5 Tips to Find a Trustworthy Locksmith
February 4, 2016
When you arrive home from work, you're likely want put on your comfy clothes and indulge in a satisfying meal as you relax on your couch. But all these desires quickly come to a halt as you reach your door only to realize that you don't have the key to get inside.
After you can't contact a family member or flatmate to let you inside, you don't know what to do other than to call a locksmith. As you pull out your phone and search for "Sydney locksmith," you select the first number that appears.
Despite the obvious problem of being locked out of your home, there's something else definitely wrong with this situation. By choosing the first locksmith you can find, you risk getting someone reliable or someone looking to benefit from your desperation.
Those who contact the first locksmith they find online open themselves up to several risks, including damaged property, a loss of security and becoming the victim of fraud. So how do you sort out the reputable providers?
1. Search in Advance
You can easily forget something like your keys in the midst of a hectic day, so it's not unlikely that you'll eventually need emergency locksmith services. And while reputable locksmiths provide 24-hour service, you can't easily make an informed decision about a provider when you're in a hurry.
The best way to choose a trustworthy locksmith is to do so in advance. This foresight gives you the time you need to enquire about experience, references and certifications. Use the other tips below as you search in advance for a trustworthy locksmith.
2. Look for a Local Provider
The closer your locksmith's location is to your home or business, the sooner you'll obtain help in an urgent situation. If you choose a locksmith near you, you're more likely to be familiar with their services through word-of-mouth referrals.
In addition, you're more likely to know if a local address is legitimate. This knowledge helps you know whether or not the company actually conducts business there. Keep in mind that licensed locksmiths never operate out of their home.
3. Ask for the License Number
If you call a locksmith in hopes of finding someone to let you into your home, ask for the company's license number up front. If the locksmith you called isn't willing to give this information, consider this hesitation an immediate red flag. Any legal and licensed locksmith will be more than happy to provide a license number.
You can also look for the license on the company's vehicles, name badges and signage.
4. Confirm Qualifications
Just like any tradesman or service provider, your locksmith should have proof of their training and certifications. One easy way to ensure that a locksmith is reliable is to ask about any accreditations he or she has.
To make certain of any professional affiliations, contact the Master Locksmith Association of Australia (MLAA) or the Locksmiths Guild of Australia to see if they have placed your provider on their list of accredited servicers.
5. Seek Someone With Transparency
Honest locksmiths have nothing to hide, so they won't hesitate to explain their tools and techniques when you ask about them.
Ask for explanations about their policies and warranties. If your provider openly and willingly answers your questions, you've likely found a dependable technician.
As you look for a trustworthy locksmith, remember that you want someone who shows professionalism, no matter the hour. The next time you need a locksmith (whether you're in a hurry or not), use the tips above to find one that prioritizes your safety and security.
For more information about locksmiths, check out the rest of our blog.
