Question by Tanuki: How do you hire a locksmith and not get ripped off?
I recently had to hire a locksmith to let me back inside my apt. The lock inside the doorknob had broken and we could no longer open the lock. We called a locksmith and tried to get a quote, but they would only say how much it was to come look (not to solve our problem). After coming out, he looked at the broken lock, drilled through it in two minutes, popped it off, and opened the door. For this he wanted $ 165, and then $ 55 additionally for just coming out. He arrived in an unmarked van, in street clothes, insisted on being paid in cash, and then when I could not pay him in cash, requested a check made out to his name (not a business). Then he left a receipt he handwrote, with no business name on the letterhead and no contact information. Did I just get ripped off?
I am not sure if he was independent or not. It appears he may be. I found him through a website that apparently acts as a front-end or listing service for small locksmith businesses. I won’t mention it here.
Yes, it was after hours.
Yes, this is an area with a high cost of living (North VA).
Best answer:
Answer by rockin’ randy
I don’t think you necessarily got ripped off. They definitely charge a lot around here (DC). Was he with a hardware company or just an independent locksmith? If he is independent or if it was after hours, it would be common for him to show up in his personal vehicle and want to be paid for in cash. The only thing that would have possibly raised an eyebrow with me would be the lack of letterhead, formal printed receipt and contact info. One tip to anyone who hires a locksmith to change a lock. If possible, it’s best to buy your own lock first and have him put it in. The lock will likely be much cheaper bought from a store and you’ll also have the added security of knowing that no one else had access to it’s keys but you. Hope that helps some. If you’re really worried, check with the BBB or the like in your area.
Give your answer to this question below!
More From key2cityservices
- What is a good marketing slogan for a locksmith company?Key 2 City Services | Key 2 City Services
- Q&A: How long does it take a locksmith to make a spare key and what is the cost?Key 2 City Services | Key 2 City Services
- How much do locksmith services cost?Key 2 City Services | Key 2 City Services
key2cityservices Recommends
- How Do You Hire A Locksmith And Not Get Ripped Off? (Blogs N Keys)
- How much should it cost to get an ignition cylinder replaced if calling a mobile locksmith? (localservicesfinder)
![Recommend [key2cityservices]](http://s3.amazonaws.com/arkayne-media/img/badge/logo-recommend-badge-medium.png){kind=icon}
yep, next time make sure its a reputable company by asking for their license number and check to see if they are bonded. locksmiths in most areas charge between 40 and 65 an hour for their time. next time, just refuse to pay and call the cops.