmith will maintain their working education as well as innovations and changes within the industry by completing continuing education courses. They will accumulate certifications pertaining to their areas of specialty as they complete these trainings.
Hiring a locksmith – Do you perform background checks on your employees?
Why you should ask – You’re entrusting this locksmith with a lot. Think about it for a moment – the technician you hire will have full access to your facility and everything inside it. It’s vital to the ongoing security of your facility, employees, and patrons the person with that access is a trustworthy individual.
Remember, this process should be followed for any and all new technicians that work on ANY of your locations. But, if the thought of doing this across all of your locations makes your head spin, you may want to consider working with a National Service Provider (NSP). A few months ago, I wrote a similar post on questions to ask before hiring a NSP – check that out for a good place to start.
Google
Kaitlyn, I agree with you about finding out what they are capable of before telling them what the issue is. Finding out what their specialties are, and finding the right locksmith for your situation can be a better investment of time, rather than going for the first choice, and later regretting it. It doesn’t happen very often, but having a backup option is a good idea as well.
Thanks, Howard! Having a backup option is definitely a good idea!
I appreciate your tip on asking a locksmith if he is licenced and insured. It seems that hiring a licenced locksmith is much smarter as they are probably more qualified and legitimate. My wife and I want to replace our locks, when we hire someone to do it we’ll be sure to check if they are licenced and qualified.
Thanks for the information. I think asking if the company performs background checks is a great question. I would feel much safer knowing that I have someone who isn’t going to break into my house or business. Like you said, your entrusting the locksmith with a lot, and giving them full access to your house. Great question, and thanks for posting.
There are a few other questions about locksmiths that readers should consider. These include:
Do you have any references?
How long have you been in the locksmith business?
How far will you travel?
How long will it take for you to get here?
Do you have different rates depending on the work that you do?
I hope you find these additional questions useful.
You can add also:-
What’s your address?
Can you upgrade my locks?
What Kind of Skills Do You Have?
Do You Have a Warranty?
Does the Locksmith Have any Certifications?
Does the Locksmith Run a Check on the Client and their Facility?
Thanks
Thank you for all these helpful questions to ask a locksmith. I really like that you include to ask if they are insured. I know that I would feel more comfortable letting them work on the lock if they can cover the damages.
In your article, you stated that any reputable technician will offer a minimum warranty period of 30 days to cover unintentional installation or hardware issues. My wife called me in a panic because she locked her keys in her car at the grocery store. Do most locksmiths offer emergency services? Hiring an experienced locksmith might be our best option.
Thanks for this great list of things to ask a locksmith. I like that you put to ask about the warranty period. I didn’t realize that most technicians will offer some kind of minimum warranty. I can understand why having this kind of security would be important. My sister just bought a house that will need some of the locks replaced. She should definitely keep these questions in mind when looking around.
My wife and I are trying to make sure we have various professionals’ phone numbers on reserve in case of an emergency. We want to have a reliable locksmith on hand in case we are locked out at a very inconvenient time. I like that you mentioned to find out what the potential locksmith’s warranty period is. I want to know that they stand by their work and will fix any issues they caused.
Thanks for the valuable information.
I really like the tip of asking what kind of a work a locksmith does before you tell them what you need done. Selecting a locksmith that can handle your specific lock needs would be of utmost importance in my opinion. My good friend has been looking into electronic locks for his front and back doors. Would a locksmith that has experience with electronic locks be able to assist with installation?