Are you tired of being taken for a ride by those big, impersonal call centers masquerading as local locksmiths? We know the feeling. You're in a pinch and need help fast, so you turn to a search engine for some assistance. You type in "locksmith near me" and boom - a list of seemingly trustworthy options pop up. But as it turns out, not all locksmiths are created equal.
It's a tale as old as time - you call the number listed, explain your situation, and are quoted an unbeatable price. "Great!" you think to yourself. "I've hit the jackpot!" But then, a stranger shows up at your door who may or may not be a certified locksmith, and proceeds to charge you triple the amount you were originally quoted. Sound familiar
Fear not, dear reader. We're here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of the locksmith world and avoid falling victim to these sneaky call centers. Follow our guide on how to spot a local locksmith, and you'll never have to worry about getting ripped off again.
Do your research. It may seem like a no-brainer, but a quick Google search can go a long way in ensuring you're not getting scammed. Check out the company's website and business pages on google (actual google maps pages and not just ads).
Check their online and social media presence. In today's digital age, it's important for businesses to have a strong online presence. A legitimate local locksmith will likely have a website and active social media accounts. Take a look at their website and social media pages to get a feel for the company and see if they seem genuine. If the website is outdated or the social media accounts have little activity, it could be a red flag.
Watch out for vague or evasive responses. Call centers often use generic, vague language in their advertisements and when speaking with potential customers in order to transfer you to speak with the “Locksmith Technician” who will try and upsell everything. They may not have a clear understanding of the services they offer and tell you that only the Locksmith Technician can provide an estimate and/or schedule an appointment over the phone (which only proves they are a call center and not a real Locksmith Business). On the other hand, a local locksmith will be able to give you specific, detailed information about their business and services. They should also be able to answer any questions you have without hesitation. If you're getting evasive responses or a sense that the person on the other end of the line doesn't know what they're talking about, it's best to look elsewhere.
Check the phone numbers and vehicle license plate. A common tactic of call centers is to use a local area code for their business phone number, even if they are not physically located in the area. This can be misleading and make it seem like the company is local when they are not. Make sure to check the technician's phone number and the license plate of their vehicle. If these numbers are not local, it's a good indication that you are dealing with a call center rather than a true local locksmith.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a local locksmith is the consistency of their branding. You want to make sure that the person on the phone, the technician, the business cards, and the receipt all match in names. If a company, ad, technician, business card, or receipt just say "Locksmith," "Locksmith Services," or "24 Hour Locksmith" without a specific business name, it's a red flag. This could be a sign that the company is a call center, rather than a legitimate local business. Make sure to check for a specific business name and do your research to ensure that you're working with a reputable local locksmith. Trustworthy local locksmiths will have a consistent branding and should be able to provide you with accurate and detailed information about their services. Protect yourself and your home by choosing a local locksmith that you can trust.
Look for reviews. A quick scan of a company's online reviews can give you a good idea of the type of service you can expect. If a company has mostly negative reviews or no reviews at all, it's best to steer clear. In addition, some google reviews show the location of the reviewer (city/state), if a Locksmith Service has reviews from different cities and states most likely it is a call center turning its advertisements off and on in different areas every time.
Go with a local option. Supporting small businesses is always a good idea, and in the locksmith world, it can also save you a headache (and a hefty bill). Local locksmiths are invested in their community and reputation, so they'll go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
So there you have it - a simple guide on how to spot a local locksmith and avoid getting scammed by a call center. Next time you find yourself in a lock-related crisis, remember these tips and you'll be sure to find a trustworthy, reliable option.
