Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Imagine you and your family have just returned home from a long trip and realize you somehow managed to get locked out of your house. In this situation you would probably dial up your trusty neighborhood locksmith that you know and can count on.
Imagine you and your family have just returned home from a long trip and realize you somehow managed to get locked out of your house. In this situation you would probably dial up your trusty neighborhood locksmith that you know and can count on.
Oh, you don’t have a locksmith handy in your smart phone’s contacts?
If you’re like many of us, you don’t think about finding a reliable locksmith until an emergency occurs, which is often at the most inconvenient time. You haven’t had the luxury of building a relationship with someone you'll be trusting with a most important job, your home’s security.
So how does a victim of a lockout go about finding a trustworthy and qualified locksmith? We asked a few locksmiths on our Schlage Facebook page to share their advice, and this is what we came up with:
Visit Credible Locksmith Organization Websites
There are a few credible locksmith organization websites out on the web that require the locksmiths listed to meet certain requirements and qualifications.
Findalocksmith.com (http://findalocksmith.com/search.aspx) is a website sponsored by Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). This site only features professional locksmiths who are registered with ALOA. The site allows you to search by company or by location and the type of services required. (Joe Prieur)
Word of Mouth
We’ve all heard how powerful word of mouth advertising can be. Ask your neighbors, real estate agent or other people you trust for references. Good locksmiths will have built strong relationships with their clientele.(Mike Loblein)
Be careful to only ask people you trust for references. Asking a stranger is not ideal in situations that involve the integrity of your home’s security.
Local Shop
Everything is digital these days, but setting up shop is a sign of a legitimate locksmith whose business is devoted to making homes secure for the long haul. It’s advised to visit their brick and mortar store location to get a feel for how they operate their business and treat their customers. (Mike Loblein & Edward C. Mangione Locksmiths Inc.)
Beware of Fraud
There are so many sites and forums out on the web that may appear legitimate, but require no verification process. Trusting sites like these could land you in a vulnerable situation. Sites like these can be deceiving, so always give a call and ask lots of questions to determine if the locksmith is in fact trustworthy. (Mike Loblein)
Upon calling a locksmith, if the legal business name isn’t stated, ask for it. If there is any hesitation or push back, there is probably cause for concern. Hang up and move on.
Checking Credentials
Locksmiths should have a valid state locksmith license or registration. Make sure to ask for this upon obtaining service.
Also, your locksmith should double check you are who you say you are. They should ask to see a valid ID and proof of residence/ownership. This is done to protect all parties involved.
If you have any tips or suggestions you would like to share, please do so by clicking here and filling out the form.
Laura W.
Social Media Brand Marketing
