Well there a many different factors that can determine the amount of time and the method of entry the technician will utilize in order to unlatch a lock for a customer. [...]]]> Why does a mobile locksmith need to arrive on site to evaluate the locks before they can give me a price to open it for me?

Well there a many different factors that can determine the amount of time and the method of entry the technician will utilize in order to unlatch a lock for a customer. The most important detail that will determine how difficult a lock is to gain access to it is security level. The security level of a lock relies on the brand and model of the lock, with different models comprising unique types of metals and locking mechanisms.  This will determine the method of entry the technician can utilize in order to gain access to the lock.

Once the technician arrives, they can determine the difficulty of the procedure and what method it will requisite. The locksmith can open a lock by jimmying it with a wire. Other locks will call for what is called a locksmith pump. Its function involves inserting a flaccid tube into the lock and pumping it until the volume forces the latching mechanism to unhinge. This approach is usually slightly costlier and more time consuming. Regardless of the pricing and different practices used to gain access to a lock, the technician should be able to arrive promptly and present the client with a reasonable price before they begin their work.

If your office is right around the corner from me, how come there’s an estimated half an hour waiting period for your arrival to get me into my house?

Well if you’re locked out of your car, you’re calling us because we’re a mobile service.  The way our technicians operate is out of the regional field of coverage, not at our office base. What this means is that our locksmiths are out and about in the general area providing service for customers. That explains why our estimated arrival time isn’t 5 minutes!

However, we make sure to have a multitude of locksmiths providing service in every area we cover.  This guarantees that a lockout specialist is nearby you, regardless of where you are and when you call. This is why we can ensure that our estimated arrival time should be no more than 30 to 40 minutes. If our locksmiths were waiting in the office to be dispatched, we’d only be right next to clients that are located nearby. This way, we can offer everyone an equal, reasonable, prompt arrival time!

Can you come work on my locks when I am not home?

If a client needs work done on their locks but is not available on the property a mobile locksmith WILL be able to provide it. However, there are some legal matters that must be addressed in such a scenario.  It is against the law to operate on some ones property without official verification of their consent.  If a client is not on sight, they can easily dispute the charges and have them voided. If further legal action is pursued, the customer can even sue the locksmith.

This is why it is crucial for the mobile company to fax or email the customer what is called a work release form. A work release form stipulates that the customer is according the locksmith with legally binding authorization to do work on their property. This is the case whether servicing residential or commercial properties. Once the customer receives the consent form, they must fill out the personal information that the form entails. This includes the address of the job site, the address of the customer’s residency, the date that the form was filed, and the customer’s signature. The customer must also photocopy a picture id of themselves that contains proof address and date of birth, such as a driver’s license.  As soon as the mobile company receives the filled out form, they’ll be able to send a technician out to you to render whatever service you require, from getting you into your home, to changing your car ignition, to changing the lock on your door.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you want to pay by credit card over the phone, the company will need to fax/email you what is called a credit card consent form as well.  A credit card consent form is similar to a work release form in that it legally demonstrates that the customer has given the locksmith authorization; except exclusively to run their credit card. Once again, without the verification of the form, the customer can dispute charges and have them voided very easily.

Credit card consent forms come in handy not only when a customer wants to pay for themselves by credit card and they’re not on site- but also if they need to charge their credit card over the phone to pay for someone else’s service. For example, Kimberly was locked out of her car, with no cash or credit card available. She needed to contact her mother to pay for a locksmith to get her back into the vehicle. Before the locksmith can even head out to assist her, his office base must receive the consent form in order to make sure that they can charge her credit card once the service is complete.  Even though Kimberly is the card holder’s daughter, it is imperative that the company has concrete evidence that they were authorized to charge the card for the person on site to have the service provided. Of course, the technician will give you the price before they begin working and BEFORE they have the office run the credit card. You can rest assured that you will not incur any hidden fees or charges that you were not informed of previously.  The company is legally required to  dictate the exact final fee for all the services provided before they are entitled to charge your card- so don’t worry- there  won’t be any surprises waiting for you on your bill!!!