What is the price of gaining entry to your locked home or car, getting locks installed on your new office building or getting them changed at your store after the contentious exit of a bitter former employee?
Some people would say it is too high.
Enough people have gotten ripped off by unsavory locksmiths to tarnish the reputation of all locksmith companies as greedy crooks who would sell your firstborn for money. However, there are good locksmiths out there. You just need to be aware of the signs that your locksmith might be ripping you off.
1. They Do Not Mention Additional Charges Up Front
Sometimes a locksmith has good reason to tack additional charges onto your bill due to factors such as mileage and emergency hours. However, a legitimate locksmith will always be upfront about all charges BEFORE beginning the work.
Even if you are in a lockout situation and you feel panicked, keep your cool and ask the locksmith to give you a full list of all potential charges. If they avoid your question or try to charge you more than they gave you for the estimate, chances are, the locksmith is ripping you off.
Regardless of the situation, make sure you are prepared with questions when calling locksmith companies. If they refuse to answer any or act shifty, hang up and try the next company.
2. They Drastically Change The Quoted Price
Yes, there may be a slight change in the estimate you receive if the locksmith discovers upon arrival that more work needs to be done than they determined during your phone call. And they should clearly explain to you why that is. Extreme fluctuations in price, however, are a red flag.
Stand your ground if the locksmith significantly inflates the estimate they gave over the phone. Reputable locksmiths will not play this game with you. If the locksmith refuses to budge, send him on his way.
3. They Want To Drill Or Replace Your Lock
A highly skilled and experienced locksmith will be able to open nearly any door. Shady locksmith companies may insist on drilling or replacing the lock as a way to charge you more money.
Drilling is a drastic measure typically only needed for high-security locks. While some businesses may indeed have this type of lock – and if you are in charge of security for the business, make sure you find out – very few private residence or homeowners get them installed. Replacing a high-security lock can cost hundreds of dollars, as they require specialized keys.
The bottom line is, be wary of any locksmith that claims they cannot gain entry via a standard lock without drilling or replacing it. These locksmiths might be ripping you off.
Skilled Locksmiths You Can Trust
Hawken Locksmith Services offers residential, commercial, auto vehicle, antique and access control services to meet your needs – whatever they are. With about two decades of experience, we have the equipment, education and licenses to handle any security issue properly.
Our highly skilled locksmiths have been coming to the aid of customers in the Sycamore, Hampshire, St. Charles, Aurora, Genoa, DeKalb, Huntley, South Elgin and Chicagoland areas. In most cases, we offer 24-hour locksmith services available 7 days per week to help you whenever you need it.
We believe in complete transparency, meaning we always give you an accurate estimate up front and we will not begin a job until you approve it. You never have to worry about any of our locksmiths trying to rip you off or scam you.
And we are committed to exemplary customer service. The quality of our work is important to us. To that end, we are licensed in the state of Illinois (#191000873) and we carry a $1 million liability insurance policy as required.
Contact us 24/7 at 815-762-4464 or 847-989-4804 to install, repair, maintain and/or upgrade a range of locks, keys, pin pads, safes, doors, cameras, antiques and security systems.
