Most people have had the frustrating, stressful experience of being locked out of a car or home at least once. To add to the difficulty, it can sometimes be hard to find a reliable NY locksmith who is available to help open the lock.
The solution to this problem is to take pre-emptive action and find a trustworthy locksmith before one is desperately needed. Waiting until a crisis occurs can lead to hasty decisions; never a good idea when dealing with something as important as the security of your car, business or home. As in every profession, there are people out there who call themselves locksmiths but do not have your well being in mind. So, how should you go about finding a locksmith deserving of your confidence?
Word of mouth can be an excellent way to begin your search. Friends, neighbors and family members who have used locksmith services in the past can be a valuable source of information. Ask them about the experiences they had being locked out and the people who helped them out of the jam. Which locksmith gave the best service at the best price? Who responded quickly? Who had the most skill and ability to get the job done? Who could handle being called late at night or being asked to go to a remote location? All these facts could help you make your decision.
The Better Business Bureau should have information about any locksmiths you may be considering. They can inform you if there have been any complaints filed against a particular locksmith, and whether they were resolved to the customer’s satisfaction. The Chamber of Commerce is also a handy resource, and can tell you whether the locksmith has a registered business, and how long they’ve been in the area. The Associated Locksmiths of America keeps a registry of certified locksmiths, and can tell you if one that you are thinking about has the skill required to join their organization.
You should inquire how much each locksmith charges. Does he charge extra if he’s needed after normal business hours? Is there a penalty fee if you happen to be locked out more than a short distance away from his office? Does he have insurance to cover any damage that might occur during the process of opening the lock?
With a little research and wise decision-making, choosing a locksmith should be a fairly straightforward experience. Having the choice made in advance of the time when the locksmith is actually required, greatly reduces the stress of a nerve-wracking situation. Being locked out of your home, car, or place of business is never pleasant, but being prepared can make it as painless as possible.