When it comes to finding professionals we can count on, we tend to be very picky about making the right choice. Whether this is a GP, a car mechanic or an accountant, we do our research to ensure we’re getting the best service possible and not being ripped off. This means that when we’re sick or our car needs a tune up, we know exactly which professional to go to for help.
However, when it comes to locksmiths, we often don’t put the same thought into the process, even though locksmiths are a crucial service. There comes a time in everyone’s life where you need a locksmith, whether that’s because you’ve locked yourself out of your car or had your business broken into, meaning it’s vital to know a quality locksmith.
Like other professional services, it’s always better to have an idea of who to call before the event. When you need a locksmith in a pinch, you don’t have time to browse online reviews, compare quotes and ask your friends for their opinions on local locksmiths: you just need help, and fast. In some cases, you might be forced to rely on a less-than-ideal locksmith, simply because you didn’t have time to properly consider your options, potentially resulting in shoddy service or out-of-pocket expenses.
To prevent this from happening, it’s always best to have the details of a reliable local locksmith on hand, just like you would with other professional service providers, in case you ever need their assistance.
So, to help you make the right choice before an emergency strikes, we’ve compiled some of the characteristics and qualities of a good locksmith that you should be looking out for:
Reviews and Reputation
Any locksmith you go for should have a good reputation in the community, including word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews. When searching for a locksmith, keep an eye out for locksmiths that seem to be popular in your area – is there one particular company’s logo that you always see on vans around town? This could indicate that that locksmith is popular in your area, likely because of the quality of their service.
Ask your friends whether they’ve had any recent experiences with local locksmiths, good or bad, to inform your decision. Also have a look at online reviews that your chosen locksmith has received from previous customers on websites such as Yellow Pages or True Local, for an idea of the general consensus about the business.
Additionally, have a look at their experience as a whole. Has the company successfully been in business for a significant period of time? This indicates that they have the experience to get the job done, and have succeeded in the industry due to their consistently excellent service.
A locksmith company that has built up a good reputation in your community is one that you can likely rely on, so make sure to take this into consideration when making your decision.
Scope of Service
There are a number of situations where you may need a locksmith, from break-ins to broken locks. This means that when you choose a company as your go-to locksmith, you’ll need to be sure that they’ll be able to assist you with various issues. Browse the locksmith’s website and have a look at the services they offer. Ideally, a locksmith should be able to handle both cars and homes, as well as provide security systems such as alarms and CCTV cameras. Most importantly, the locksmith you choose must provide 24-hour service. You never know when you might lock yourself out of your home or car, and desperately need assistance. Therefore, it’s critical to cover all your bases by choosing a locksmith that can provide service any time of day or night, just in case.
Professional Credentials
To ensure you won’t be ripped off or receive shoddy service, always have a look at your chosen locksmith’s professional credentials. Ideally, they should be a member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA), as well as have insurance in case of accidental damage to your property. You should be able to easily find this information on their website – if you can’t, it’s possible that the locksmith doesn’t actually have the right credentials.
Location
When it comes to an emergency, you need a locksmith that can come to you quickly. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to factor in the location of your chosen locksmith. Find one that is based close to your work or home, so that they can arrive at your doorstep when you need them, and also so that you are not charged any extra call-out fees.
Like all professional service providers, always have a good locksmith in mind in case you ever need their assistance. By looking out for the above factors, you’ll be able to find a quality locksmith that you can depend on if the need ever arises.
