What’s the big deal?

A locksmith is a vendor so why is choosing the right technician such a big deal? Truthfully, many people are more selective in picking a caterer or window washer than they are with finding the right locksmith for their project. It’s easy to assume that all lock technicians are basically the same when in fact, they are not. If you think about it, your lock professional is working on your locks and keys for home, auto or business and therefore should be of the highest integrity and skill.

Yes, a license is important

The locksmith you use for your project(s) should be full licensed in your state. Most states require certain qualifications in order to meet license requirements. This can involve fingerprinting, apprenticeship, interviews, recommendations, sheriff’s card, photographs, proof of skill, apprenticeship, fees, background check and more. If you think about it, a person having access to homes, bank vaults, commercial properties and office safes should be able to meet certain criteria!

What if a so-called lock technician tells you that a locksmith license is not needed? Avoid them! They either could not pass the required tests and background checks or they did not have enough money to pay for insurance and bonding for their business. It really IS possible to find a highly professional locksmith in Mount Pleasant, SC or wherever you are located, that is fully certified, experienced AND affordable!

Can’t anyone make a key?

Yes and no. Perhaps you’ve had a spare key copied at your local convenience store or home-improvement center for a mere few dollars. You didn’t need a locksmith for that! So why hire one now? That all depends on what you want. Do you want another spare key? If that’s all, you can go back to your mail center where you got your other one. Even then, your key may or may not work right. All too often, they don’t. Can you call your clerk and have him install new locks on your front door or rekey your locks after a break-in? Can you have your handyman add high security locks or CCTV installation at your business?

Locksmiths are true professionals

When you call a locksmith, you can always expect professional service. Many people assume that locksmiths are only for making keys and for letting you back inside after a lockout. In reality, lock professionals are security experts that deal with locks, keys and hardware for home, auto and business needs. If your car’s ignition system fails, it’s your trusty automotive locksmith that can replace it. If your store needs a locking safe or panic bars added, it is your locksmith that can get it done and on your time frame, too.

Don’t need one yet?

What if you don’t need a locksmith right now? Don’t wait until you actually do! It’s hard to multi-task and if your mind is reeling with stress from a lockout or from some other sudden locksmith need, how can you think clearly enough to ask the right questions and make good choices in your selection? Start your search for a good locksmith now and if you never, ever need one, at least you’ve already done the work and lined up a good source for quality service and hardware. If and when you actually do need a lock professional, he or she will already be logged in your smart phone and will only be a convenient tap away at any time, 24/7!

24-Hour Access

This is important. Select a local locksmith shop that offers round the clock access with fast response times. It also helps if they use live response telephone dispatchers instead of the usual voice mail or answering machines – too many calls can fall through the cracks with those.

Auto, home and business

Use a full service shop. You don’t want to call a locksmith for new transponder keys only to hear that he only works on home locks and keys. You want a 24-hour shop that offers full service residential, commercial, automotive and emergency assistance with fast response times, including weekends and holidays.

Superior hardware

So important! What good is great service if the locks and keys used are of poor quality? Ask your potential locksmith about their hardware. The best lock brands in the business include Master, Kwikset, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, Kaba, Llco, Sentex, Primus, Schlage, Baldwin, Medeco, Yale, Falcon, Dexter, Sentry, InstaKey and BiLock. Your choice of lock professionals should  use these brands exclusively on your behalf.

Free Price Quotes and Estimates

Ask about getting no obligation, free estimates. These should be cheerfully given and the price should never change once the technician gets to your location. Bait and switch games are illegal and highly unethical so never use a shop that plays them.

Final Thoughts

Does your potential locksmith answer your questions willingly and without hesitation? If so, you may have picked a winner! Don’t be afraid to ask around; your family members, co-workers, neighbors and close associates just might have some recommendations or even warnings for you to heed and consider. You can also check Angie’s List, as well as your local Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau chapters to see if any recommendations or unresolved complaints are listed there.