At some point, nearly everyone will need to call a locksmith. There are a number of reasons for why you may need to hire a locksmith, from locking yourself out of the car to replacing a dead bolt lock on your front door. Whatever your situation, it is best to know ahead of time what to expect.
First, any reputable locksmith will be able to provide you with a free job quote so that you know what to expect to pay before agreeing to a service contract. Your locksmith should include any extra charges (fees for responding after hours, mileage fees, and minimum service charges, for example) in your initial job quote.
Of course the locksmith you hire should be able to perform services related to your specific needs. For example, some locksmiths specialize in emergency situations, such unlocking a car with the keys inside. Other locksmiths specialize in installing locks in the doors of homes or offices. Still, there are some locksmiths that offer security alarm services, or window lock installations. Be sure to communicate your needs and get a locksmith matched to the job.
A locksmith should arrive within the agreed upon time window, and should conduct business in a professional and courteous manner. You should ask the locksmith for a business card or identification to verify who they are. Additionally, a locksmith should have all of the appropriate tools on hand, and should take special care not to cause any damage to your personal property (scratches on the door, for example).
Lastly, your final invoice should correspond to the original job quote. There should be no surprise charges for the job, and everything should add up as it was presented to you in the first place. If you have questions, the locksmith should be willing and able to handle them in a fair and logical way. Don’t pay for any service you did not explicitly hire the locksmith for or agree to.