Lock emergencies can range from inconvenient to downright dangerous, whether you locked your keys in the house or are stranded in a parking lot with a broken car ignition key. Most people never really think about Lubbock Locksmith until one is desperately needed, but it can be difficult to make smart decisions under stress. Whether you need a Lubbock Locksmith today or are preparing for the future, here is what to look for in a professional Lubbock Locksmith.
Recommendations and Reviews
Ask friends and relatives to recommend a good local Lubbock
Locksmith, or read online reviews for Lubbock Locksmith in your
area. Call the Better Business Bureau and ask if there have been any
complaints. Word of mouth does not guarantee good service, but it can help you
narrow down the list.
Knowledge and Credentials
When you call the Lubbock Locksmith company, make
sure they answer the phone with the same business name you found online. Be
wary of companies with very generic titles such as “Lubbock Locksmith
services.” Ask about state licensing and insurance, as well as a cost estimate.
Engage in small talk about the service you need to be sure the representative
sounds knowledgeable.
Confirmation
When the Lubbock Locksmith arrives, ask for
identification, copies of his or her license and insurance, and a written
estimate. Ask for an explanation of any discrepancies between the estimate and
the quote you were given over the phone. Steer clear of any Lubbock
Locksmith who does not ask for your ID, as Lubbock Locksmith
must be sure that the person requesting service is authorized to have that work
performed. If you are asked to sign any documents, read them carefully and
ensure any blanks are filled in.
Common Lubbock Locksmith Scams
If you follow the tips above, you should end up with a
reputable Lubbock Locksmith. Still, there are numerous scams in the Lubbock
Locksmith industry, so keep an eye out for any of the following:
Spoofing a local phone number: It’s always possible
that the local number you dialed redirects to a call center somewhere else.
This is why it’s crucial to confirm the name of the business, as well as to pay
attention to reviews.
Posing as another company: Scammers sometimes use a
business name that is extremely similar to that of a reputable Lubbock Locksmith.
Double check the name and business address to avoid this.
Bait and switch pricing: Some disreputable Lubbock
Locksmith like to quote low prices and then add on all kinds of fees.
Asking for estimates both over the phone and in person can lower your risk.
Lock drilling: A reputable Lubbock Locksmith
will not drill out a lock until multiple attempts to open it have failed, and
will explain to you why drilling is required. Some dishonest Lubbock
Locksmith will drill first, solely so that they can then charge you for an
expensive new lock.
The majority of Lubbock Locksmith are honest,
hardworking professionals. Still, it is an industry with more than its share of
scammers, so it is vital to protect yourself. Follow the tips above to find a
trustworthy Lubbock Locksmith, and program that company’s number into
your phone so you will always have it at your fingertips.