There are
many reasons why you might need a locksmith. Locked out of your house? Attempted burglary
at your workplace? Snapped your key? Need a lock replacing?
When
looking for a locksmith it can be tempting to just Google search ‘locksmiths in
my area’ and go with the first result to come up, especially if you need the
service immediately. But what happens if they aren’t insured? How do you know
they’re qualified?
We want to
make sure you’re choosing the right locksmith for you, especially if it saves
you from having to pay out for the job twice. So, we’ve put together our top
five things to look for when choosing your locksmith.
1.
What’s
their call-out policy?
Do they have a 24-hour emergency call-out service?
What does this cover?
Is there a call-out fee?
What are their ‘out of hours’ fees?
These are all questions you need to ask. Most of the time a
reputable locksmith will have the answers readily available on their website or
will be happy to answer your questions over the phone.
2.
Are they MLA accredited?
Here at NLS Security, we’re proud members of The Master
Locksmiths Association (MLA), the UK’s largest trade association for locksmiths.
MLA-approved locksmiths are all DBS checked meaning, whether
they’re carrying out work at your home or workplace, you can have peace of mind
knowing your locksmith is a trustworthy individual.
As well as criminal record checks, MLA-approved locksmiths
all undertake ongoing training to ensure they’re aware of the latest industry
developments, and this is further supported by regular inspections of their
work.
Ensuring your locksmith is a part of the MLA means added
security for you, knowing they’re following the utmost standards for
locksmiths.
It’s easy to find out whether a locksmith is accredited. Most
MLA members will share their membership number on their website, or you can
check the MLA website for a full list of members in your local area.
3.
Are they qualified?
It sounds like a simple question, but unless stated clearly
on their website, how can you tell your locksmith is fully qualified?
You can avoid hiring a rogue locksmith by simply picking up
the phone and asking what qualifications they hold and how often their work is
inspected. A trusted locksmith will be happy to share this information with
you.
4.
What are they charging?
Locksmith fees aren’t regulated by the government. This
means there’s no minimum or maximum price that can be charged for any locksmith
service.
So, what should I be paying?
The MLA have a locksmith price checklist available to help
you decipher whether you’re paying over the odds. This handy guide also
includes questions you should ask your locksmith, including:
·Is VAT included?
·Is the price an estimate or a firm quote?
·If it’s an estimate, what elements may change?
·Is labour included in the cost?
Although it’s human nature to want the cheapest price
possible, when it comes to locksmith services, we advise avoiding the cheap
adverts. No qualified locksmith is going to charge £49 for their work and this
is likely a ‘bait and switch’ scheme, whereby the price increases once the job
is completed.
5.
Look at their customer testimonials
It’s all well and good hearing what the locksmith has to
say, but what about their customers?
Dependable locksmiths will have customer testimonials and reviews
available
online. Not only are these added proof of the quality of their work, but they
also give you an insight into their customer service and communication skills. This
could help you avoid a costly issue further down the line.
Ready to hire a locksmith in the Northeast?
Here at NLS Security, we’re one of the only locksmiths in
the Northeast that specialise in UPVC door and window locks. We pride ourselves
in the service we provide to all our customers, no matter how complicated the
job may be. So, get in touch by calling 0191 238 6000
or emailing info@nlssecurity.co.uk
to speak to one
of our experts about our locksmith services.
