Locksmiths hold a great deal of power as they are often the ones who are in charge of the security of your home and/or business. They come to help in times of emergencies, such as locking yourself out of your home or vehicle in the middle of the night. When looking for a professional locksmith during that period of stress, it can be difficult to keep a clear head. Nonetheless, it is very important to be on the lookout for potential scams or dangers that may make the situation even worse.
Here are five telltale signs you are NOT dealing with a professional locksmith:
1) Lack of proper identification:
Verifying credentials should be a common practice for any service professional you call upon. Professional locksmiths will always carry proper identification, such as a business card, license, or uniform with a logo, and will most likely arrive in a clearly marked/branded service vehicle. If the locksmith you are dealing with doesn’t have any identification, this is a clear sign that they are not a professional and someone you want to be working on securing your property.
2) High-pressure sales tactics:
If you feel like the locksmith you are dealing with is trying to upsell you or pressure you into making a purchase right off the bat, that could be a red flag. A professional locksmith will not pressure you into buying unnecessary products or services, nor will they refuse to give you a rough price over the phone.
Although some costs may change when they arrive, all reputable locksmiths should be able to give you an idea of the final bill. If not and you accept their service, you could be looking at a higher price than you were expecting. It’s much harder to negotiate after they have carried out the work than before, so don’t be afraid to push for this initial estimate.
3) Poor communications skills:
A professional locksmith should be able to communicate clearly and effectively and be able to explain to you what they are about to do/are doing and why. If the locksmith you are dealing with is difficult to understand, does not answer your questions clearly, or seems evasive about what they are doing, it may be a sign that they are not a professional.
4) Lack of experience or expertise:
A professional locksmith should have the knowledge and experience to handle a variety of lock and key issues. If the locksmith you are dealing with seems unsure or inexperienced or seems to be fumbling around with his work setup and tools quite a bit, it may be a sign that they are not a professional.
5) Unprofessional behavior:
A professional locksmith should behave in a professional manner at all times. If the locksmith you are dealing with is rude, dismissive, or unprofessional in any way, it may be a sign that they are not a professional.
Remember, it’s always important to do your research and choose a reputable locksmith before you need one. If you suspect that the locksmith you are dealing with is not a professional, it’s best to find another locksmith to handle your security and locksmithing needs. Rest assured, when you call The Security Professionals, you will always be in good hands.
