Unfortunately, not all locksmiths are legit. With the advent of the Internet, just about anyone can say he has his own locksmith business, according to Robert Campbell, owner of Advantage Locksmith NYC in New York City. The proof is in the numbers: In New York City alone, there are more addresses for locksmiths than cab drivers!
Going with an illegitimate locksmith means you can be putting yourself at risk for being ripped off. So what should you look for in a locksmith to make sure he’s not the fly-by-night type? Campbell shares his secrets on questions to ask potential locksmiths:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed? Where is that license from? Not every state/city requires a license, but major cities do.
- Do you have a certificate of insurance?
- How long have you been in business?
- Where are you located? What businesses have you serviced in the neighborhood? They should be able to answer yes to that. If not, they are just a call center that fields calls.
- Can I have some references?
If you have time, contact your Better Business Bureau to confirm the locksmith’s legitimacy. That way you can avoid getting taken for a ride.
