If you employ locksmith services, you’re probably not having the best time. It’s possible that you’ve misplaced your keys or damaged or even snapped the key inside a lock.
The most important thing to avoid is to employ locksmiths who will ruin your day by delivering a poor service or charging you too much. The MLA in 2022 was notified of more than 500 complaints of locksmiths who were rogue doing this!
What should you be looking for in your local Durham locksmith?
MLA Approved
The Master Locksmiths Association can help you locate approved locksmiths within your region. Locksmiths are MLA certified after having at least two years of work experience, passing an exam and being inspected conducted by MLA.
Check the claims of a locksmith about having MLA approval as many fraudsters make false claims to build trust. If they’re truly approved, They will show up on the MLA’s website.
Reputation and Experience
Although every locksmith must begin somewhere, in fragile situations, you’ll want someone who is knowledgeable about what they’re doing, and who is known to do the job well. Consider how long the locksmith’s business has been in operation to determine the amount of experience they’ve had If the information isn’t on their website, you’ll be able find important date information in Companies House.
Also, you should read reviews of the business where you can such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot or Facebook. Find out what other customers thought and disliked about a locksmith will help you determine whether they’re trustworthy, but also whether they’re the best locksmith for your particular situation.
Secure and Helpful Methods
One of the most obvious signs that you’re dealing with a fraudulent locksmith is when they attempt to cut the lock right immediately. A reputable and experienced locksmith will look for the best option for their client – i.e. one that causes the least amount of possible damage to your home.
A reputable locksmith (with years of years of experience) will also be able to advise you on some techniques to test yourself before you first contact them. We’re always trying to provide the most cost-effective solution possible and do not charge for any service that you don’t require, therefore if the issue sounds like something you could fix yourself, with a little help, it will reduce the expense of calls-out fees!
Local Service
If you’re in a position that requires locksmiths and you’re in need of them to arrive quickly, that’s why you don’t want to sit for hours as they travel through the entire county. Locate a locksmith within your area, and then verify the address on their site – be careful of addresses listed that are listed on Google and Facebook since these are frequently wrong.
Also, be cautious of companies that are national in locksmithing. They offer services throughout the country however they don’t have a particular base for sending locksmiths out of. It is always beneficial to inquire about the approximate wait time on the phone and contacting a couple of businesses to determine the fastest time.
Locksmith Name and address
If you contact locksmith services, you are providing them with more access to your property as well as security than you do to any other tradesperson. Thieves and fraudsters are able to profit from the opportunity to appear as locksmiths and gain access into your home. This is the reason it is essential to ask the name of your locksmith as well as an explanation of their appearance, so you can confirm the identity of the locksmith when they arrive. If they’re unable , or unwilling to share these details, it’s best to look for a different locksmith.
Another reason why to be cautious when you contact national locksmith firms since they’ll typically subcontract their services to other locksmiths , and they’ll not be able to provide the information that can help you.
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